Procrastination could be your worst enemy and waiting till the last minute can stack up the pending work. Delaying the work may also impact your creativity levels and work output. All of us often delay work and push the tasks. However, studies imply that more than 25% of adults identify procrastination as a personality trait. Fortunately, procrastination is just a mindset and an unhealthy habit that can be changed. You must stay committed to change and be determined to adopt new practices. Let us discover some of the best productivity hacks that work and will help you do away with procrastination.
1. Eliminate Distractions
Reducing distractions promotes productivity and will allow you to get things done more efficiently. Clean your desk, clean up your desktop and delete unnecessary files and emails to reduce the number of distractions. You should also clean and get rid of unnecessary paperwork from the table. The fewer distractions, the better it will be for you. You can finish the same task in less time with fewer distractions.
2. Set a Timetable for Tasks
Procrastination is a habit that can be tough to break. You will have to work on setting deadlines and creating a strict schedule for yourself. Creating a timetable is undoubtedly one of the best ways to eliminate and stop procrastinating. It will create pressure and will push you to work harder. If you have been delaying the tasks for a while, you should consider setting a timetable for each hour. Consider setting deadlines ahead of the actual due date to avoid delays.
3. A Gadget-free Desk
Mobile phones and gadgets are becoming the biggest distractions. The constant notifications, calls, and text messages can shift your concentration levels. According to a study, an average user checks mobile phones more than 100 times. Having your mobile phone and other gadgets on the table can create a distracting ambiance. You should either put your phone on silent or keep it away if you are working on a substantial project.
4. Workout in the Morning
Exercising is one of the most effective ways to help you stay productive. It stimulates happy hormones and will keep you satisfied. If you do not like going outside for a workout session, you may consider doing small exercises indoors. You may walk out or in the garden or may also consider practicing yoga. Create a workout routine that meets your fitness goals and helps you stay motivated.
5. Create an Inspirational Board
It is often easy to lose motivation and get off track. Therefore, you should consider surrounding yourself with things that keep you motivated and help you focus. You may consider creating an inspirational board or using sticky notes. You may add motivational quotes, deadlines, photos of your idol, or other things that may act as a source of inspiration for you.
6. Change Your Perspective
Procrastination is an unhealthy habit that may impact your work performance. One thing that could help you stop procrastination is a change of perspective. Do not just look at the task. Think about the bigger picture and the results you will get after completing the task. Be conscious about what you want to achieve in the future. Changing perspective is one of the most effective productivity hacks that may allow you to stay focused.
7. Treat Yourself
Make your work fun and stay motivated. Every time you fulfill a new task, try to reward yourself with something nice. It is an effective habit and may help boost your productivity levels. You may consider exploring a new restaurant or planning a relaxing day for yourself.
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8. Keep Your Thoughts Aligned
Chronic procrastinators will be able to relate to this situation. If you are a chronic procrastinator, you may have contradictory thoughts and want to achieve something else. Keep in mind that productivity will come naturally to you when your thoughts, intentions, and outcomes are aligned.
9. Follow the Five-Minute Miracle
The Five-Minute Miracle is one of the techniques and productivity hacks that may help people struggling with procrastination. It aims to ask yourself what you can do in less than five minutes. Once you have determined things you can do, you should start working on them and completing them within time.
Research reveals that you will likely complete that task within the stipulated time. The psychological phenomenon is also known as the Zeigarnik effect. It certainly implies that the unfinished tasks are in our memory. Therefore, you should prepare your mind first to complete the task and succeed.
10. Have a Procrastination Power Song
It could be one of the most effective productivity hacks to eliminate the habit and focus on your work. You may consider picking a song or making a playlist that helps you stay energized. You should listen to it to trigger and send positive signals to your brain. Whenever you hear the song, it will change your mood and keep you motivated.
11. Do a Power Hour
A power hour means you should work consistently in concentrated chunks without taking many breaks. Consider working in a burst of 40 to 60 minutes and schedule breaks of five to ten minutes after every hour. Make sure you follow the schedule properly.
12. Use Red and Blue Colors
A study by Science Daily suggests that an individual should use colors that promote the brain's performance. Red boosts concentration and helps an individual become more attentive. On the other hand, the blue color sparks creativity. Therefore, you should consider using these colors more often to stay motivated and focused. Besides this, yellow is an energizing color and may help you remain optimistic. If you think red is a striking color, you may also consider green for a harmonizing and calm environment.
13. Be Kind to Yourself
You do not have to be harsh to yourself for missing deadlines or not keeping up with the work. To leave this habit, you must be kind to yourself first. Try to forgive yourself for your past procrastination activities. Practice self-compassion and be mindful of your needs. If you are not feeling active, you should consider taking a break. Allow your body to heal correctly and then start working again.
Read Also: How Does Low Self-Esteem Affect Women
14. Let It Go
It is essential to understand that you cannot achieve everything. You might have added something to your list. However, you have the right to take it off your list if you do not feel you can do it. At times, you may lack resources or would have to gain extra knowledge to fulfill your objectives. You should permit yourself to let it go in situations like this. Focus on things that are more important to you and complete them on time.
15. Avoid Multitasking
You need to understand that multitasking can do more harm than good. Therefore, you must always focus on a single task at a time. You may consider grouping similar tasks together to reduce the overall time it may take. For smaller tasks, you should not waste too much time thinking about whether you can do them. Take five minutes to decide whether you can finish one task within a particular time. If you believe you will not be able to complete it on time, you should add it to your do-it-later list.
Final Thoughts
These are some of the productivity hacks that you must consider adopting. Always schedule some time for self-care and follow the deadlines. Do not feel bad if the results are not up to the mark. Remember, nothing is perfect, and it may not be worth wasting your energy.
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