Why are we so prone to putting off our tasks? Let’s try to figure out why “I’ll do it later” has become the slogan of the modern generation.
First of all, each of us is familiar with the problem of procrastination. Most are even able to bravely admit that from time to time we intentionally (or not?) delay making an important decision that can affect our lives. This can be a visit to the dentist, a job waiting to be completed, or just cleaning your house.
Today, we’ll try to see what can help us fight this cunning enemy—procrastination.
Let’s start right away. First of all, order a habit tracker and a set of paint marker pens. You’ll definitely need them to track your success and create mental imagery to boost your performance. This is an important step—you’ll read this article and forget about it five minutes later. But when the ordered items arrive, believe me, you’ll remember that you wanted to combat procrastination. And you will. At least, for a couple of days. ????
First and foremost, you need to create a mental habit of getting things done
When we develop certain habits, we start doing many things automatically, without thinking and without wasting extra energy. Habits, like certain rituals, help fight procrastination. They can help you focus on the work itself, rather than on how to force yourself to do it in the end.
Visualization is a powerful tool for achieving goals. This simple technique is a proven procrastination killer.
While waiting for the ordered items, spend this time to imagine, yes, imagine that your habit tracker is filled with dots—each day you’ve accomplished something you’d planned. Simply look at the picture of the habit tracker you’ve just ordered, remember it, and imagine the ideal result—the habit tracker is full of dots. Have you completed your most pressing tasks in time? Yes! Repeat this simple exercise every day for 5-7 minutes. Train yourself to think: it will always be like this now.
Sort out your tasks and determine whether you really need to complete them
We overload ourselves with thoughts about how many things we need to do. As a result, we can’t move, imagining an endless list of tasks: there are so many of them, and each of them threatens to ruin our lives if not accomplished!
Review the actual list, select really crucial tasks. If they are recurring, put them down in the habit tracker (group them, if necessary) and use the green paint marker pen to mark perfect accomplishment and yellow—if procrastination took place. Red marker point means failure to combat procrastination.
One-time task performance should be tracked as a single category—call it as you like, e. g. Procrastinate No More. Every day, use the green, yellow or red paint marker pen to track your overall success. Remember to repeat the mental exercise and track your progress or your failures (don’t give up!). Put the habit tracker somewhere where you can see it often.
Be prepared to leave your comfort zone
Most often, the voice occurs in those moments when we tend to doubt our abilities. Activate positive attitude to combat this. Expect your victory. You’ll become stronger every time you expand your comfort zone successfully. It’s like learning to bike for the first time. The more you do it, the easier and more natural it becomes for you.
Learn to focus for a short time
If you’re always distracted by something tempting when doing your job, cherish the idea of enjoying it after you’ve completed the task. Think of it as a reward.
If you have a problem with focusing, imagine what will happen if you fail to accomplish your task in time. This method is very effective. It removes all objections of your subconscious mind and helps to look at the situation from a different angle. Don’t forget: this method can only be used in extraordinary situations. Don’t misuse it.
Analyze your emotions
To motivate yourself, imagine that the task assigned to you is not a duty, but a challenge that will take you up another step in your professionalism.
Don’t be a perfectionist
Perfectionism is a belief that the best result can (or should) be achieved.
It may seem that nothing is wrong. But thinking in this way, we miss our true goal, which is to have our job done. Perfectionism has nothing to do with high quality. No matter what anyone says about it, the answer is the same: time is money. Learn to manage it the same way as an experienced commander manages the army.
Make breaks
Set a consistent lunch schedule. You should always find time for lunch breaks, even without getting up from your seat. The feeling of hunger does not make work easier.
If you feel tired:
– drink tea or coffee;
– go for a walk;
– lie down and take a nap
Deal with your fears
Don’t reproach yourself for your past failures and do not fear future failures, but focus completely on the present. Focus on your task, perform it, enjoy the result and improve your self-esteem.