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How do you limit procrastination?
I think this has been an issue tons of people have because procrastination makes us lose some big opportunities. What are some tips that could help out with procrastination and increase my motivation to work?
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Doc’s Answer
Erica when trying to avoid procrastination, a great way to start is by setting goals. Once you are aware of your goals, you can go about setting a time frame in which you wish to achieve them. Without specific parameters in mind for achieving a goal, it can be very easy to fall back into bad habits. When you're setting goals for a test or exam, think carefully about the outcome you wish to achieve and how much time you have to make it happen. From there, you can start creating a plan that will help you prepare in the best way possible.
I hope this will be helpful Erica
Life can keep you busy at times, which can make reaching your goals seem unattainable. When this happens, it's important to develop a strategy that will keep you from becoming overwhelmed by the work that it will take. It's not necessary to have a detailed plan right from the beginning, and you don't need to work on everything at one time. Just start with small steps that will get you going. For example, when you're studying, consider setting goals that consist of smaller achievable tasks. You can do this by separating the material into subjects, choosing a block of time for each, and then breaking this information down even further by topic. Having an appropriate strategy can go a long way in determining a positive outcome.
Always keep your future in mind. When working on your goal becomes difficult, and you find yourself beginning to slide backward, think about what your future will look like once your goal is accomplished. Think about how it will affect your life and the people around you. This can keep you going when you're finding it hard to continue. For example, when you're preparing for exams, think about how you can improve your studying techniques for next semester and avoid procrastination from the very beginning.
An important step in avoiding procrastination is making sure you hold yourself accountable. One great way to achieve accountability is to find a buddy or group of people who will offer consistent support. Often people like to work with groups that have the same goals so they can all support each other on their journeys. For instance, if you have study goals, you might consider joining a study group that has regular meetings and can provide encouragement when you need it. These people can remind you of why you're working hard, where you're headed, and help keep you on track.
It's vital to always take care of yourself by getting enough sleep, eating well and taking breaks to clear your mind. Once you feel ready for a test, allow yourself some time to relax and wind down. Taking a moment to de-stress can help minimize anxiety and ensure a better outcome. Reward yourself once the test is completed. Knowing you have a reward planned can help you continue to have something to look forward to while preparing.
I hope this will be helpful Erica
Doc recommends the following next steps:
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Breaking down big projects into the small in a big one for me! Writing a 7 page essay or reading 100 pages sounds scary but breaking it down by working backwards from the deadline is super helpful. For example, if I have an essay due August 10th and I have a week until then, I'll start on Monday and write a page each day until I'm done.
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Samay’s Answer
I feel as if procrastination for me has always stemmed from a fear or anxiety associated with starting a daunting task. In college this looks like waiting last minute to finish a big assignment, study for an exam, etc. I think the tipping point for me to confront my procrastination was when I had to pull a few all nighters back to back to catch up the work/studying I had been procrastinating and suffering a lot that whole week because of the consequences of my actions. It was then I prioritized starting early no matter how afraid I was of failing or not understanding the task at hand. It was nothing compared to the anxiety I built up waiting last minute. Once you accept you are in control and responsible for how you respond to difficult situations you can be the one to progress towards better habits--and its rewarding on all ends.
Not only will starting earlier give you the chance to see if the task is really as hard as it seems (which it usually isn't), but it also allows you time to engage with your work relatively stress free and clear minded because of how early you approach it. I think just starting is the hardest step with procrastination, it feels as if it's the last thing you want to think about. However, the sooner you start the less your future self has to suffer-- and that mentality of caring for my future self and starting early led to better results, better mental health, and gave me confidence to start a lot of things earlier. The sacrifice in the present moment builds towards a greater goal and long term gratitude and allows you time to consult your TAs, professors, etc. if you need the help. It is a mental battle but one that can be consciously fought and conquered.
Not only will starting earlier give you the chance to see if the task is really as hard as it seems (which it usually isn't), but it also allows you time to engage with your work relatively stress free and clear minded because of how early you approach it. I think just starting is the hardest step with procrastination, it feels as if it's the last thing you want to think about. However, the sooner you start the less your future self has to suffer-- and that mentality of caring for my future self and starting early led to better results, better mental health, and gave me confidence to start a lot of things earlier. The sacrifice in the present moment builds towards a greater goal and long term gratitude and allows you time to consult your TAs, professors, etc. if you need the help. It is a mental battle but one that can be consciously fought and conquered.
