Easy Strategies To Stop Procrastination And Get Things Done
We all procrastinate sometimes, but when it becomes a regular thing, it can really get in the way of leading a productive life. If you’re constantly putting off tasks that you know need to be done, it’s time to break the habit and start being a more productive person! Check out these tips and tricks that will help you stop delaying and start ticking things off your to-do list. You’ll feel so much better getting things done on time instead of scrambling at the last minute.
Start With the Easiest Task First
When you feel like you have too much to do, starting with the easiest task can help. It could be something simple like cleaning your desk or writing the first sentence of a paper. Doing this small task gives you a feeling of success, which makes the bigger tasks seem less hard. Once you start, it’s easier to keep going. Your brain will think, “I’m making progress!” which makes you want to do more. Don’t wait for the “perfect time” to begin—just do the smallest thing first. You’ll be surprised at how much you can get done by starting small.
Set a Timer for 10 Minutes
If you feel stuck, try using a timer for just 10 minutes. Tell yourself you’ll work for only 10 minutes and then take a break. Once you start, you’ll often want to keep going. The timer makes you feel you need to focus because time is short. Staying on track is easier when you know you only have a little time. Even if you stop after 10 minutes, you’ve still done something. These small bits of work can add up to big results over time. If you keep doing this, you’ll see that even short efforts can make a big difference. Soon, what felt like a big task will seem much easier to manage.
Break Tasks Into Smaller Pieces
Big tasks can feel scary, which is why we sometimes avoid them. To make them easier, try breaking them into smaller steps. For example, if you need to write a 5-page paper, start by writing just one paragraph. This way, each small part feels simpler, and you won’t feel as stressed. Finishing each small step makes you feel proud. Soon, you’ll see that the big task is getting done. This method keeps you going and makes hard tasks seem much easier to handle.
Reward Yourself After Every Task
Everyone likes getting a reward. Give yourself a small treat after finishing a task to make work more fun. It could be a piece of candy, a short break, or watching a quick video. Knowing there’s a reward waiting for you can make starting and completing your work easier. It feels like a game where you do the job and get a prize. This makes the work seem less boring and more enjoyable. Over time, your brain will connect working with feeling good. The rewards don’t have to be big—just something small to keep you going.
Visualize the End Goal
Sometimes, we put things off because the end seems too far away. A good way to stay motivated is to imagine how you’ll feel when you finish. Picture yourself completing the project, handing it in, and feeling proud. Think about how good it will feel not to have it hanging over your head anymore. This can push you to start because you know the relief you’ll feel when it’s done. You can forget how hard starting feels by focusing on how great the end will be. Visualizing the finish makes the goal something exciting to reach.
Create a “Done” List
To stay motivated, list things you’ve already done instead of only thinking about what’s left. Write it on your “done” list every time you finish a task. You’ll see how much you’ve completed, which feels good. This list shows that even on busy days, you are making progress. It’s a nice way to celebrate small wins. Plus, seeing your list grow can give you the energy to keep going. This simple habit helps you focus on what you’ve achieved rather than what’s still to do.
Use the Two-Minute Rule
The two-minute rule is easy to follow: if something takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This could be sending a quick email, cleaning up your desk, or making a short phone call. If you take care of these small tasks immediately, they won’t pile up later. This keeps your to-do list from feeling too big. After finishing a few quick tasks, you’ll feel more productive and ready to take on bigger jobs. The two-minute rule helps you stay organized and ensures small things don’t slow you down.
Change Your Work Environment
Sometimes, we procrastinate because our workplace isn’t helping us focus. Try working in a different spot to see if it helps. If you usually work at a desk, try sitting at the kitchen table or going to the library. A new place can refresh you and help you pay attention better. It’s surprising how slightly changing your environment can improve your work. Try different areas until you find the one that enables you to focus best. Once you find the right spot, it will be easier to stay on task.
Tell Someone About Your Goals
One way to stop procrastination is to tell a friend or family member what you want to do. You’ll feel more motivated to finish your goals when someone else knows them. This is because you won’t want to disappoint them or explain why you didn’t do it. Having someone to check on you can help you stay on track. You can even ask them to remind you of how things are going. Knowing someone cares about your progress makes focusing and getting things done easier. It’s a simple way to stay responsible and reach your goals.
Turn Off Distractions
It’s hard to work when there are distractions around you. A simple way to stop procrastinating is to turn off things that keep you from focusing. This could mean putting your phone away, closing extra tabs on your computer, or finding a quiet place to work. When you remove distractions, staying focused and getting more done is easier. Start by thinking about what distracts you the most, then try to limit those things. The fewer distractions you have, the easier it is to finish your tasks. This will help you stay on track and work better.
Forgive Yourself for Procrastinating
It’s easy to feel bad when you put things off, but being hard on yourself doesn’t help. Instead of getting upset, forgive yourself and move forward. Everyone puts off things sometimes, and that’s okay. What matters is that you try again and keep going. Remind yourself that it’s normal and you can always start over. Being kind to yourself makes it easier to keep going and finish what you started. The less you worry about feeling guilty, the easier it is to stop putting things off and return to work.
Set Clear Deadlines
Sometimes, we put things off because we don’t have clear deadlines. To fix this, set exact deadlines for yourself. Instead of saying, “I’ll finish this by the end of the week,” say, “I’ll finish this by Thursday at 2 PM.” Having a clear and specific deadline makes it easier to stay focused. You’re more likely to start and finish your work when you know exactly when it’s due. Make sure to stick to your deadlines, even if you make them yourself. This builds a habit of finishing tasks on time and helps you stop procrastinating in the future.
Incorporate Movement
If your tasks involve sitting at a desk for hours, it may be pretty clear why you are procrastinating. No one wants to sit and work for that long! That is why you need to incorporate movement into your otherwise sedentary tasks. Get up and walk around your office every 30 minutes or invest in a standing desk so you don’t have to sit all day. You are more likely to enjoy a task and complete it well when you make it active and physical rather than boring and sleepy.
Find the Why
If you have been putting off a task, you may need to be reminded of why you need to complete it in the first place. Maybe you have to finish a project at work in order to get paid, or perhaps you need to make a certain phone call to keep a friend happy. Whatever the task, there is always a why. Write down why you need to complete the project and look at the reason anytime you feel like putting it off until later. Remembering the why can help motivate you to get things done!
Find a Buddy
Do you know other people who also procrastinate? Maybe you could work together! Have a friend, family member, or coworker be your procrastination buddy, and you can be theirs. The two of you can work together to keep each other on track. Having someone else holding you accountable can really help keep you on task, and when you are giving them tips to stop procrastinating, it may help you as well!
