How I went from chronic procrastinator to productivity machine
I’ve always been a bit of a procrastinator. I would put off tasks until the last minute, telling myself that I worked best under pressure. But deep down, I knew that wasn’t true. The truth was, I was just dreading the task and didn’t want to do it. And as a result, I would often spend hours working on something that could have been done in a fraction of the time.
But then I realized that this habit was doing more harm than good. Not only was I causing myself a lot of unnecessary stress, but I was also impacting my work. I knew I needed to find a way to overcome my procrastination if I wanted to be successful.
So, I started experimenting with different techniques to see what would work for me. And after trying a few different things, I finally found a system that worked. If you’re struggling with procrastination, here are my top tips for overcoming it.
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What is procrastination and why do we do it?
It’s safe to say that almost everyone has been guilty of procrastination at one point or another. Whether it’s putting off a task until the last minute or simply avoiding it altogether, procrastination can be a huge hindrance to productivity. Not only does it cause stress and anxiety, but it can also have negative consequences on our health and relationships.
So why do we do it? Procrastination can be traced back to several factors, including fear of failure, perfectionism, and self-doubt. Often, we put off tasks because we’re afraid we won’t be able to do them justice or we’re worried about what others will think. We may also feel overwhelmed by a big task, which can lead to avoidance.
Whatever the reason, procrastination is something that we want to avoid if we want to be productive, especially as busy professionals.
Breaking the habit
I have always been a busy person. As a young child, I was always the one who had her nose in a book, and I loved being active and doing things. As I got older and started working, my busy lifestyle continued. I was always juggling multiple tasks at once, and I often struggled with procrastination.
One day, my boss gave me a huge project that was due in two weeks. I Procrastinated for the first week, telling myself that I had plenty of time to get it done. But as the deadline loomed closer, I started to feel the pressure. I was working late nights and weekends, and I was starting to feel stressed out. I missed out on time with my friends and family, and I was exhausted.
Finally, I finished the project and turned it in, but I was a wreck. But it was a wake-up call for me. I had never felt so stressed out in my life, and I vowed to never let myself procrastinate again.
Since then, I have been much better at managing my time and avoiding procrastination. I have discovered a few techniques that help me stay on track, and I am now able to better balance my work and personal life. While I still get busy from time to time, I no longer let myself get overwhelmed by stress.
6 tips to beat procrastination
If you’re struggling with this pesky habit, here are a few techniques that I’ve found to be helpful. Try them out for yourself and I hope they help you to break the cycle and start getting more done just like they helped me.
1. Make a schedule
One of the best ways I was able to avoid procrastination way by making a schedule. By mapping out your day, you can better plan your time and get a better sense of what needs to be done. I like to use Google Calendar to plan out my week and Focus Bear to shield me from distractions and schedule time for breaks and fun activities. This helps me stay on track and avoid getting overwhelmed.
If you haven’t heard of Focus Bear, then I recommend checking it out. It’s a productivity app that’s been specifically created with procrastinators in mind. You can set up timed habit routines and there are three different focus modes to choose from, so you’ll be sure to find one that works for you.
2. Break big tasks into small chunks
Another helpful tip is to break down big tasks into smaller chunks. This can make a daunting task seem much more manageable. For example, if you have a project due in two weeks, break it down into smaller tasks that you can complete each day. By doing this, you won’t feel as overwhelmed and you’ll be more likely to get it done on time.
I also find it helpful to set a daily or weekly goal. This could be something like, “I will finish writing the first draft of my article today” or “I will research for my presentation for two hours this week.” Having a specific goal in mind makes it easier to stay focused and avoid procrastination.
3. Use positive affirmations
I find that using positive affirmations can be helpful when trying to overcome procrastination. I like to tell myself things like, “I am capable of this” or “I can do this.” By repeating these affirmations, I can boost my confidence and stay motivated.
Before you start a task, take a few minutes to remind yourself of your positive qualities and why you can succeed. This will help you keep focused and avoid getting discouraged. Stand in front of the mirror if you need to and give yourself a pep talk!
4. Use other people as inspiration
When I’m struggling with procrastination, I like to look to other people for inspiration. So many people have overcome obstacles and achieved great things, and their stories can be incredibly motivating. Reading about other people’s successes can remind me that anything is possible if I just put my mind to it.
Perhaps you know someone who has achieved a goal that you’re working towards. Ask for their advice and learn from their experience. You can also find inspiration from books, articles, or TED Talks. Even LinkedIn is a great resource for finding inspirational stories. Whatever works for you, use it as fuel to keep going when you’re feeling stuck.
5. Create a conducive environment
Another tip is to create an environment that will inspire productivity. This means having a clean and organized space where you can focus on your work, or placing yourself in a specific space where you can get stuff done.
For example, if you’re finding it hard to hit the treadmill at the gym, try working out at home instead. Or if you’re struggling to get started on a presentation for work, try to avoid working in bed or on the couch, as this can make it harder to focus.
I’ve found that when I’m sitting at my desk, I’m more likely to procrastinate if I have too many things around me. So, I try to keep my workspace as clear as possible. All my stationery is stored away in a drawer, and I only have the essentials on my desk. I also like to have my diffuser going with some uplifting essential oils, like lemongrass or peppermint. This helps me to feel more relaxed and motivated.
Creating an environment that supports your productivity can make a big difference. So, take some time to assess your surroundings and make changes as needed.
6. Treat yourself
Finally, I find that it is helpful to treat myself when I’ve been productive. This can be something as simple as taking a break to watch a movie or going for a walk. By rewarding myself, I can stay motivated and focused on my goals.
Focus Bear also comes in handy here, as it allows you to set break activities so that you have something to look forward to.
You can then give yourself a virtual high-five or pat on the back when you’ve reached a goal. Having fun break activities and treating yourself, helps you to enjoy the process as well as the result. Plus you get to give your brain a rest, which is always a good thing!
Ever since I discovered these techniques, I’ve been much more productive. I’m now able to balance my work and personal life much better, and I rarely feel overwhelmed by stress. If you’re struggling with procrastination, I hope you’ll give these tips a try.
Hi I'm Jeremy, and I understand the challenges of living with ASD and ADHD.
