The procrastination It is a word commonly used amongst students and workers. And no wonder: in their respective contexts, it refers to the procrastination by prioritising other, less important matters. This behaviour, which has various causes, leads to a range of negative consequences beyond mere stress and frustration.
In this post, we’ll tell you a bit more about it; we’ll also answer how not to procrastinate by offering you some advice.
What are we talking about when we talk about procrastination?
This word – which has come to the fore, particularly in the fields of education and employment – refers to the the act of putting off tasks and decisions. Consequently, its main characteristic is prioritising less important tasks at the expense of those that are, without a doubt, a priority (e.g. writing a report). This is a behaviour that is not necessarily rooted in laziness; on the contrary, it arises from the a combination of various psycho-emotional factors in which low self-esteem, fear of failure and perfectionism influence the way people act and make decisions.
This can have various consequences. One of them is the creation of a a cycle of constant stress which feeds back on itself more and more; that is to say, as tasks are put off, feelings of guilt increase, compounded by the pressure to fulfil certain obligations in a shorter period of time. A sense of unease with oneself arises, which affects one’s general well-being. Indeed, this gives rise to another consequence: the low productivity. Is it possible to fulfil all tasks or responsibilities, whether at school or at work, without clear, if not rigorous, planning? The the consequences of procrastination There are various consequences: slowing down the progress of individual or collective activities, missing out on opportunities, falling behind, amongst others.
All of the above explains the need not only to manage time effectively, but also to manage one’s emotions. The professional support and guidance (e.g. psychologists or counsellors) can have a positive impact on performance and, consequently, on both personal and professional satisfaction.
The benefits of not putting things off
Not putting things off is ideal, we know. But for those who haven’t been able to avoid it for a long time, knowing what the the benefits of tackling procrastination could help them take steps to bring about change. What are these benefits? Let’s take a look:
- Major productivity. When tasks are completed according to a schedule, time is used more efficiently. A prioritisation matrix can be very useful here for identifying both the urgency and the importance of activities.
- More free time. What’s left once you’ve ticked off all your to-do list items? That’s right – you’ve got some free time. Leisure is important for maintaining mental health. So, not putting things off is the best way to make time for yourself.
- Less stress. The positive consequences of not procrastinating inevitably lead to a reduced sense of stress. By breaking the vicious circle of procrastination, one achieves a sustained state of calm or, at the very least, a reduced sense of urgency.
- More achievements. Achievements are always important, regardless of their scale. You can make small or large strides and achieve your desired outcomes, such as completing a university degree, obtaining a qualification or securing a promotion. This boosts the motivation and, consequently, the search for new objectives.
How to stop procrastinating with these 7 tips
Create a structured routine
We are creatures of habit. Based on this premise, create a daily routine It is essential for avoiding the negative consequences of procrastination. However, this is not just any old routine, but a very well-organised one with fixed timetables. What factors are taken into account? Working hours, breaks, the leisure activities, amongst others. Furthermore, it is important to set aside a specific time of day to check social media, which is certainly one of the factors that lead to procrastination. Distractions should be avoided at all costs.
Set priorities for implementation
Above, we mentioned a very useful tool in the organisational sphere that can be applied to other areas. It is the prioritisation matrix. Although this is not explained in detail here, we are interested in the impact it has on setting priorities. Which tasks are the most urgent and important? Which ones require the most time and the greatest amount of resources to carry out? This helps to meet the deadlines or deadlines. The result? Greater efficiency.
The 20-minute rule
This rule is an effective technique for answering the question of how not to procrastinate. What does it involve? As the name suggests, it involves using 20 minutes to carry out tasks or activities. Although it is primarily used to form new habits, it can also be very useful for completing tasks that have not been started or that are only half-finished. It is an approach that helps to overcome the reluctance to get started and, therefore, to increase productivity.
Break your work down
There are tasks of varying scope: some are more complex than others. So, to avoid procrastinating, a good tip is to categorise them from simplest to most complex, that is to say, to target various segments more intensively. In fact, the simplest tasks could be left until later, whilst prioritising those that require more effort and time. In this way, rather than putting off the work, it is tackled bit by bit without neglecting any of its components.
Use time-management techniques
There are many methods of managing time, but one that stands out among them is the Pomodoro Technique. If you’ve heard of it, you’ll know that it focuses on carrying out 25-minute work sessions each with 5-minute breaks. Is it beneficial? Those who have tried it say so, which explains its popularity, particularly amongst students. That said, there are other tools (calendars, timetables, to-do lists, mobile apps, amongst others) that can be tailored to each person’s needs and expectations.
Eliminate distractions
This advice goes without saying, but it’s worth emphasising: distractions only get in the way of completing tasks and fulfilling obligations on time. So, what can you do? It’s not enough simply to turn off mobile notifications, but also to set limits on the use of apps and electronic devices. It is also recommended to talk to friends, family members and colleagues about to avoid interruptions at certain times of the day.
Reward yourself for your hard work
When you ask how to stop procrastinating, you get practical advice, which is all well and good. But there’s one aspect that shouldn’t be overlooked: to recognise progress and, of course, both small and big achievements. How can you do this? You can take short breaks, have a snack or do something else that makes you feel good. This acts as a positive reinforcement; in other words, it creates a positive association with productivity.
