It seems like every time you’re faced with a big deadline for work or school, your brain instantly goes into procrastination mode. Suddenly the house needs to be cleaned, that new television show looks a whole lot more interesting than it did before, and even just staring at the wall seems more appealing than doing your work. If this sounds all too familiar, these three tips will help you to stop procrastinating for good.
- Break things up. A huge project may seem daunting, but once you break it down into smaller steps, it'll seem much easier to manage. Create an outline of the project with each part broken down into its own step, and the tackle each step one at a time. Crossing off those items will feel so good that you’ll look forward to moving on to the next one.
- Get a change of scenery. If you work from home, the amount of distractions in your living space can start to feel overwhelming. Set up a home office area that’s completely separate from your bedroom, living room, or other recreational areas, or even take your work to a coffee shop when you feel the dreaded procrastination bug coming on.
- Hold yourself accountable. Whether this means telling a friend or colleague about your goals or marking them down on a calendar, many people work more efficiently if they’re held accountable for their actions. Over time, this may even translate into better work habits altogether.
11 Practical Ways to Stop Procrastination [Lifehack]
How to Stop Procrastination in 4 Simple Steps Even if You’re Lazy [Digital Bloggers]
15 Ways to Stop Procrastinating Right Now [Business Insider]
8 Ways to Not Procrastinate [Relevant Magazine]