Overcome Procrastination with FlexiSpot's Practical Tips
We all experience procrastination at times in our lives, and it can feel overwhelming to overcome. Feeling stuck, tired, or uninspired can all be signs we're in a procrastination slump, and if we know we're actively avoiding or delaying tasks, then stress levels will only rise too. Whilst it can be really easy to avoid the problem altogether, or even start to shame ourselves for procrastinating - in the long run, neither of these will help us. Learning to overcome procrastination is about understanding why you're procrastinating in the first place, and having some practical strategies at hand to help you overcome procrastination, and stay focused and productive. Let's take a look at our favorite tips at FlexiSpot to help overcome procrastination.
FlexiSpot's Top Tips to Overcome Procrastination
Understand the Root Cause
To tackle procrastination fully, you need to first understand why you're procrastinating. You might be afraid of failure, or feel that you shouldn't start the task ahead unless you feel confident you can complete it perfectly. Alternatively, you might not feel inspired or motivated to complete a project, or just feel completely overwhelmed. Once you've pinned down what the root cause of your procrastination is, you can start to overcome it.
Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Looking at a whole task or project ahead of you can feel daunting, and is a common factor in procrastinating. If you break your project down into smaller steps, you'll find it a lot more manageable and it will be easier to get started. Try creating a tick list of each step of the task, which you can mark off as you go. As you start to see the list being completed, even with small steps, you'll start to feel a sense of accomplishment and be encouraged to continue - and before you know it, you've completed a whole task that once felt overwhelming!
Set Specific Goals and Deadlines
Having a clear timeline for a project or task, with specific goals and deadlines, can help outline which tasks need to be completed first, and help overcome procrastination as you feel a sense of urgency about completing a goal. Setting these deadlines goes well with breaking down tasks; if you know you have a deadline to finish a whole project by next week, you can then break your project down over 7 days - “day 1: write the introduction”, “day 2: clear this room”, for example. Outlining your specific goals and deadlines, alongside a clear plan of smaller tasks, can help create a sense of action and accountability.
Having clear, specific goals and deadlines can provide direction and a sense of urgency. Instead of a vague goal like "work on the project," set a precise goal like "complete the introduction by Tuesday." Deadlines help create a sense of accountability and can reduce the likelihood of delaying tasks indefinitely.
Use the Pomodoro Technique
Even with a clear plan, staying focused can be tough for all of us! But you don't have to be glued to a task all day to get it completed. Focus strategies like the Pomodoro Technique work in clear breaks at regular intervals to help you develop focus. The Pomodoro Technique involves working for a set period, say 25 minutes, followed by a short break of 5 to 10 minutes. By allowing yourself time away from your task, you can refresh your mind and take a breather, before coming back to your task with the knowledge you can have 25 minutes of focus before another break. Regular breaks keep your brain fresh and focused, and over time can help improve your ability to concentrate for longer periods. Give it a go, it can be a great tool to make tackling a task less daunting and overcome procrastination!
Understand Your Most Productive Environment
Understanding the best way for you to work is important to overcome procrastination. This means eliminating any distractions and creating an environment that keeps you focused and productive. This might look like a quiet working space, turning off phone or laptop notifications. For others, some kind of background noise can help stay focused. Find what works for you, and see the difference in your productivity when you eliminate distractions and create an environment of productivity.
Create Accountability
We can often feel we have to handle our procrastination alone, but sharing goals with someone else can create a sense of accountability that inspires us to act. Whether that's a colleague, friend, or family member, knowing that we have someone else to share our achievements with - and also someone who will check in on our progress - motivates us to complete tasks or goals on time. Coworking or online accountability groups can also be great ways to create a sense of community accountability and overcome procrastination.
Use Rewards and Incentives
Motivating ourselves with small rewards can be a great way to overcome procrastination; a sticker chart or promise of a treat after tidying your room is not just a great hack for kids, but adults too! Whether it's dealing with yourself to watch your favorite show, enjoy a sweet treat, or see friends after completing a task, rewards, and incentives can be a great tool in helping you overcome procrastination.
Overcome Procrastination Like A Pro
Feeling stuck and unmotivated happens to us all, but finding the top tips that work for you can help you overcome procrastination and become a productivity pro. Understanding the root cause of your procrastination, using practical strategies that work for you, checking in with friends, and rewarding yourself for work completed, will all have you well on your way. Overcoming procrastination is about progress, not perfection - and it gets easier the more you practice. Time to get started!
