We all procrastinate. Those minutes spent at the coffee machine, the reading of spam or junk emails, indecision, or chatting to work colleagues all amount to procrastination, and whether we like to admit it, or not, we all do it in some form or another.
Sometimes, procrastinating can be a way of organising your mind ready for the task ahead, but more often than not it is an avoidance technique. There are numerous ways to get you back on track so you feel ready to face what is to come and we’ve selected a few of our favourite tried and tested techniques below so you can stop procrastinating for good.
All or nothing
We all procrastinate when we are avoiding starting a project that we know will take much time and effort, but we all enjoy completing tasks. However, when there is a mammoth task our reluctance can be overwhelming, especially if we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Rather than avoid the task in an ‘all or nothing’ way, allocate a set time each day where you work on the project and then repeat this daily. 30 minutes each day soon becomes two and half hours, after only one week, and before you know it the project is complete.
Getting started
Start at the beginning is good, logical advice. It’s not always practical though. Don’t waste precious time worrying about where to begin a project, just start somewhere. Once you’ve begun, you can easily alter the start or change anything you aren’t happy with. The most important thing is to actually make a start.
Perfectionism
This can be paralysing for those of us who fear imperfection in their work, and can be another form of procrastinating when it means you avoid starting assignments or cases. If you start writing early you can avoid imperfection when you edit, re-write or check facts and citations, but if you don’t get started you more likely to err in your haste.
Do nothing
Intentionally doing nothing is more difficult than it sounds. When you become aware you are procrastinating a good way to get over this is to assemble all you need on your desk, and then sit there and do nothing. Time yourself for seven minutes – don’t pick up a pen, open a browser, or click a mouse in that time. The frustration will propel you into action once the seven minutes are up and you’ll be itching to get started.
Fifteen minute work rule
Set an alarm on your phone for fifteen minutes and then work flat out until it goes off. If, after fifteen minutes, you want to carry on, simply re-set the alarm and keep going. Repeat this process until you are ready for a break. The benefit of this system is that you are never more than fifteen minutes away from a possible break.
Not in the mood?
Inspiration is a devious thing. Sometimes it’s there and other times it is nowhere to be found, no matter how hard you search. If inspiration has taken a short break without you, don’t worry, just get started without it as it’ll soon come back from its coffee break.
Adjournments will catch up with you
When stepping into a cold pool do you dive straight in, or step gingerly down, one toe at a time? Generally, it is better to take a deep breath and dive in – it’s never as bad as you think it will be. Putting things off is rarely a good idea. Sooner or later all those unpleasant things you’ve been avoiding will catch up with you. Even worse than delaying starting, is the unnecessary worry that accompanies such avoidance tactics.
Give yourself a break
Although this may sound paradoxical to all we’ve said so far, ensure that you are allowing yourself time to rest, process and recuperate throughout each day. This includes a break for food, re-hydration, and some form of active movement, especially if you are desk tied for most of the day. Working flat out constantly, for long days, and even longer weeks, can take its toll on your physical and mental health. All work and no play is fine for a while but can lead to fatigue, inefficiency and burnout if left unchecked. Reward yourself for your hard work, you’ve earnt it.
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