I asked my wonderful Twitter followers what they would like to read about, and several of them responded that they would like to read about things that they can implement into their life. After much thought, I realized that if there is one thing that I could help others learn about, it would be about Procrastination.
I like to think that I am a mastermind when it comes to not procrastinating. It is a skill that has taken me all of my life to master. I remember being a kid and struggling to get things done because I didn’t really want to do it.
Here are some tips for when you really don’t want to do anything but you still need to get it done.
#1: Set a Timer
This is a HUGE help for me in the procrastination department. This year as I have started my first year of teaching, I have felt the burden of stress. I often am so tired by the end of the day that I don’t want to do anything else. However, I am also a coach and am going to school full time. In order for me to get my schoolwork done, I set a timer for 45 minutes. During those 45 minutes I focus only on school work. I don’t check my phone, emails, shop on Amazon, or watch an episode on Netflix. These 45 minutes are precious. They are to be used SOLELY for the purpose of being productive.
Once the 45 minutes has been completed, I then will reward myself with 30 minutes of me doing whatever I want. Now is the appropriate time to Amazon shop or Netflix and Chill. Then I repeat the process till I can’t go any longer or are needing a little break.
This has been perfect for me. Sometimes I do a 30 minute timer and a 10 minute break depending on my day. It changes just like life does. I have noticed though how much more productive I am when I know that I have a break and a reward coming up. I am able to accomplish so much more than I normally would have.
#2 Set Weekly Goals
This has been another HUGE one for me. Goal setting has always been a huge part of my life. As an athlete in High School I would always set goals for the amount of Blocks in volleyball I would get or the amount of defensive stops that I would create in Basketball. Having a goal helped me to focus on the things that I could control and having something to strive for pushed me harder.
Lately setting weekly goals has played a big part into me getting everything done that I needed to. I like to set 4 main goals every week. I set a goal for myself physically and spiritually. Then I set a goal for work and one school.
By deciding at the start of the week what I think is the most important and setting a goal for me to reach helps me to stay focused and combat the procrastination. I really don’t want to let myself down and because of that, I am able to stay focused on my goals and I almost always accomplish them.
#3 Give Yourself a Break
I know what you must be thinking. How does giving yourself a break help with procrastination? Isn’t a break considered procrastination?
Not really. Here is why. When you are filled to the brim with things to do. When your stress levels are high, you are on your 7th bad hair day of the week. You are loaded on caffeine, and you haven’t seen the sun in days because you have been working so hard. That is when you need a break.
I can’t tell you enough how many times I have sat down at the computer to get my classes done and I end up spending hours just staring at the computer. I waste all that time and do not accomplish anything because I literally can’t go anymore.
This is when you need to give yourself a break. Don’t worry about all of your TO DO’s for the day. Instead take an Epsom Salt bath, listen to your favorite music. Put on your comfiest PJ’s and spend a day watching your favorite movies. Go out with your friends who you haven’t seen for weeks while you have been cooped up.
Taking a break will renew your energy. You will find that after your break, when you return to your todo’s, that procrastination will be easier to combat and you will be more productive.
What are some of the ways that you have found to be able to overcome procrastination? Leave a comment!
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