Procrastination is something that affects everyone, whether it is putting off studying, applying for a job or even returning those shoes you impulsively bought last week. The truth is we’re all guilty of purposely ignoring some of our responsibilities that are overwhelming or require a lot of hard work; resulting in the essay being done the night before, the job not being applied for and you grudgingly keeping the shoes because 28 days have passed.
Ironically enough, procrastination creates more stress and more work for us, yet it’s still hard to break the procrastination cycle. Fortunately, there are ways to beat procrastination, and we have gathered together some tips to set you in the right direction.
Break down your work load
The thought of an important essay or report to do can be so overwhelming that you just can’t figure out where to begin; so break it down into sections. Being overwhelmed by your tasks means you will put them off and ignore them for as long as possible, but unfortunately this just makes it worse. Breaking down your tasks will make them seem a lot more simple and straightforward and will make you think that there isn’t actually much work to be done, meaning you’re more likely to do it.
Stay organised
Organise your tasks in either a to-do list or timetable so you can clearly see what has to be done and when it has to be done by. Having too much time to do something usually results in you thinking that it isn’t urgent and doesn’t require your immediate attention. To beat this, create mini deadlines for yourself as it will give you something to work towards. Having a deadline will also give you a sense of urgency, making you start your work sooner.
Working with friends
Getting together with some friends, especially organised friends, can inspire you to take action and get on with your task. Working alongside friends is usually fun and generally makes it feel a lot less like work. Being able to discuss any problems you’re having with it is always helpful, and will help you release a lot of stress. Not to mention it’s always great having someone there to encourage you and spur you on.
Change your environment
When you have to get your head down and do some serious work the best way to do that and stay focused is to get rid of all distractions around you. If you can, work in the library or a quiet room in your house where the only thing you can do is your work. And if you’re working on your laptop, turn off the internet if you can to prevent you going on Facebook or checking emails.
Set aside some time
It is important to set aside some time to actually do your task. If you have a busy schedule and barely have enough time to sit down it is never going to get done. When you’re run off your feet, you just want to spend your spare time catching up on Netflix or reading a good book, not doing work; so ensure you have some time free where you can be productive and then reward yourself with a few episodes of your favourite show.
Have the equipment
Whether you’re studying history or baking cupcakes for the school fair, make sure you have all the appropriate equipment ready so you don’t end up wasting time constantly stopping and starting. Having everything you need right in front of you will help you get it done efficiently and gives you no reason to keep putting it off.
