Procrastination is something we all do whether we realize it or not, even with the smallest and simplest of things. Below is a list of things I have done to help me to stop procrastinating and get things done more effectively.
Remind Yourself
Keep track of the things you need to do using a calender, agenda, or notepad. You can even design your own calender, since its designed specially for yourself you can add whatever you want and your calender might help you to stay on task better than any other calender. Make sure to keep it somewhere that you will see it constantly such as the refrigerator.
Plan everything and set goals
Write down everything you intend to do at the start of the week and check things off as you get them done.
Get rid of distractions
Work somewhere quiet where you can focus on what you have to do without losing concentration all of the time.
Complete harder tasks first
Instead of worrying about small tasks that you can do quickly, worry about the difficult ones that will take more time to complete.
Do it now not later
Have you ever recieved a new message regarding a new project or a had to make a call to a potential client, and thought “I’ll just do it later”? Chances are that person probably contacted several others as well, if you respond right away not only will it give you a better chance of securing that project but it will help reduce your procrastination with bigger things. Another practice I found useful is when you see an article that you are interested in don’t bookmark it and think you will go back to it later (you might forget about it), read it right away and if you want to add something leave a comment.
Break things into smaller parts
Breaking things down can make something long and complicated seem short and easier. When working on a project make a list of different parts that you will work on at different times. For example, when working on a logo I would break it down to:
- Interview
- Research
- Planning
- Sketching
- Visualizing
- Finalizing
Make sure to take breaks in between each one and before you know it you will be finished and have time to relax instead of doing something last minute and stressing yourself out in the end.
Do you have a good tip to help stop procrastination?
This is exactly what I needed to read today. When I’m in the “zone”, I always do an amazing job in what I’m doing — the problem is that concentrating enough to reach the zone is always a problem for me.
What I normally do to stop procrastinating is:
1. Make myself a cup of tea
2. Go to my room where there are no distractions
3. Make a list of what to do
4. Set myself a time limit
I find that if I’m in the living room, where the TV is always on, I can’t get much work done at all. Same thing if I’m listening to my MP3 player.
I’m the exact same way, the hardest thing for me is getting away from the living room. I know I can’t focus there but I always try to work there before finally going to my room.
Thanks for the post. It was very helpful for someone like myself who can get distracted easily while working at times, especially since I work at home.
[...] 6 ways to stop procrastinating Below is a list of things I have done to help me to stop procrastinating and get things done more effectively. [...]
[...] 6 Ways To Stop Procrastinating (deltadesignz.com) Share this on del.icio.usBump this on DesignBumpSubmit this to DesignFloatMoo this on DesignMoo!Digg this!Share this on FacebookShare this on FriendFeedAdd this to Google BookmarksShare this on LinkedinSubmit this to NetvibesPost this to PosterousShare this on RedditStumble upon something good? Share it on StumbleUponTweet This! [...]
[...] 6 ways to stop procrastinating Below is a list of things I have done to help me to stop procrastinating and get things done more effectively. [...]