8 Ways to Overcome Procrastination according to Science
Humans are tormented by procrastination. We always put important tasks for tomorrow. We allow ourselves to get distracted or simply we don’t want to do things.
Procrastination arises due to lack of self control. Also, chronic procrastination can affect the job performance and decrease the level of productivity. While procrastinators think they may be able to avoid stress, on the contrary this approach can cause more stress in the long run. It can also give birth to various health issues and can lead to poor work performance.
Here are some really easy ways which will help you get rid of procrastination. Also, you’ll be less worried and stress free. These will help you in boosting self confidence and making you more effective.
1. Write it out
Write all things that you’ve been putting off for tomorrow. Doing this will help you in bringing the important things in front that you can’t ignore. One should always create SMART goals ie Specific,Measurable, Attainable, Realistic and Time-Oriented.
On the other hand, create a ‘Not To Do’ list. It’s time to clean up and it is very important to create the list. This will help you in getting rid of all the unnecessary things.
2. Get rid of catastrophizing
Catastrophizing refers to view a situation as considerable worse than it actually is. This is the one big reason of procrastination. This habit makes the task look boring and unbearable. You should be optimistic towards your work and get things done in an easy way.
3. Be prepared for obstacles
Be prepared as you’ll be facing challenges and obstacles. Face it and overcome through all the difficulties that occur on you way to success. Focus on dealing with the projects in a shorter deadline that land o your desk. Stay calm and motivated.
“The more obstacles I overcome, the stronger I become” – Gracie Alvarez.
4. Be realistic
Break your projects and set time frame for each one of them. Look for ways that can make your task easier and simpler. For getting close to success, it’s highly recommended to schedule your task and do it right away. This will allow you to spend some time for yourself too! It’s a reality check, so be realistic about the things that you deliver. This will ensure something miraculous comes to you.
5. Don’t make excuses
“Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have a habit of making excuses,” explained American agricultural scientist and inventor, George Washington Carver.
Gone are the days where you make excuses and postpone your work. Stop the habit of making excuses as it will only delay your work and create a burden. People who make these silly excuses are never able to start and complete their work on time, leading to more stress and anxiety.
6. Banish distractions and stress
Don’t try to fool yourself. Keep away the distractions and focus completely on your work. Keep a time journal with yourself to see where your most of the time is being spent. This will help you in getting rid of the unwanted activities and be more productive towards your work. It’s so rightly said that focus comes when you try to eliminate distractions.
As per the survey conducted by Towers Watson, 57 percent of the workers felt less productive at work due to stress. On the other hand 68 percent of people felt that they required more number of hours to complete their daily work. Also, high stress is linked directly to absenteeism. So, never let your stress vandalize you.
7. Stay true to yourself
According to James Clear, your future self sets goals only, and it’s your present self that takes action to get there. So, if you are actively completing all your present tasks, then you surely have a clear future. Just complete your work in set deadlines and you are good to go.
8. Be good to yourself :
Don’t be too hard with yourself. Yes, it’s true that people work better under pressure; but not all, only some. So, notice what wrong you are doing to yourself and stop being judgemental. Calm yourself and ease up so that you can provide better quality work, making your seniors happy.
These are some of tips and hacks that might prevent you to getting plagued due to procrastination. These will help you in getting more confident, productive and less stressed out.