7 Simple Ways To Address Procrastination

1 min

Procrastination is very common, whether it is related to work, home or personal life. But chronic indecisiveness and delay can eventually undermine a healthy lifestyle. With more of us working from home and trying to balance work and family life, having good habits is essential. The good news is there are simple ways to help overcome these tendencies. You can address procrastination through behavioral workshops, group therapy, individual therapy or with some of the following lifestyle strategies:

1. Break large jobs into small ones. Start with a yearly plan, break it down into months, then weeks, then days. Feel free to specify detailed tasks for the days and weeks only a month or so in advance.
2. Organize your environment. Chaotic surroundings can be distracting and stressful and pull your focus from the task at hand.
3. Schedule your time. If you need to, wake up an hour earlier or use part of your break time as a temporary strategy to get tasks accomplished.
4. Set reasonable goals. Trying to achieve too much in too little time can actually set you back.
5. Set deadlines to accomplish your larger tasks. When you achieve them, treat yourself – some flowers or a small piece of dark chocolate are appropriate and satisfying rewards.
6. Pace yourself. Work on a task you’ve been postponing for ten minutes and then decide whether or not to continue. If you discontinue the task, schedule another time to get it done.
7. Batch email and text messages to prevent them from interrupting your flow. Put your phone on airplane or do not disturb mode and do not reach for it until your task is completed. Schedule periods of time in your day to check your inbox, that way incoming messages can be addressed in a focused batch instead of distracting you one by one.

Learn more: Making Hard Choices

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