So you’re feeling uninspired. You went to Instagram to look for style inspo, then Pinterest to plan your future dream home and now you’re here. We’re flattered, but we really do want you to start working on that project. If your to-do list is looking impossible or you’ve been postponing a particular task for weeks, then maybe it’s time to finally stop procrastinating. First, check out this infographic, created by EssayExpert, for 15 techniques on how to finally get stuff done, and then go do it.
1. Be True to You: If you know that you’re not a morning person, don’t put your most important tasks at the beginning of the day. Be ambitious, but also be realistic with what you can and can’t accomplish.
2. Time Management: The genius 30/30 app is based on an age-old idea that maximum productivity happens when you focus on a single task, completely uninterrupted, for half an hour. When the time is up, you take a half-hour break.
3. Make It Personal: Look at the big picture to what first made you commit to this project. When you take a step back and identify personal goals, it makes the project look less intimidating.
4. Check It Off: You know that great feeling you get when you check something off your list? Make sure there are things on your list that you know you can accomplish, and then literally check them off.
5. Stage Your Workplace: Sorry, but having Netflix playing in the background probably isn’t the best work environment. However, this Spotify playlist could be the secret to a more productive work day.
6. Don’t Aim for the Stars: Procrastination is a tough habit that’s probably not going to change overnight. Don’t set unrealistic goals for yourself when you’re first starting. Little successes will encourage you to keep being successful.
7. Be Positive: We can be our worst critic, and beating yourself up with negative talk isn’t healthy or productive. Practice affirmations when you start procrastinating to get yourself back on track.
8. Lose the List: A schedule that is too strict creates more stress when you can’t stick to it. A flexible schedule ensures you get the important things done, but also have enough time for creative projects and fun activities.
9. Break Down Big Tasks: We usually put the biggest, scariest task at the top of our to-do lists and then proceed to neglect it. If a project feels too overwhelming, try breaking it into little chunks with lots of breaks.
10. Get Real: Even though dreaming about the perfectly planned week is nice, it doesn’t really accomplish anything. Put those grand plans into action and make dreams a reality.
11. Recognize Weaknesses: If you know that leaving Facebook open will constantly distract you, try taking it off your phone or use an app that limits your time on social media.
12. Focus on the Future: Yes, living mindfully in the present is important, but it’s also good to keep an eye on what you want the future to look like. The behavior you’re engaging in now will predict what the next few years look like.
13. Be Independent: A good team is invaluable, but sometimes you can depend on others too much. Don’t let your friends turn into enablers.
14. Treat Yo’ Self: You may use this on your kids, but it totally works for adults too. Give yourself little incentives to work toward, like a new makeup palette or a fancy new skin product you didn’t know you needed.
15. Try, Try Again: Just because you didn’t check off everything on the to-do list doesn’t mean you need to beat yourself up about it. Take a deep breath, channel your inner zen and give it your best try again tomorrow.
Will any of these tips help you stop procrastinating? Let us know if they work in the comments below, and don’t forget to check out the full infographic!
(h/t Entrepreneur)