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Ricardo’s Answer
The best way to deal with procrastination is to know your work/study pattern. Once you understand that you work better alone or in groups, listening to music or in complete silence, early in the morning or late in evening, the next step is to break the activity down into smaller tasks. In my case, I turn my cell down to the desk so I can’t see notifications, put my noise cancelling headset with some music on and open the task with specific goals. It could be reading one page of a document or create a draft of a proposal. Usually, once I get traction, then everything flows naturally. You can also reward yourself if you achieve your goal.
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Maeve’s Answer, CareerVillage.org Team
If I am procrastinating a task, I always procrastinate by scrolling on social media. If this is something you relate to, I recommend that you implement screen time controls on your phone. I have found that setting boundaries for how much time I can spend on certain apps REALLY helps prevent me from procrastinating more important tasks. It is easy to set up a screen time limit. Once you hit a certain amount of time on an app your phone will lock you from opening it for the rest of the day. Something else that helps is setting aside breaks where I allow myself time to go on social media. For example, I will designate 25 minutes for work time, followed by 5 minutes on instagram. The little scheduled social media breaks in between more focused periods of work time helps a lot!
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Raisa Anan’s Answer
Hi Erica!
In high school, my habit of procrastinating was at its worst. I still procrastinate now, but it's far less severe than it was back then. I followed these steps to improve:
1) Organize your work into categories and put clear labels on them. Organizing my tasks was a massive factor in limiting my procrastination. I realized I used to procrastinate through this type of thinking pattern: "Oh, I need to start the maths homework that's due in two days. But before that I should complete the literature homework and - oh, I forgot to do research for it!" Yes, it was like that. After I begun to organize, schedule and label my tasks, it became more clear, assured and simple.
2) Start to work from the day you've been assigned with any tasks. Oftentimes, due dates can give the impression of a lot of time in your hands. Instead try to think the whole period - from assigned date to the due date - is meant to be utilized.
3) Positively think about the free time you'll have if you finish before the due date.
4) If you are working in a team and the other members of the team are procrastinating, try your best to not give in to do the same. Instead finish your part on time and remind others to do the same.
5) I have found that whenever I talk to a classmate, who is further ahead in their work than I am, I'll be motivated to work harder!
6) Make your work more enjoyable. For instance, whenever I research any topic, I'll take short breaks during which I'll look up memes, share my progress with my sister, or doodle at the edges of my notebook.
Hope that helps :)
In high school, my habit of procrastinating was at its worst. I still procrastinate now, but it's far less severe than it was back then. I followed these steps to improve:
1) Organize your work into categories and put clear labels on them. Organizing my tasks was a massive factor in limiting my procrastination. I realized I used to procrastinate through this type of thinking pattern: "Oh, I need to start the maths homework that's due in two days. But before that I should complete the literature homework and - oh, I forgot to do research for it!" Yes, it was like that. After I begun to organize, schedule and label my tasks, it became more clear, assured and simple.
2) Start to work from the day you've been assigned with any tasks. Oftentimes, due dates can give the impression of a lot of time in your hands. Instead try to think the whole period - from assigned date to the due date - is meant to be utilized.
3) Positively think about the free time you'll have if you finish before the due date.
4) If you are working in a team and the other members of the team are procrastinating, try your best to not give in to do the same. Instead finish your part on time and remind others to do the same.
5) I have found that whenever I talk to a classmate, who is further ahead in their work than I am, I'll be motivated to work harder!
6) Make your work more enjoyable. For instance, whenever I research any topic, I'll take short breaks during which I'll look up memes, share my progress with my sister, or doodle at the edges of my notebook.
Hope that helps :)
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Ayush’s Answer
While I often struggle with the same issue, but over the years I have realized a few things.
First, you are not unproductive or lazy, you are just not able to create conditions conducive to make you productive
Second, just because everyone else is following a pattern or schedule, does not mean it is the best for you
Third, seeking perfectionism is not wrong, but you should seek it only for the most important tasks
Lastly, it will take weeks if not months to overcome this so there are no quick fixes
So, let me share a few suggestions.It is really difficult to change your productivity hours, so don't fight them but create your work/study schedule around them. If you are working, remote work allows you to be flexible so make full use of it and prefer jobs that are flexible. For eg. I am very productive between 8-11 and 5-10, but most jobs are 9-5, so I feel very unproductive during normal business hours. To solve this I only schedule meetings between 11-5 or do my other personal tasks in this time.
