How to stop procrastinating at work
Got a bad case of procrastination? Follow our top tips to stop using delay tactics at work and boost your productivity.
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- Posted 2 years ago
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Got a bad case of procrastination? Follow our top tips to stop using delay tactics at work and boost your productivity.
Everyone goes through periods of procrastinating at work whether you work in an office or remotely. Sometimes the thought of getting things done is just too much. And we feel overwhelmed. So, instead, we find other pointless tasks to fill the time. Itâs kinda like the opposite of burnout. But how many cups of tea can you make before your workload really starts to suffer?
Weâre here to help you beat the procrastination plague. Itâs time to step into the most productive version of yourself!
We can think of a few different reasons why you end up procrastinating at work.
Sometimes your work isnât stimulating enough. Youâre tired of repeating the same tasks day in, day out. You donât feel challenged and therefore youâd rather watch paint dry than crack on with your work.
Problems with your work can be a huge trigger for procrastination. Especially when you donât know what the solution is. Problems get in the way of your rhythm and flow. They can be a huge obstacle to overcome. And sometimes you need others to help you work your way out of the hole.
When your workload piles up, youâd like to think youâd switch gears. But sometimes the opposite can happen. Youâre suddenly overcome with overwhelm. And when the overwhelm hits, youâll find just about anything else to do to distract you. Overwhelm can also happen if your boss applies too much pressure or youâre working in a toxic environment.
If boredom is part of your problem, you may need to add a bit more variety into your work day. Communicate how youâre feeling with your manager. Explain that youâll become more productive if given the opportunity to work on different tasks. Sometimes, all you need to do is switch up your routine.
Tackling big tasks is a skill. But think of it like climbing Everest. You focus on reaching certain points before you hit the summit. Take time to map out your project and break it down into smaller sections. This will make your workload feel more manageable.
Deadlines are key! If you donât set yourself a deadline, one simple task can take you the whole day. So whether youâre working on a big project or just your daily diary, set deadlines to keep you in check.
Rewarding yourself for your work is a great way to boost motivation levels. Maybe youâll treat yourself to a meal out. Or perhaps itâs as simple as giving yourself an extra break away from your desk. Either way, find things to look forward to for completing your work.
Power hours are fantastic for productivity. Itâs just an hour of your time, but with maximum concentration and effort. Often, people end up achieving more in one power hour than they would have done the whole day. Be sure to turn off all distractions. And it helps if you can let your colleagues know when youâre entering a power hour so they donât disturb you.
Lists are a useful technique for productivity. List out everything you have to do that week/day/month. From there, youâll be able to prioritise what needs doing first. When you complete a task, crossing it off your list gives you a great sense of achievement and encourages you to move onto the next task.
Never freestyle your day. Thatâs just asking for procrastination. Always start each day by writing up your plan. You may even want to check in at midday with your goals, and write up your plan for the afternoon.
If youâre a serial procrastinator, donât worry. Itâs never too late to get yourself in gear. Everyday gives you a new opportunity to start afresh. Once you implement these tips, youâll be surprised by how much more you can achieve!
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