How not to procrastinate? 7 tips and strategies

Procrastination is a word commonly used among students and workers. And no wonder: in their respective contexts, it refers to postponing tasks by prioritizing others of less importance. This behavior, which has diverse origins, generates a set of negative consequences beyond stress and frustration.

In this post, we tell you a little more about it; In addition, we give you the answer to how not to procrastinate by offering you some advice.

What do we talk about when we talk about procrastination?

This word – which has gained prominence, especially in the educational and work spheres – refers to the act of postponing tasks and decisions. Following this, its main characteristic is to prioritize tasks of lesser importance to the detriment of those that are, without a doubt, a priority (eg writing a report). It is a behavior whose background is not necessarily found in laziness; On the contrary, it arises from the combination of various psycho-emotional factors in which low self-esteem, fear of failure and perfectionism condition the execution of actions and decision-making.

This can have various consequences. One of them is the creation of a cycle of continuous stress that increasingly feeds on itself; That is, as tasks are postponed, feelings of guilt increase, added to the pressure to fulfill certain obligations in a shorter period of time. A kind of discomfort with oneself arises that impacts general well-being. Indeed, another consequence arises from this: low productivity. Can all tasks or responsibilities, whether at school or work, be covered without clear if not rigorous planning? The repercussions of procrastinating are diverse: slowing down the progress of individual or collective activities, losing opportunities, falling behind, among others.

All of the above explains the need to not only properly manage time, but also emotions. The company and guidance of professionals (eg psychologists or counselors) can positively impact performance and, therefore, both personal and professional satisfaction.

Benefits of not procrastinating

Not procrastinating is ideal, we know it. But, for those who have not been able to avoid it for a long time, knowing the benefits of stopping procrastination could help them take steps to change. What are these benefits? Let’s see them:

• Higher productivity. When tasks are completed according to a schedule, the use of time becomes more efficient. A prioritization matrix can be very useful here to recognize both the urgency and importance of activities.
• More free time. What remains after completing all the pending tasks? Yes, there is free time left. Leisure is important to maintain mental health. Not procrastinating, therefore, is the best option when looking for quality time for yourself.
• Less stress. The positive consequences of not procrastinating necessarily result in a reduced feeling of stress. By breaking the vicious cycle of procrastination, you achieve a continuous state of tranquility or, at least, a reduced sense of urgency.
• More achievements achieved. Achievements are always important, regardless of their magnitude. Small or large advances can be made, and expected results can be achieved, such as completing a university degree, obtaining a certification or getting a promotion. This increases motivation and, consequently, the search for new objectives.

How not to procrastinate with these 7 tips

Create an organized routine

We are beings of customs. Starting from this premise, creating a daily routine is essential to avoid the negative consequences of procrastination. However, it is not just any routine, but a very well-organized one with fixed schedules. What aspects are taken into account? Work hours, rest, leisure activities , among others. In addition, it is important to establish a specific time of day to consult social networks, certainly included in the list of factors that lead to procrastination. The greatest number of distractions should be avoided at all costs.

Establish implementation priorities

Above we mentioned a very useful tool in the organizational field that can be applied to other areas. This is the prioritization matrix. Although it is not explained in detail here, we are interested in the impact it has on priority setting. What are the most urgent and important tasks? Which ones require more time and resources to carry out? This helps to meet deadlines. The consequence? Greater efficiency.

20-minute rule

This rule is an effective technique to answer the question of how not to procrastinate. What does it consist of? As the name indicates, 20 minutes are used to complete tasks or activities. Although in principle it is used to create new habits, it can also be very useful to complete what has not been started or is only halfway done. It is an approach that allows you to break resistance at the beginning and, therefore, increase productivity.

Divide your work

There are tasks of varying magnitude: some more complex than others. Therefore, in order not to procrastinate, a good tip is to categorize them from smallest to largest, that is, address various segments with greater concentration. In fact, the simplest tasks could be left for later while those that require more effort and time are prioritized. Thus, instead of postponing the work, it moves forward little by little without neglecting any of its components.

Use time management methods

There are many time management methods, but among them the Pomodoro technique stands out. If you have heard of it, you will know that it focuses its attention on doing stretches of work of 25 minutes each with 5-minute breaks. Is it profitable? Those who have applied it affirm this, hence its popularity, especially among students. Now, there are other tools (calendars, schedules, to-do lists, mobile applications, among others) that can be adjusted to the needs and expectations of each person.

Eliminate distractions

This advice is obvious, but it is necessary to highlight it: distractions only interrupt the timely fulfillment of tasks and obligations. So, what to do? It is not enough to turn off mobile notifications, but also set limits on the use of applications and electronic devices. It is also recommended to discuss with colleagues, family and colleagues about avoiding interruptions during certain times of the day.

Reward your effort

When you ask about how not to procrastinate, you receive recommendations focused on the practical, which is fine. But there is one aspect that cannot go unnoticed: rewarding progress and, of course, small and large achievements. How to do it? You can take short breaks, snacks or another activity that generates well-being. This operates as positive reinforcement; that is, it creates a positive association with productivity.

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