The state of delay is known to be rampant across the world having an equal distribution among all the occupational groups. Procrastination means postponing something whether a job, chores, personal goals and can lead to low productivity, stress, strain, and even lower self-esteem. It is very crucial to know why we do it and how to stop it on our way to becoming better, whether it's for ourselves or our workplace.
Understanding Procrastination
In a simple perspective, it can be regarded as the act of delaying a certain task to an extent where it affects the performance or the welfare of an individual. This would not be a question of organizing better the time; it would be a question of organization deeper in our feelings and attitudes. I propose that students often delay because they are stressed by the work they have to perform, lack confidence in themselves, or are scared of the outcome of their work. Some people delay due to they are selective and waiting for the 'best time' to begin, while others can be easily distracted by fun activities.
Procrastination can be an unpleasant habit as it keeps the person from stress at least for a while as they delay the challenging tasks. However, this is only temporary, and is often succeeded by guilt, anxiety and failure, which serves to reinforce procrastination.
Of course, before thinking about the ways of avoiding procrastination, one has to know about its features.
The prevention of procrastination begins with Being able to tell when and why you are procrastinating. These are promptness, continually procrastinating until the deadline, excuses as to why one cannot commence or start a given task, as well as maneuvering to engage in time-wasting activities instead of dealing with meaningful ones. Procrastination must be diagnosed; when the signs of procrastination and the things that prompt it are acknowledged, then it becomes possible to begin addressing it.
Breaking the Procrastination Cycle
To eradicate procrastination, the following are merely a practice of practical approaches and attitude changes. Here are some effective approaches:Here are some effective approaches:
Set Clear and Realistic Goals
There are several reasons why people procrastinate; one being that the goals which they set out to achieve are not well defined, or where they are realistic. Cut large assignments into small ones that can easily be accomplished and ensure that you set deadlines to completing each segment. This makes the task look less challenging and gives a clear path to follow hence achieving the desired results.
Prioritize Tasks
It is however important to understand that not all tasks are equal. Some examples of such techniques include the Eisenhower Urgent-important matrix. Completing the most crucial tasks should be a priority because it is satisfying in that you can make progress to the next tasks.
Use Time Management Techniques
It is also possible to use handy strategies, for instance, the Pomodoro technique when you work for a certain time (for example, 25 minutes) and then take a break. Time chunking where you partition a day into periods where you assign certain tasks can also assist in managing your day and avoid the vice.
Eliminate Distractions
Find out what distracts you most of the time, be it a particular website, the TV, or even a cluttered desk and try to avoid them or reduce the time you spend with them as much as possible. For instance, use applications that lock the possibility to visit specific URLs during working time or make a separate zone that will be devoid of distractions.
Develop a Positive Mindset
Perceived negativity and failure can create and spur procrastination. A positive attitude, concentrating on one's strengths, as well as the recollection of previous achievements are good strategies to follow. Self-confidence helps one to lack the fear of failure hence working more independently and finishing tasks.
Reward Yourself
Using the rewards method is always effective if properly embraced. There are always pick-ups one does not fancy doing, reward yourself after finishing such tasks. This could be as simple as getting a cup of coffee, taking a short walk or having a snack or doing something the individual enjoys. In the long run, this fosters a positive image of the tasks that are being assigned to be accomplished.
Practice Self-Compassion
When you do procrastinate, that is never a good situation, it is okay to be gentle on yourself and not beat yourself up over it. Accept the fact that everyone is a procrastinator once in a while and learning to punish yourself will not help at all. It is important however not to dwell on what happened or what could have been done but on the positive side of it and what could be done next time .
Seek Accountability
Asking someone else makes everything easier, it also brings pressure that can help to complete a task. INDIRECT: Having at least a friend, colleague, or a mentor to keep track of the progress made is productive.
Focus on the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Instead of having your concentration on the outcome, make an effort to appreciate the process. Being able to derive some sort of pleasure out of it can quite significantly reduce the feeling of the task being a burden that has to be endured.
Visualize Success
More, the paper shows that visualization can assist you in eradicating procrastination since it entails construction of a mental picture that will be deemed successful. Picture how you would feel if the task is done and how that completion makes one feel. This can help with motivation and soon the resistance to start can be eliminated.
Start Small
In so many cases, the key challenge is often not knowing where to begin. Take on a task and promise that you'll spend just five minutes on it. At times, this small move is all that is necessary to conquer the unconscious objection and once you begin, it is not so difficult to continue.
