By setting specific guidelines, you can avoid the pitfalls of procrastination and get started on the work that needs to be done.
It’s easy to push aside something you need to get done, but you only prolong the inevitable by doing so. Most people have fallen victim to procrastination at some point. Whether it’s working around the house, writing an essay for school, papers that need to be on your boss’ desk by five, or the dreaded paying of the taxes. Although many believe procrastination results from laziness, it can often be triggered by the stress of not knowing where to begin. Instead of looking at the whole picture and getting overwhelmed, start by looking at one task at a time to help you get the process started.
Remove Distractions
One of the biggest roadblocks to beginning a task is often the distractions around you. It can result from many things; it could be the chaos of a noisy or messy environment or the distraction of social networking. Things like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube are becoming more and more a catalyst for procrastinators. Bypass these kinds of interruptions. When beginning a task, make sure you’re in a quiet room away from distracting things like TV, the internet, or your phone. Putting yourself in a position where there’s nothing around you but the task at hand makes it easier to focus.
Don’t Be a Perfectionist.
Some people delay getting down to business because they want their work to be perfect, so they hold off getting started altogether. Sometimes the best mindset is not being afraid to make mistakes. By ignoring all the little particulars, you may have a solid foundation established. So go with the flow, begin the process, and fine-tune the minor imperfections after most of the work is done.
Come Prepared
Whether it’s taking a food break, bathroom break, or just a break for fresh air, a procrastinator’s best friend is an excuse to help stall the task. The best thing you can do to avoid procrastinating is make sure you’re ready to sit down and get going without interruptions. Ensure you’re well-rested, hydrated, fed, and have already gone to the bathroom. It’s also essential to ensure you’re equipped with the right tools. By getting these out of the way and acknowledging you have all you need to finish the job, you’ve come prepared to make no excuses.
Be Realistic with Time Management
Beginning a task with the idea of cramming in hours of work in a limited time isn’t realistic. Set a fair amount of time and work to be completed instead. When you push it all into one clump, you’ll run into the same problem as when you procrastinate. You either won’t get the work done, or you’ll get a product that’s not up to par. Managing time is the best thing to do by breaking up a long task into sections where you give yourself breaks in-between. If you plan, you can allow yourself enough time to take a breather now and then while still finishing the job.
Reward Yourself for Productivity
The best way to concentrate on getting the task done is to motivate yourself. Whether that means letting yourself watch the episode of The Office you had to miss, settling down with a book, or hanging out with a couple of friends. Rewarding yourself with something enjoyable once you’ve completed a job gives you a great incentive to stay focused. In addition, avoiding procrastination and getting started is easier once you’ve given yourself a plan and have a course of action to follow. Using these simple strategies will help you steer clear of the pitfalls of procrastination to get started on the task at hand.
