So, you’re a procrastinator. Well, you are not the only one. Especially in this world of technology, it is extremely easy to get distracted. About 20% of people in the world are chronic procrastinators. Although, you may not be a chronic procrastinator, continuously postponing things that have to be done, will do you no good in the long run.
Procrastination is the voluntary delay of important tasks, while knowing you will suffer as a result.
Research has shown that people who procrastinate have more stress and a lower well-being. Now who wants that? No one! That’s why I’m sharing some good ways to increase your productivity:
1. Eliminate what can be eliminated
The first step in tackling procrastination is to eliminate tasks that can be eliminated. Do not take too much on your plate. It is totally OK to say “no” to your boss, friends or family if your plate becomes too full. Chances are big that you will not be able to execute the task well anyways, taken that you have a lot of other things on your mind.
2. Make planners your best friend
Yes, the good ol’ planner. Whether you prefer to use one on your phone, buy a huge whiteboard or simply get a planner in print, make sure you have one and write down everything in it – from meetings, to homework, to your cousin’s birthday. I have been obsessed with planners since elementary school and they have helped me tremendously, because I always know what’s coming.
3. Make a schedule and stick to it
Of course it’s great to have a planner, but a planner is nothing without a plan. Thus, make a schedule for yourself on what day to finish what task. Be realistic with your daily targets and try to stick to them as much as you can.
4. No fun before it’s done
A good line to stick to is “no fun before it’s done”. I have a friend who always finishes his work before the weekend, so he has Saturday and Sunday off for fun things to do. Now, depending on how busy you are, this may or may not be possible, but you can use this at any day of the week. For instance, if your friends ask you to go for drink, make sure that you finish your daily targets first. That way you can enjoy your time off even more, because you do not have to worry about your to-do list.
5. Minimize productivity threats
This step is tremendously important, because the more productivity threats you have, the harder it becomes to be productive. Productivity threats may be your cellphone, your friends, your tv or other things in your environment. To minimize them, make clear rules for yourself and for other people around you. If you get distracted by your phone or tv, make sure that they’re turned off and out of reach and sight when you have to complete a task. If certain people distract you, tell them to not disturb you while you have to work or do homework.
Your future is created by what you do today, not tomorrow.
The bottom line
Of course, the willingness to be productive ultimately lays in your hands. You decide whether you will be productive, not your planner or your friends. So, make sure that you first have your priorities straight and know what is most important to you. Remember that what you do today can improve all your tomorrows! 🙂
Photography by Nat Photography.
