By: Natasha Archary
Are you the “last-minute.com” type or do you work like a well-oiled machine, knocking out task after task with efficiency?
It’s normal to have spells where you are struggling with productivity, or are just having a slow day. But if delaying getting started on a project around the home or putting off something in general is becoming a habit, it’s time to stop procrastinating.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself though, because about 20% of the global population are occasional procrastinators.
The Drive 959 team pondered over whether procrastination was just another word for laziness, being unmotivated, having no plan or just a lack of interest.
However, there is a deeper underlying factor that contributes to procrastination and that is our ability to self-sabotage.
Dr Tim Pychyl, a psychology professor and Procrastination Research Group member at Carleton University in Ottawa, says that procrastination is not a time management problem.
Offering insight that people who procrastinate are often doing it to self-sabotage, Dr Pychyl says that demotivating feelings like fear of failure and worry can get in the way of people accomplishing goals.
Phases of depression, anxiety and other negative emotions and moods can be what causes people to postpone or put off things.
Getting out of this mindset and forcing yourself to stay focused is going to be challenging, so take it a step at a time.
5 ways to stop procrastinating
While some people work better under pressure or when there’s a deadline in sight, others don’t and can cave under that kind of stress.
Rushing to finish a task or to knock out studying for an important exam the night before instead of getting a head start 3-months ahead, may not always work in your favour.
For one, it can result in poor performance, a grade you’re not happy with, mistakes and the list goes on.
Enforcing the 21-day rule where you actively force yourself to work on making something a habit is how you can stop procrastinating.
5 tips to help you stop procrastinating
- Have a daily, weekly and monthly calendar/schedule
- Set an allocated amount of time for each of your tasks, projects and daily demands
- Get through the biggest, most difficult and time-consuming tasks first
- Reward yourself after finishing all your expectations for the day
- Watch motivating videos to inspire you
Remember to go easy on yourself on days that may feel extra hard to get through. Whether your reason for procrastination is that you feel unmotivated, overwhelmed, bored with the task at hand, or all of the above, this habit has the potential to get in the way of your productivity and success at work.
If you’re not sure how to get out of this “rut” or where to start, understand that the best thing you can do is just start.
Listen to the conversation on Drive 959:
Also read: “I just found out that my mom is dating my childhood friend” – The Blind Spot
