Ten ways to combat procrastination and be more productive
Many business owners are grappling with how to stay focused and productive, especially with increasing numbers working from home.
We are living in an age of constant distraction. External factors such as social media, mobile phone notifications, food in the fridge, our desk and of course our friend and foe – the internet – can take our attention away from our tasks and lead to procrastination.
Internal factors such as overwhelm or anxiety (which are particularly heightened during the pandemic) can also exacerbate procrastination and hinder our productivity.
The good news is there are effective ways to combat procrastination. Read on to learn ten ways to combat procrastination and be more productive, starting today. No need to procrastinate!
Strategies to combat procrastination
1. Make a start Ask yourself ‘What is the next step I would take if I were to get started now?’ can help reduce overwhelm, often linked to procrastination. Break the next tasks down into small, manageable chunks to keep going.
2. Set yourself time-bound goals Identify a time frame for each of your tasks and tick them off as you go. Notice how good it feels to finish things!
3. Eat the frog Work on the task(s) that you find least pleasant early in the day. This will give you the rest of the day to concentrate on work that you find more enjoyable.
4. Task sandwich Complete small sections of unpleasant or overwhelming tasks in between more interesting ones.
5. Tackle the hardest tasks at your peak times Do you work better in the morning or the afternoon? Do the tasks that you find most difficult at these optimal times.
6. Identify your triggers Identify the feeling/emotion that precedes the procrastination e.g. are you feeling overwhelmed/bored/anxious/insecure?
7. Focus on the long game Identify the long-term benefits of completing a task. This can be hugely motivating.
8. Celebrate your progress Include a reward in the middle, as well as at the end, to keep motivation going.
9. Rephrase your internal dialogue The phrases “need to” and “have to” imply that you have no choice in what you do. Instead saying, “I choose to,” implies you own a task, which can make you feel more in control of your workload.
10. Hold yourself accountable Tell a friend, colleague or Business Coach what tasks you plan to do and when you plan to do them. This helps keeps you motivated and on track.
Little changes add up to big differences. Regularly practising these strategies will help to create healthy working habits and change the way you approach your workload, helping to banish procrastination and boost productivity.
How I can help you
Time Management and Productivity business coaching module
Learn tools, tips and techniques to help you manage your time and workload more effectively and boost your productivity. Find out more here
You can find out about my 7 business coaching modules here.
Accountability coaching
Coaching to keep you on track and accountable to achieve your business goals. Find out more here
Business coaching & networking event: Procrastination to Productivity
Learn to change your relationship with your workload, boost your productivity and network with other business owners.
Thursday, 19th September, 10am-12pm via Zoom.
£30. Don’t procrastinate! Book your ticket today.
If you are unable to make the event, you can purchase my Productivity Pack and recording of the event for £25 here.
