We all procrastinate for one reason or another. It may be mundane tasks like filing or something that requires more time and therefore seems like too much effort. However, these tasks can build up and create more stress than you felt in the first place. To help you stop procrastinating and tackle your fears face on, we’ve rounded up some great tips to get you through it all. If prioritization is a struggle for you, check out this challenge on how to prioritize and manage your time. Now, read on to learn how to stop procrastinating!
When everything seems to beg for your attention at once, there are several strategies you can utilize to help put yourself back on the right track. You need to learn how to be more productive and learn how to prioritize.
Practice the Two-Minute Rule
Part 1 of the Two-Minute Rule comes from David Allen’s bestselling book, Getting Things Done. If it takes less than two minutes, do it now. Author James Clear suggests Part 2. When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do. The Two-Minute Rule works because once you start doing something, it’s easier to continue doing it.
Break it Down
If the task in front of you seems too daunting, break it down into smaller steps. This makes the task seem more achievable. Once you complete a smaller task, you feel accomplished and accomplishment encourages us to keep going.
Change your Environment
Many people do not realize the impact that your environment has on your productivity. Often times our “work” space and our “home” space can become one in the same. To improve your productivity and stop procrastinating, make a clear differentiation between the two. And if you find yourself procrastinating, get up and change your location.
Eliminate Distractions
Distractions give you a reason to continue to procrastinate. Eliminate these distractions and set a fixed amount of time to spend on the task at hand. For example, put your phone in another room or try an Internet restriction app so you resist the temptation to check your emails or scroll through social media.
Practice the Pomodoro Technique
If you find yourself taking too much time on a specific task, take a mental break to stay sharp. The Pomodoro Technique recommends 25 minutes of work followed by a five-minute break.
Stop Waiting
Sometimes we wait for the “perfect” time to do something. There is no perfect time, the only time is now. If you keep waiting for this perfect time, things will never get done. Perfectionism is one of the biggest reasons for procrastination.
If your goal is to accomplish more in less time, then you need to develop the foundation for your productive PR work week.
This Time Management Challenge will help you learn how to manage your time rather than being managed by the lengthy list of items on your PR to do list. We will show you how to make small tweaks to your work habits to improve your PR productivity.
Let us know the tricks and tips that you use to stop procrastinating! If prioritization is a struggle for you, we hope you will join us for the challenge to start better managing your time!
Talia Beckett
Talia Beckett Davis is the Founder of Canadian Women in Public Relations and American Women in Public Relations. She works as the Managing Director of Pink Pearl PR.
