5 Easy Methods to Beat Procrastination

We are all familiar with one of the greatest enemies of productivity, procrastination. You have a deadline coming up for an important task or assignment. But instead of getting a head start, you spend hours scrolling through social media, texting, reading emails, and doing just about anything except what you're really supposed to be doing. Before you know it, you're hours before the daunting deadline and you're left panicking and struggling to complete your assignment. 

Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you got rid of procrastination? Think about the stress-free life you'd have if all your work was done ahead of time. You'd have more than enough hours to spare scrolling through social media and doing things you really enjoy. 

Stop letting procrastination take over your life with these simple tips:

1. Breakdown your workload

One of the main reasons why we choose to procrastinate is because we find the work too overwhelming. Try to breakdown the task into small sections. Focus on each section at a time so you can work on the task in steps rather than tackling the whole thing at once. This will relieve some of the stress and reduce your feelings of being too overwhelmed. For example, if your task is to write a paper you can break it down like this:

• Pick a topic
• Perform research on the  topic
• Brainstorm ideas to write about
• Pick your main ideas
• Compose a draft
• Elaborate on your draft
• Revise
• Spellcheck
• Submit

2. Be positive

You are your only obstacle when procrastinating. Leave negativity behind, think positively and surround yourself with others who also carry a positive outlook on things. Ask for advice on how you can seek a more optimistic state of mind when you are feeling pessimistic. Yes, the task may he hard and completing it may seem impossible. But this will only get worse if you let negativity take over. There is always a solution to everything, you just have to be willing to find it.

3. Change your surroundings

Sometimes the environment we are in is what is bringing us down and depleting us of our motivation and drive. Distinct environments have different impact on our productivity and mood. Take a look around the area where you are expected to complete your work. Is it making you feel productive? Or is it making you want to lay down and watch a movie? Sometimes the previous space where you used to complete your work becomes worn out and boring. Try to seek a new place that makes you feel productive and excites you. 

4. Work with a buddy

Partner up with someone, like a close friend, who is also completing an assignment or a task just like you. Working with someone else who also has an important assignment will not only make the whole process more enjoyable but you'll be able to hold each other accountable. Talk about your goals and when you intend to finish the assignment. Create deadlines for each other so you can both progress at the same level. 

5. Get rid of distractions

Distractions feed procrastination. Your work area should be free of distractions in order to avoid derailing you from completing your task. Turn off the TV, put your phone on silent and try to keep it at a distance from you, look for a quiet place to enhance concentration, give yourself small breaks to allow your mind to recharge, and create a schedule for yourself. These strategies should keep you on the right track.