Secondly, start small and with boring tasks. Those small wins really add up and give you a mental boost.
Third and most importantly, create a space where you are only with your task. Remove distractions and be strict with yourself for 20 mins, then 30 mins and then an hour. Over time, all of this will surely help you.
The fact that you asked this question means that you are willing to fight this and I wish you all the best!
First, you are not unproductive or lazy, you are just not able to create conditions conducive to make you productive
Second, just because everyone else is following a pattern or schedule, does not mean it is the best for you
Third, seeking perfectionism is not wrong, but you should seek it only for the most important tasks
Lastly, it will take weeks if not months to overcome this so there are no quick fixes
So, let me share a few suggestions.It is really difficult to change your productivity hours, so don't fight them but create your work/study schedule around them. If you are working, remote work allows you to be flexible so make full use of it and prefer jobs that are flexible. For eg. I am very productive between 8-11 and 5-10, but most jobs are 9-5, so I feel very unproductive during normal business hours. To solve this I only schedule meetings between 11-5 or do my other personal tasks in this time.
Secondly, start small and with boring tasks. Those small wins really add up and give you a mental boost.
Third and most importantly, create a space where you are only with your task. Remove distractions and be strict with yourself for 20 mins, then 30 mins and then an hour. Over time, all of this will surely help you.
The fact that you asked this question means that you are willing to fight this and I wish you all the best!
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Robert’s Answer
Hey Erica! I've definitely dealt with procrastination in the past before too. For me, it was really helpful first outlining my future goals that I wanted to achieve and the steps required to achieve them. These steps don't need to be gigantic, just small, achievable checkpoints towards your overall goal. Most people when they have homework or exams to study for, they study in their rooms. For many of people, like myself, I find that really hard to concentrate as it's too comfortable of an environment. Because of this, I would go out to the library or even coffeeshops. Just knowing that I'm out in public, I can really concentrate on whatever I was working on and maximize my productivity. You really just have to force yourself to make small changes to your daily lifestyle and in the end these will become healthy habits you will continually pursue.
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Andrea G’s Answer
Erica, I have so many points of reference! :) I tend to procrastinate when I'm feeling overwhelmed. What works for me is scheduling time to outline a to-do list of upcoming projects and tasks. Scheduling time free of distractions--that includes people, email and social media alerts, is optimal.
It may seem counterintuitive to 'carve' time in your calendar but it helps to understand what's on your plate, the scope of work for each project and the time each task will take. I then rate each task based on its priority. As an example, in any given day I am coming up with story ideas and concepts, researching topics, then writing about the topics and editing the work but also communicating with clients, drafting external marketing campaigns and filing invoices. Priorities shift depending on deadlines made by clients, or professors, but once you get a rhythm for how you work the process can be ritualized.
It may seem counterintuitive to 'carve' time in your calendar but it helps to understand what's on your plate, the scope of work for each project and the time each task will take. I then rate each task based on its priority. As an example, in any given day I am coming up with story ideas and concepts, researching topics, then writing about the topics and editing the work but also communicating with clients, drafting external marketing campaigns and filing invoices. Priorities shift depending on deadlines made by clients, or professors, but once you get a rhythm for how you work the process can be ritualized.
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R’s Answer
Hi Erica! Glad you're seeking advice on this!
There are lots of great advices in the comments - breaking the task into smaller tasks, setting timer, etc, which are all super helpful.
One additional thing I think is important is to celebrate every step you take, even if they are small successes. Personally, I set up a Notion page to track all the plans and progress I have, the daily tasks I plan to complete, and I even track the daily habits I want to build.
By the end of every month, I do a monthly reflection to see what I did well, and what I should change.
I found that by documenting the mini-steps you took and the progress you made, it really encourages me to stick to my plans and spend each day fruitfully.
Hope this is helpful for you!
There are lots of great advices in the comments - breaking the task into smaller tasks, setting timer, etc, which are all super helpful.
One additional thing I think is important is to celebrate every step you take, even if they are small successes. Personally, I set up a Notion page to track all the plans and progress I have, the daily tasks I plan to complete, and I even track the daily habits I want to build.
By the end of every month, I do a monthly reflection to see what I did well, and what I should change.
