“It’s the job that’s never started that takes the longest to finish. ” Sam said in The Fellowship of the Ring.
I think that summarizes procrastination pretty well, which is the second way towards productivity: stop procrastinating.
In the previous post I wrote about setting up a system to get organized. Being organized doesn’t help much if you procrastinate though.
So, why do people procrastinate?
Some reasons why people procrastinate are personal: maybe they’re going through a rough patch, maybe they are about to move.
Usually these causes are temporary. Perhaps you can continue working efficiently in the meantime. Other times you – and your surroundings – need to accept that you’re a bit off.
Other reasons are related to the work itself. Having an excessive workload can cause paralysis.
When tasks are too big you might not know where to start and start procrastinating instead. The same is true when you get stuck on a task.
The environment affects the ability to focus. Noise and constant interruptions are good examples.
TRY IT! Think about why you procrastinate. Are there times when you are more effective? What are the preconditions for that to happen? What kind of tasks are you working on then?
How To Stop Procrastinating
How to stop procrastinating is tackled differently by productivity methods, and relates to what causes are targeted.
Task Breakdown
This is an excellent way to come to terms with many work related issues.
By splitting tasks into smaller more manageable chunks work does not seem so overwhelming and it is easier to see where to start.
In GTD (Getting Things Done) the resulting smaller tasks are called next actions. Each action should be something you can finish without dependencies (otherwise it wouldn’t be the next action, would it?)
As an example, consider writing a report. This might at a first glance seem like a daunting task. If you treat it as a number of smaller tasks, it becomes much more manageable. “Write a draft outline.” “Write an introduction.” “Come up with a title.” and so on.
Focused Work in Iterations
This approach helps to avoid both external interruptions and when your mind wanders.
The first thing to do is to define goals, the things to work on. For example, you can start by setting up daily goals.
The workday is then split into short iterations with subsequent short breaks.
In each iteration, the goal is to concentrate on one of the tasks planned for that day.
The Pomodoro Technique is one method centered around this approach. It comprises strategies to deal with both lack of focus and interruptions.
Supportive Environment
To focus, and to get things done, you have to create a supportive working environment.
You need the right tools to do the work well and not get distracted by annoyances or delays caused by, for example, non-functioning software.
Examples of other distractions are unacceptable noise levels and interruptions by other people.
TRY IT! Think about if any of the strategies mentioned above might help you concentrate more and become more productive.
Method of Choice
The method of choice depends on the type of work.
If you mostly do large complex tasks that consist of many small steps and interactions, for example coordinating a workshop or managing a project, GTD might work better.
If you work continuously on something, for example reviewing or writing reports, or developing software, the Pomodoro Technique might be preferable.
A common question related to GTD seems to be how to handle a bigger coherent task, for example reading a book. My answer is to divide the workday into short iterations (Pomodoros if you like) and dedicate some to the task list (next actions, processing email, or whatever) and others to coding, reading and other longer tasks you need to do.
Let me know if you think there are other reasons why people procrastinate, and other strategies to stop procrastinating. Drop a comment below!
This was the second post of three in a series about how to attain productivity bliss. Next time I’ll sum up the series and share some further tips and ideas.
Productivity How-To InfographicsShows the three steps to becoming organized and productive.
1. Collect all the incoming data into a reliable system
2. Process and review the information regularly
3. Select the tasks to work on and focus
Click image for a larger view
For implementing GTD you can use this application:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.Gtdagenda.com
You can use it to manage your goals, projects and tasks, set next actions and contexts, use checklists, and a calendar.
Syncs with Evernote and Google Calendar, and also comes with mobile version, and Android and iPhone apps.
Hi,
ReplyDeleteI can really relate to this and the "reward yourself" technique is arguably the best to beat procrastination. There are some issues considering pain and pleasure, and how we are always striving toward pleasure and always trying to avoid pain but yea it pretty much sums it all up..
Some of the problems noted above can be avoided by having the right people. And when you have the right people, good time management will help a lot
ReplyDeleteI like every single word from this post. Procrastinating is something that accompanies almost every job. But I believe if you have a dream job you will forget about procrastinating. Check review resume writing servicesif you want to know effective tips for getting good job offer.
ReplyDeleteUse either of these programs to quickly file and sort all of the various bits of information you encounter daily with notes in the form of text, images, and voice recordings.weed scale app
ReplyDeleteapproval approval approval approval approval approval approval test approval approval approval approval approval approval approval
ReplyDeleteIt is interesting to read your blog post and I am going to share it with my friends.aybabg
ReplyDeleteUse either of these programs to quickly file and sort all of the various bits of information how to make money online you encounter daily with notes in the form of text, images, and voice recordings.
ReplyDeleteThe first season is very fascinating and exciting. I think that the director of this film is very gifted and qualified.EarnHoney
ReplyDeleteEarnHoney
ReplyDeleteSoftware House in Hyderabad
ReplyDeletekalno sahb
ReplyDeleteHowever, in the long run, the responsibilities, risks and time involved in hiring that employee can end up costing as much as three to four times what it would to have hired a software development company in the first place.DB Designer
ReplyDelete1st news web site this site provide a news information so more gain information. 1st news
ReplyDeleteBachelor developer this site a provider a All IT Service and Web Design and software design and SEO search engine optimizetion Service Provider So Then See Our Site And Gain Information And Service for Web Design and software design Our Software Company Our Clint’s For Spatial Discount see our site bachelordeveloper.com and Gain Information.
