Practical Tips for Overcoming Procrastination at Work

Hi Fajar,

Here’s what I do. It’s wicked simple which for me is unheard of! yet seems to work wonders. I have a Daytimer 2-page-per-day calendar, as well as a zillion time management apps, but my Daytimer will never leave me.

Today I learned I need to:

Trim the tree in front of the trellis Replace my car’s ball joints (ouch!) Repair small leak in my rear differential (oh, the things I do for my Mustang! it’s all love) Replace the water filter in our house

Obviously, all of these can wait sorta. So in my Daytimer, I wrote down “Trim tree,” “replace ball joints,” “repair rear leak,” and “replace water filter.”

Tomorrow I will turn to 10/12th. And I’ll check off “trim tree” and add to the 12th “trim tree,” then check off “replace ball joints” and add to the 12th “replace ball joints.”

Though I think you can guess the ending by the time I get tired of rewriting each of these items “EVERY SINGLE F’ING DAY,” I will get the pruners and march out to the yard and trim the tree.

Next day, I pick up the phone and call “Let’s schedule that repair.” Then, I pencil out a month after the repair is scheduled “Call to schedule leak.” Finally, I get my wrench, march downstairs, and change the water filter.

WARNINGS:

While this works like a charm, if you try it, it’s important that you write down everything. Paul Allen wrote books on this, which I won’t describe here. Write down every “Next Step,” no matter how small. Procrastination is human and common, and while nowadays I ignore questions about distractions, procrastination hits even the best of us. So, you’re not unusual in procrastinating, even at work. ONE MORE THING: Once you start crossing things off your calendar and doing them, you’ll find it becomes instinctive. DO still write them down even if you do them immediately, unless they take less than 2 minutes a la Paul Allen, but you’ll find you just do it.

Your thoughts,

Take care,

Michael Emerald

Key Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination

Managing procrastination at work can be a challenge, but it is entirely manageable with the right strategies. Michael’s approach, while unconventional, is quite effective. Get organized, break tasks into small steps, and prioritize action. Here are some key strategies:

1. Create a Task List

Write down all your tasks, no matter how minor, and use a simple calendar like Michael’s Daytimer to mark them down. This visual representation makes it easier to see what needs to be done and helps you stay committed to following through.

2. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Sometimes, tasks feel overwhelming because they are too big. Breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps can make them seem less daunting. For instance, instead of thinking about writing an entire report, focus on outlining the main points first.

3. Use Tools and Apps

With a plethora of time management apps available, leverage technology to help you stay on track. Trello, Asana, and Todoist are just a few tools that can help you organize your tasks and prioritize them effectively.

4. Set Clear Deadlines

Failing to set deadlines can lead to procrastination. By setting clear deadlines, you create a sense of urgency that motivates you to start work earlier and follow through with your commitments.

5. Practice Daily Discipline

Consistency is key when it comes to breaking the cycle of procrastination. Discipline yourself to perform tasks daily, and gradually, this will become a routine. Even small progress can help train your brain to be productive.

Additional Tips for Staying Productive

In addition to the strategies mentioned above, here are a few more tips:

1. Identify Distractions

Recognize and eliminate distractions that commonly hinder your productivity. This might mean adjusting your work environment, turning off notifications, or creating a distraction-free zone.

2. Prioritize Important Tasks

Use the Eisenhower Box (urgent/important matrix) to prioritize tasks. Focus on doing the most important tasks first, even if they are not the most urgent.

3. Reward Yourself

Giving yourself small rewards for completing tasks can be an effective motivation. These rewards could be as simple as a short break or a favorite snack.

Ultimately, overcoming procrastination is about maintaining consistency and structure in your daily routine. By implementing these strategies consistently, you can enhance your productivity and achieve your goals more efficiently.

Let’s rethink our approach to work and break the chains of procrastination!

Best regards,