Procrastination is the constant enemy of productivity.
Whether it’s putting off important tasks or delaying long-term goals, procrastination can hinder personal and professional growth. However, with the right strategies and a few changes to your routine overcoming procrastination and boosting your productivity is possible.
In this blog, we’ll explore three practical ways to combat procrastination and reclaim control over your time and energy.
Break your tasks into smaller steps.
One of the main reasons people procrastinate can be due to large projects or assignments becoming overwhelming which can lead to a sense of dread and avoidance. To combat this, breaking down tasks into smaller, more manageable steps can help combat overwhelm.
By dividing a project into smaller components, you not only make the overall goal less intimidating but also create a roadmap to guide you forward. Each smaller task can then become a smaller milestone, providing a sense of accomplishment as you complete them. This approach can help to build momentum, making it easier to stay focused and motivated.
Set realistic goals.
Procrastination often creeps in when goals are vague or unrealistic. To counter this, try to set clear, specific, and achievable goals. Instead of saying, “I’ll work on my presentation,” specify what you aim to accomplish, such as “I will create an outline for my presentation slides by 2 p.m. today.” This approach makes it easier to remain focused and be more productive.
Another way to remain focused is to ensure your goals are realistic by considering your workload, resources, and time constraints. Setting yourself unrealistic expectations can lead to frustration, demotivation, and ultimately, procrastination. Breaking larger goals into smaller, time-bound tasks and prioritising them based on urgency and importance can encourage a more productive mindset.
Another way to avoid procrastination is to use the SMART criteria—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This can help you create goals which are well-defined and attainable. This approach can provide clarity and structure, making it easier to remain on track.
The Pomodoro Technique.
The Pomodoro Technique was developed in the late 1980s by then-university student Francesco Cirillo. It involves breaking work into intervals, traditionally 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Each interval is known as a “Pomodoro,” named after the tomato-shaped kitchen timer Cirillo initially used.
The structured intervals help combat procrastination by creating a sense of urgency and focus. Knowing that a break is just around the corner can make tasks more manageable and less overwhelming. Additionally, regular breaks prevent burnout and maintain overall productivity.
The basic steps to implement the Pomodoro Technique are as follows:
- Choose a task.
- Set a timer for 25 minutes (one Pomodoro).
- Work on the task until the timer rings.
- Take a short break (5 minutes).
- Repeat the process, and after four Pomodoro’s, take a more extended break (15–30 minutes).
If the idea of trying to keep tabs of the timings seems cumbersome or overwhelming, there are several Pomodoro Technique apps which can help.
Focus Keeper for iPhone is a no-frills and low-distraction option or Pomodoro, whereas Pomodoro Timer Lite is suited to Android users.
Procrastination is a common challenge, but with the right strategies, it can be tackled and ultimately overcome. By breaking tasks into smaller steps, setting specific and realistic goals, and tapping into techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, you can boost productivity and regain control over your time. Remember, overcoming procrastination is a gradual process, so be patient and persistent in implementing these strategies.
Written by Katy-Jane Mason for and on behalf of Virtually Smart Ltd.