I found that by documenting the mini-steps you took and the progress you made, it really encourages me to stick to my plans and spend each day fruitfully.
Hope this is helpful for you!
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Kruti’s Answer
What helps me is committing to the task and focusing on doing it, not avoiding it by writing down the tasks that need to be completed, and specify a time for doing them. Crossing off tasks on my to do list give me a sense of accomplishment.
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Jacob’s Answer
As a procrastinator, I have done a few things to at least minimize the impact it has on my tasks (work and college).
First, I eliminate or minimize distractions. In college, that meant stopping my WoW subscription for 4 years and limiting the games I purchased. Since I was living alone I also did not have a tv in my bedroom, where my computer was, to limit the temptation to watch. Since I work from home now, I have turned a spare room into my office, giving me a physical "at work" location that I go to. This helped immensely since it replicated my old drive to the office routine. My office doesn't have a tv and I keep the door closed much of the time to limit interruptions.
The second thing I do is ensure that when I am working on a task I am as efficient with my time as possible. I planned my workflow for the various tasks so that I can quickly work through them without wondering what is next. This keeps me focused since my brain never has the time to drift off. For example, when I was in college, I would store all the references for papers in the same manner in a notepad doc using a simplified shorthand. When the paper was done, I was able to quickly convert them over to proper format quickly.
Remove distractions. Either get rid of them or do your work in a different area away from them.
Make your work time as efficient as possible. Plan out and build routines around common tasks so that you don't have gaps of time to drift off subject
First, I eliminate or minimize distractions. In college, that meant stopping my WoW subscription for 4 years and limiting the games I purchased. Since I was living alone I also did not have a tv in my bedroom, where my computer was, to limit the temptation to watch. Since I work from home now, I have turned a spare room into my office, giving me a physical "at work" location that I go to. This helped immensely since it replicated my old drive to the office routine. My office doesn't have a tv and I keep the door closed much of the time to limit interruptions.
The second thing I do is ensure that when I am working on a task I am as efficient with my time as possible. I planned my workflow for the various tasks so that I can quickly work through them without wondering what is next. This keeps me focused since my brain never has the time to drift off. For example, when I was in college, I would store all the references for papers in the same manner in a notepad doc using a simplified shorthand. When the paper was done, I was able to quickly convert them over to proper format quickly.
Jacob recommends the following next steps:
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Kristin’s Answer
This may be counterintuitive, but something that helps me with procrastination is allowing myself to, at times, procrastinate. It is ok to let yourself be distracted sometimes! We are not robots, and that is a good thing. We are human! Set aside 5-10 minutes every few hours for you to procrastinate: check social media, online shop, do whatever your mind wants you to do at the time. Listen to your brain telling you it needs a break, and let it have it.
I think of it sort of like eating well: if you never allow yourself to indulge, you may tend to binge and then feel bad about it after the fact. If you enjoy your favorite foods in moderation, you feel satisfied and also good about the decision you've made. Enjoy procrastination in moderation to learn how to live alongside those tendencies, rather than resist them and label them as bad or harmful.
When all else fails, "time box" your task. The discovery of this strategy was revolutionary for me because as a perfectionist, it's sometimes hard for me to begin really big scary tasks or projects for fear of inadequacy. Timeboxing is a time management technique where before you begin, you decide how much time you'll spend on the task at hand. For example, let's say you need to create a marketing pamphlet and you aren't sure how long it will take. Set a timer for 15 minutes, or 30 minutes, and see how far you get. Chances are once you start, you won't feel like stopping, but even if you do, that was all part of the plan! This can be especially helpful for tasks that will take as much time as you give them and could go on forever, like market research.
I think of it sort of like eating well: if you never allow yourself to indulge, you may tend to binge and then feel bad about it after the fact. If you enjoy your favorite foods in moderation, you feel satisfied and also good about the decision you've made. Enjoy procrastination in moderation to learn how to live alongside those tendencies, rather than resist them and label them as bad or harmful.
When all else fails, "time box" your task. The discovery of this strategy was revolutionary for me because as a perfectionist, it's sometimes hard for me to begin really big scary tasks or projects for fear of inadequacy. Timeboxing is a time management technique where before you begin, you decide how much time you'll spend on the task at hand. For example, let's say you need to create a marketing pamphlet and you aren't sure how long it will take. Set a timer for 15 minutes, or 30 minutes, and see how far you get. Chances are once you start, you won't feel like stopping, but even if you do, that was all part of the plan! This can be especially helpful for tasks that will take as much time as you give them and could go on forever, like market research.
