7 Effective Steps : How to Defeat Procrastinations and Boost Your Productivities

READ TIME: 4 Minutes.

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing a task or decision that needs to be done. It can affect anyone, regardless of age, profession, or personality. Procrastination can have negative consequences, such as missed deadlines, poor performance, stress, anxiety, guilt, and low self-esteem. However, procrastination is not a sign of laziness or incompetence. It is often a coping mechanism for dealing with fear, uncertainty, boredom, or lack of motivation.

The good news is that procrastination can be overcome with some strategies and techniques that can help you get started, stay focused, and finish your tasks. Here are some practical examples and steps on how to overcome procrastination and boost your productivity:

1. Identify the root cause of your procrastination.

Why are you putting off the task? Is it because you are afraid of failure or rejection? Is it because you are overwhelmed by the complexity or scope of the task? Is it because you are not interested or passionate about the task? Is it because you are distracted by other things? Once you understand the reason behind your procrastination, you can address it more effectively.

2. Break down the task into smaller and manageable chunks.

One of the common causes of procrastination is feeling overwhelmed by a large or complex task. To overcome this, you can break down the task into smaller and more manageable subtasks that can be completed in a shorter time. For example, if you have to write a blog post, you can divide it into steps such as choosing a topic, researching information, outlining the main points, writing the introduction, writing the body paragraphs, writing the conclusion, editing and proofreading, and publishing. This way, you can focus on one step at a time and feel a sense of accomplishment after each step.

3. Set specific and realistic goals and deadlines.

Another cause of procrastination is having vague or unrealistic goals and deadlines. To overcome this, you can set specific and realistic goals and deadlines for each subtask and for the whole task. For example, instead of saying "I will write a blog post today", you can say "I will write the introduction of my blog post by 10 am". This way, you can have a clear direction and a sense of urgency for your task.

4. Reward yourself for completing each subtask and the whole task.

One of the best ways to motivate yourself to overcome procrastination is to reward yourself for completing each subtask and the whole task. Rewards can be anything that makes you happy or satisfied, such as watching a movie, eating a snack, playing a game, listening to music, or taking a nap. Rewards can also be intrinsic, such as feeling proud, confident, or relieved after finishing your task. Rewards can help you associate positive feelings with your task and reinforce your behavior.

5. Eliminate or minimize distractions and interruptions.

Another factor that contributes to procrastination is having too many distractions and interruptions that divert your attention from your task. To overcome this, you can eliminate or minimize distractions and interruptions by creating a conducive environment for your work. For example, you can turn off your phone notifications, close unnecessary tabs on your browser, wear headphones to block out noise, or work in a quiet and comfortable place. You can also use tools such as timers, calendars, planners, or apps to help you manage your time and stay on track.

6. Seek support from others who can help you with your task.

Sometimes, procrastination can be caused by feeling isolated or unsupported in your task. To overcome this, you can seek support from others who can help you with your task. For example, you can ask for feedback from your peers or mentors, join a study group or a online community related to your topic, or hire a professional service or coach to assist you with your task. Seeking support from others can help you gain new perspectives, insights, ideas, or skills that can improve your task.

7. Change your mindset and attitude towards your task.

Finally, one of the most important steps to overcome procrastination is to change your mindset and attitude towards your task. Instead of viewing your task as a burden or a chore that you have to do reluctantly or forcefully, view it as an opportunity or a challenge that you want to do willingly or eagerly. Instead of focusing on the negative aspects or outcomes of your task, focus on the positive aspects or outcomes of your task. Instead of criticizing yourself for procrastinating or failing in your task,
praise yourself for trying or succeeding in your task.

By following these steps and examples on how to overcome procrastination and boost your productivity,
you will be able to start and finish any task that you set for yourself with confidence and enthusiasm.
Remember that procrastination is not a permanent trait that defines who you are.
It is a temporary habit that can be changed with practice and perseverance.
You have the power and potential to achieve anything that you want if you put your mind and heart into it.

So what are you waiting for? Stop procrastinating and start doing! You can do it!

Click and follow NairaMatter on : FACEBOOK @ NAIRANOWMATTER