Do you have problems with continuously postponing the fulfilment of tasks till later? Stop trying to find out why you do this and start focusing instead on specific solutions to the problem. Try, for example, to take more breaks. Although initially this may seem absurd, it is a very effective technique. The following unconventional ways to deal with procrastination were published at fastcompany.com.
1. Tell yourself that you don't procrastinate
Research shows it is very important how you talk about your problem with yourself, inside your head. It turned out, for example, that it is more effective to tell yourself that you "don't do" something than saying you "can't do it". So when the need to postpone a task comes, tell yourself: "I don't procrastinate." (rather than "I can't procrastinate.")
2. Give yourself more breaks
Short intervals when focusing on a specific task divided by breaks are more effective than trying to handle the entire task in a longer period of time. You can start by trying the so-called two-minute rule. Choose a part of the task which will take only two minutes to do and complete it. Continue by always telling yourself the next step will take only two minutes.
3. Don't focus on the task
Thinking about the task you constantly postpone naturally makes you feel stressed. You should therefore focus on how great you'll feel when the task is done.
4. Punish yourself for failures
You have probably heard about rewarding yourself if you manage to resist postponing a task until later. Negative incentives may, however, be stronger than the positive. Try to punish yourself every time you procrastinate by, for example, shortening your next break.
5. Don't wait for the best time
Many people make excuses for putting off tasks by saying they are waiting for the best opportunity to fulfil them. There is no best time for anything. Start right now.
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