Simple & Effective Ways to Stop Procrastinating

10:23:5

2023-12-27

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1- Write a to-do list to set goals

Make a record of all the tasks you need to accomplish. Include short-term tasks you need to finish daily and weekly and long-term goals that may take months or years to accomplish. Seeing everything written down can help you plan out what needs to be done to meet your goals.

Write this list on paper or in your phone—do whatever’s best for you!

2- Break tasks down into small chunks

Tackle things one step at a time so you don't get overwhelmed. It can be overwhelming to think about finishing a whole essay or completing a week’s worth of tasks. Instead of thinking about everything you must do, like one big obstacle, break it down into tiny pieces. You'll be able to get started on the smallest crumb and go forward from there.

For example, instead of thinking, “I need to finish this essay before 10 PM tonight,” tell yourself, “I’m going to make a short outline, fill that in, and then look for quotes.”
Consider trying a specific technique like Pomodoro, in which you work from 25-minute chunks and take 5-minute breaks in between.
Avoid making a long, disorganized to-do list. This is just setting yourself up for failure. Instead, create subcategories like "Home," "Work," "Family," and "Fun" and try to cross off a few entries from each list every day.
Similarly, avoid multitasking or working on more than 1 task at once, as this could make you feel overwhelmed or stressed.

3- Start your day with the hardest tasks

Make a plan in the morning and pick the hardest task first. You’ll be most energized in the morning once you’ve eaten breakfast and woken up fully. Tackle the hardest thing on your docket right then. You’ll feel better once it’s done, and then you can move on to a few easier tasks for the rest of the day.

Keep in mind that this strategy isn’t for everyone, so stick to tackling your most difficult tasks whenever you feel the most motivated.
For instance, if you're a morning person, do your toughest work right after you wake up. On the other hand, if you tend to be groggy in the morning, you risk making careless errors or frustration by going headfirst into a difficult task.

4- Prioritize goals with set deadlines

Try using a strategy like the Eisenhower Box for prioritizing your tasks. Categorize all you have to do into 4 categories: tasks that must be done immediately, tasks that can be done later (or rescheduled), tasks that can be delegated to someone else, and tasks that aren't important and can be eliminated. The strength of this strategy is that it works well with the tasks you must complete in a given day but also on longer timescales, like weeks or months.

Use a planner to help schedule your time and stay motivated.

5- Ask someone to hold you accountable

Staying on task and completing your goals doesn’t have to be a solo endeavor. It can be hard to stay away from distractions when you’re doing it alone. Ask a friend or family member if they’d be willing to check in on your work habits and accomplishments. This way, they can help set you back on track if they notice you’re distracted or falling behind.

Try planning fun outings with each other to reward yourself for meeting your goals.
Hold accountability meetings each week or month to catch each other up on whether or not you’re meeting your goals and deadlines.