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Divya’s Answer
Hello! This is such an important topic to discuss. Procrastination is something that most people inevitably end up doing, including myself. Some ways I try to overcome this problem is to break down the large task into smaller mini tasks. After completing each mini task or milestone, I would reward myself. By rewarding myself after each completion of a task, I feel more motivated to continue since I am constantly progressing. A lot of people feel overwhelmed to start such a big task which is why they procrastinate so they can worry about it later. However by breaking the task up, the burden is lessened and we end up doing more than we realize. Next time when you face an issue with procrastination, please try this technique out. It helps me immensely.
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Amy’s Answer
I've spent a lot of time browsing Google search results for "how not to procrastinate," or watching Ted Talks on procrastination-- often, ironically, as a mechanism to procrastinate.
I've tried a lot of things -- breaking goals up into smaller tasks, making to-do lists, finding a quiet environment conducive to work. These did help, but personally, one piece of advice I came across stood out to me in particular. I can't remember where I read it, but it was an article that said that what was difficult about doing work wasn't necessarily doing it, but rather building up the motivation to get started.
If you need to go for a run -- don't force yourself to go for a run. Instead, tell yourself you're just going to go to the door and put on your sneakers. Once you're there, it's a lot less intimidating to walk out the door. If you need to finish a school assignment, just tell yourself you'll take out your pencil and paper and put them on your desk. Once they're there, it's not much of a leap to finish the first problem.
I've tried a lot of things -- breaking goals up into smaller tasks, making to-do lists, finding a quiet environment conducive to work. These did help, but personally, one piece of advice I came across stood out to me in particular. I can't remember where I read it, but it was an article that said that what was difficult about doing work wasn't necessarily doing it, but rather building up the motivation to get started.
If you need to go for a run -- don't force yourself to go for a run. Instead, tell yourself you're just going to go to the door and put on your sneakers. Once you're there, it's a lot less intimidating to walk out the door. If you need to finish a school assignment, just tell yourself you'll take out your pencil and paper and put them on your desk. Once they're there, it's not much of a leap to finish the first problem.
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Brandon’s Answer
Hi Erica,
When it comes to working through or trying to eliminate procrastination the solution varies from person to person, so if one method/solution doesn't work for you do not worry. As was mentioned above creating or assigning certain environments towards work/study and to relax/chill is something personally that helped me out quite a bit. Reducing the amount of time you spend on your phone or tablet with either social media, games, online shopping, can also make a difference too. Look into options with your phone to set it into a work mode or study mode where you can only receive messages or notifications that are important and filter out the rest, this has helped me tremendously when trying to maintain my focus during studying. Hope this helps!
When it comes to working through or trying to eliminate procrastination the solution varies from person to person, so if one method/solution doesn't work for you do not worry. As was mentioned above creating or assigning certain environments towards work/study and to relax/chill is something personally that helped me out quite a bit. Reducing the amount of time you spend on your phone or tablet with either social media, games, online shopping, can also make a difference too. Look into options with your phone to set it into a work mode or study mode where you can only receive messages or notifications that are important and filter out the rest, this has helped me tremendously when trying to maintain my focus during studying. Hope this helps!
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Alyssa’s Answer
Hi Erica,
Procrastination can be hard but here are a few tips that I think may help!
First, stick to a morning routine. I personally live by this as I think it sets up your day for success if you incorporate an efficient early morning routine. My personal routine is wakeup at 7am, make a coffee, read the daily market news, make my bed, write in my planner and then head out for work by 8am. Having an hour that's standard and I enjoy every morning allows me to be productive the rest of the day.
Secondly, limit tv/phone time to an hour a day and you'll realize how much time is wasted!
Procrastination can be hard but here are a few tips that I think may help!
First, stick to a morning routine. I personally live by this as I think it sets up your day for success if you incorporate an efficient early morning routine. My personal routine is wakeup at 7am, make a coffee, read the daily market news, make my bed, write in my planner and then head out for work by 8am. Having an hour that's standard and I enjoy every morning allows me to be productive the rest of the day.
Secondly, limit tv/phone time to an hour a day and you'll realize how much time is wasted!
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