ReplyDeletebachelor developer
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis is a great article thanks for sharing this informative information. I will visit your blog regularly for some latest post. I will visit your blog regularly for Some latest post. nonstopguide.com
ReplyDeleteI'm really impressed about the info you provide in your articles. If you want to invest in suits and be stress-free, then you should shake hands with us. We are providing great clothing in the most reasonable price range that you wouldn’t find anywhere else. Put your trust in us as your supplier since we are the prominent printed stickers uk You can rely on us for the clothing problems we assure you we will never let our customers down.
ReplyDeleteGreat post mate, thank you for the valuable and useful information. Keep up the good work! FYI, please check these depression, stress and anxiety related articles:
ReplyDelete20 Ways to calm your mind – How to calm your mind
22 Ways To Become More Positive – How To Become Positive
25 Ways To Forget Unwanted Memories – How to Forget a Bad Memory
Top 25 Ways To Reduce Stress – How To Reduce Stress
21 Ways To Get Rid Of Anger – How To Get Rid Of Anger
How to Know When Depression Is Serious
21 Ways To Get Rid Of Anger – Alcohol and Depression
you can also contact me at depressioncure.net@gmail.com for link exchange, article exchange or for advertisement.
Thanks
Hi I am backlinks expert. i will provide high authority backlinks blog commenting,NICH blog commenting niche comment.
ReplyDeleteStickerZone is the fastest and easiest way to buy custom sticker printing. Order in 60 seconds and we’ll turn your designs and illustrations into custom stickers UK, custom labels, window, magnets, buttons and packaging in days. We offer free online proofs, free worldwide shipping and super fast turnaround. We don’t just custom stickers printing. StickerZone provide a wide variety of custom signage for all business types.
ReplyDeleteCustom Sticker Printing
iqra Quran center
ReplyDeleteWow, excellent post. I'd like to draft like this too - taking time and real hard work to make a great article. This post has encouraged me to write some posts that I am going to write soon
ReplyDeleteDie Cut Bookmarks
custom stickers uk
custom wig pillow boxes
Hello, I want to subscribe for this web site to take most up-to-date updates, thus where can i do it please help out.
ReplyDeleteReflective Stickers
Custom Box Printing
custom hair extension boxes
ReplyDeletecustom burger boxes
Custom Packaging Boxes
I'm really impressed about the info you provide in your articles. If you want to invest in suits and be stress-free, then you should shake hands with us. Custom Printed Boxes Uk
ReplyDeleteLogo Stickers
هل تبحث عن شركة متخصصة فى خدمات التنظيف بالطائف بافضل المعدات والسوائل وثقة تمة فى العمل ودقة فى النتائج كل هذه المميزت توفرها شركة الخليج الشركة الافضل والامثل فى الخدمات المنزلية بالطائف وبما اننا الشركة الافضل والامثل بدون منافس سوف نسعى لتوفر افضل الخدمات باقل تكلفة وبقدر كبير من الاهتمام والدقة عزيزى اينما كنت فى اى منطقة ا وحى تابع لمدينة الطائف اتصل بنا وسوف نصلك فى الحال شركة الخليج للخدمات المنزلية شركة تنظيف منازل بالطائف
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف فلل بالطائف
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالطائف
شركة تسليك مجارى بالطائف
شركة رش مبيدات بالطائف
شركة مكافحة نمل ابيض بالطائف
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالطائف
شركة عزل اسطح بالطائف
شركة عزل خزانات بالطائف
شركة السالم لخدمات التنظيف ومكافحة الحشرات ونقل العفش مع الفك والتركيب بالطائف يتم العمل لدينا من خلال فريق وعماله فنيه مدربه في غاية الاتقان ومن خلال احدث المعدات والاداوات مع شركة السالم فانت دائما في راحة تامه وامن مستمر
ReplyDeleteشركة تنظيف بالطائف
شركة تنظيف مجالس بالطائف
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالطائف
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالطائف
شركة رش مبيدات بالطائف
شركة عزل اسطح بالطائف
شركة تسليك مجاري بالطائف
شركة نقل اثاث بالطائف
bachelor developer software company
ReplyDeletehello brother's your bachelor developer software company provide high qualty software provider ricently create a school menegment system provide a very low bujet for school's with a androide application.
SEO
hello brother's your software company provide a high quality seo websites ranking on page and off page.
graphic design
hello brother's our software company provide graphic designing service by bachelor developer.
software company in hyderabad
software company in pakistan
hello brother's your bachelor developer software company provide high qualty software provider ricently create a school menegment system provide a very low bujet for school's with a androide application.
Web design company
bachelor developer software company provide high quality software and websites and more services.
cheap website design pakistan
software house in pakistan
software house in sindh
web development company pakistan
software house in latifabad
custom sticker
ReplyDeleteI’m curious to find out what blog system you’re utilizing? I’m having some small security problems with my latest website and I’d like to find something more safe. Do you have any suggestions? And Bet Numbers
ReplyDeleteOur easy-to-use website and the multitude of custom stickers printing option are just some of the reasons why business, graphic designers, and all our customers trust us with their printing – all backed by our 100% Guarantee!
ReplyDeleteCustom Sticker Printing
BUY Packaging Boxes Suppliers Have Great Experience Just imagine your brand we will print your Custom Packaging Boxes
ReplyDeleteCustom Packaging Boxes
And if you pay close attention those copies are pirated. It is more clear in case of newly released movies. You will find that the copy they are displaying is taped by a camera in a movie theatre! PinkFour
ReplyDeleteThis is very useful post for me. This will absolutely going to help me in my project. Thank you a lot! and if you need App development company then contact us!
ReplyDelete