Once you accept the fact you are an imperfect human being who is just trying to do their best and whose efforts sometimes fall short of expectations, you will remove a major obstacle to getting back on track. This article offers 10 tips on how to deal with procrastination.
1. Focus on what you can do TODAY, not what you didn't do yesterday. Don't get drowned in the past. What's done is done. Today it no longer counts.
2. The trick to getting started is to get started. Establish a regular work routine. Before you begin, organise your workspace so that it does not distract you. Leave the phone in another room. Start with anything just to get moving. Do you need to prepare a long report? Start by arranging the documents. Once you have initiated some activity, it's less likely you'll just leave it, but instead complete it step by step.
3. Portion the elephant. Create a list of sub-goals or tasks. Complete the sub-goals and the final goal suddenly becomes achievable.
4. Start with small, easily achievable sub-goals. If you are scared by a demanding creative activity, for example, start with partial easier steps to help you better prepare for the main activity.
5. Appraise yourself. Don't focus on the things you still have to do. Praise yourself for what you have already achieved and do not regret what you have not yet completed. Just leave all non-urgent tasks till the following day. This way, you can allow yourself to postpone some activities. Accept the fact that you often can't do everything at once.
6. Divide the work into 15-30 minute blocks. Don't try to bite off more than you can chew at once. Breaks at work are important. Have a drink, take a light lunch and then return to work.
7. Take a 10-15 minute break every hour. Reward yourself for completing a set part of the task by taking a moment to savour an activity you enjoy. For example, a quick read of the news or browsing social networks will distract you for a while. You choose a reward, but combine it exclusively with completing a specified part of the task.
8. Don't become a victim of yourself and your feelings. The mind sometimes tends to be carried away in this direction. Be aware of this and try to keep the focus not on yourself but always on the task.
9. At the end of the day, write down 2-3 things you have done and another 2-3 things you plan for tomorrow. Make a plan in advance so you aren't starting every day from scratch.
10. Apply the "good enough" standard. You don't have to be perfect; you just have to be good enough. Setting unrealistically high standards prevents you from trying things out of fear. Never try to meet the unreasonable expectations you place on yourself.
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