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how<br />
to beat<br />
procrastination<br />
Procrastination often leads to missed opportunities and increased stress.<br />
Here are some practical tips to help you overcome it<br />
What is<br />
procrastination?<br />
Procrastination is the act of<br />
delaying or postponing a task or<br />
decision that needs to be done,<br />
often because of fear, anxiety,<br />
boredom, or lack of motivation.<br />
Procrastination can have negative<br />
consequences, such as lower<br />
productivity, missed deadlines,<br />
poor quality of work, stress, and<br />
guilt. Making excuses, choosing<br />
easier tasks over more important<br />
ones, putting off or avoiding<br />
tasks, and waiting for the 'perfect<br />
time' are all common signs of<br />
procrastination. Here are some<br />
ways to overcome procrastination.<br />
28<br />
Set specific and<br />
realistic goals<br />
Having clear and attainable goals<br />
can help you focus on what you<br />
need to do and why.<br />
Break down large or complex<br />
tasks into smaller and simpler<br />
ones, and assign deadlines and<br />
rewards for each step. This can<br />
make your tasks more manageable<br />
and motivating. Specific goals are<br />
clear, measurable, and actionable,<br />
while realistic goals are attainable,<br />
relevant, and timely.<br />
Put these tasks into a calendar so<br />
that they have a scheduled time<br />
allocated to them. Simply putting<br />
them on a to-do list often leads to<br />
them being discarded but putting<br />
tasks into a calendar improves the<br />
chances of them getting done.<br />
Create a conducive<br />
environment<br />
Eliminate or minimise distractions<br />
that can tempt you to<br />
procrastinate, such as your phone,<br />
social media, TV, or noise.<br />
Find a comfortable and quiet<br />
place to work, and gather all<br />
the materials and resources you<br />
need before you start. This can<br />
help you concentrate and avoid<br />
interruptions.<br />
Choose a suitable place to work,<br />
such as a desk, a library, or a quiet<br />
room. Keep your workspace tidy<br />
and have all the tools you need<br />
ready and waiting. One of the most<br />
effective productivity apps on your<br />
phone is the Airplane mode, which<br />
stops your phone from receiving<br />
any messages or notifications. If<br />
you are in a position to do so, use it.<br />
You'll work a lot more effectively<br />
if you are comfortable so get your<br />
temperature right and make sure<br />
the lighting is good. Thinking about<br />
how uncomfortable you are can<br />
distract you from your task.<br />
Finally, take regular breaks, even<br />
if that means going for a walk<br />
away from your workplace, outside<br />
if possible. You'll return to your<br />
task feeling more energised and<br />
refreshed.