How To Overcome Procrastination And Be Productive. 5 Super Tips!
- Bhumi N Deshpande
- Sep 13, 2022
- 5 min read
Introduction
You must have heard the quote -
'The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step'
By Lao Tzu
Well, something worthy to comprehend in there.
Let me ask you a question.
How often do you give yourself tasks to do?
"All the time! I'm a busy person"
Now let's change this question a little.
How often do you get these tasks done?
"Well I try to, but…"
Ok fine. I got the answer.
Now since I've told you the problem, can't leave you without the solution.
So here it is.
You read the quote at the start of this blog right?
One way of understanding it is the emphasis being put on the first step.
But why is the first step so important?
Let's find out.
How about a practical example.
I'm sure all of you here use Instagram.
(Don't tell me you don't use it. Otherwise how will you follow me! My instagram id is writerbhumi BTW)
Anyways, coming back to the point.
So all of you use Instagram.
You sure know what reels are.
You see, once you click on one reel i.e. take the first step, a queue of similar or related reels start playing one after another.
And the more reels you watch, the harder it gets to stop watching them!
Now, this is a negative side of what I'm trying to explain.
Watching reels is not negative. It's just that a lot of time goes into it, that could have been used productively elsewhere.
In a nutshell, when you start doing something, you do get it done.
In fact, it is psychologically proven that once started, even if it is a tiny start, you are 50% more likely to complete the task.
It is great to know something, but it is even important to know how to use that information.
Let's see how we can use it for our benefit.
Suppose you have to complete a report.
Just think about it. Think about what you will write in it. What pictures you'll put in or how you'll format it.
Even thinking about the task can be considered as a first step towards doing it.
So think of your work, take the first step and get it done.
The one who tells is good, the one who listens is better and the one who does is the best.
But this solution brings us to another problem.
What's that?
How do I make myself take the first step?
If you too have this question, make sure you read further.
Now this is a problem a lot of us face. But don't you worry. After reading this, I'm sure you'll overcome your procrastination and be fully productive.
So here I am, sharing with you 5 super tips to make yourself take the first step!
Tip 1: Clarify A Purpose
Tell yourself how important the work is for you. Or what will happen if it is not completed.
When you clarify a purpose for the task, you get motivated to start it.
And how should you start? That brings us to the next tip.
Tip 2: Cut It Down
Start in bits.
If you have to write a 15 page report, don't think about the lengthy 15 pages.
Start with one page.
Say to yourself ,'I have just the first page to complete'.
So you just reduced the amount. And we do not like little things lingering around, do we?
And you'll be like, 'Well it's just a bit, let me get done with it.'
Once you start and get into the momentum, keeping the purpose in mind, you'll soon be able to complete the whole thing.
You may need to push yourself in between but don't worry. Let's see how we can do that easily.
Tip 3: Motivation Perks
It's great you've started. And the start marks, that you're halfway there.
However, you may lose that flow in the process of completion. That's when you use Tip 3.
Give yourself rewards after a certain task is completed or a part of the task is done.
It could be anything like listening to your favourite music, eating chocolate… basically doing anything you like.
(Provided it does not take more than 5 - 10 mins to do)
This picture perfectly summarises what I want to tell you.
Take care of your teeth though!
So, as you come closer to the reward you'll keep yourself motivated to carry on. And a series of those will help you complete your task.
Tip 4: Filling The Gaps
I'm sure you brush your teeth everyday! Well you must.
So there are a lot of daily activities we do not miss. Like brushing our teeth, taking a bath, eating lunch etc.
What you can do is, fix tasks before you do the above.
For example: I'll do the revision before brushing my teeth. Finish my notes before I take a bath. And complete the assignment before lunch.
Now of course, you can't have lunch in the evening.
So you'll start your work early, to get done with it soon and have your food on time with the satisfaction of having done what you had decided to.
Tip 5: Work In Slots
According to a scientific study, when we do anything, our focus is highest at the start and lowest at the end of the process.
So we start with full determination and while nearing the end we've slowly lost the enthusiasm.
To produce high quality work, we must focus all throughout.
Thus we have a scientific solution.
Make slots of 25 mins each to do your work and take a break of 5 mins after each slot.
Out here, we're trying to reduce that time when the focus is lowest. Thus, most of the time you'll be concentrated in your work. After a break you can start another slot with renewed energy!
Woohoo!
Now that you've read this far, you get a Bonus tip!
Bonus Tip: 'Will I' Rather Than 'I will'
Very few people know this and today you're going to be one of them!
I'm sure you've seen someone saying "I will do this today!" Or maybe you've done it yourself.
Saying "I will" boosts confidence. Well, I agree. But I got something better.
So here's a psychological hack!
Say "Will I", not "I will"
Why so? It is psychologically proven that saying "Will I" stimulates the brain more than "I will" does.
The reason?
It creates a sense of challenge. No one likes losing, be it a game or anything else. We do our best to fulfill it.
When you say "Will I", you get that inner voice saying immediately, "Yes of course! I have to!" And you'll get to it right then.
Just try it once! It works..
That's what I have for you today. Hope you find it helpful.
Please comment on what you felt about it, so that I can keep bringing more like these.
If you liked this content, make sure to share it with your family and friends, so that more and more people can benefit from it!
Thanks for scrolling!
*Image credits go to the respective owners.
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