Stop Procrastinating and Start Working
I wouldn’t say my Achilles heel is procrastination, and, as a writer, I’m sure my editor’s are thankful, but from time to time I do fall victim to putting things off. Suddenly my favorite episode of Seinfeld will be on television, or I have to call my parents (which I probably had also been procrastinating on), anything to stray away from the task at hand. But, whatever those suddenly prying responsibilities are, the truth is, they can wait. The good thing is that there are easy ways of dealing with the tendency to procrastinate when you are trying to complete that presentation or spreadsheet, and they actually work.
For me, the best way to begin eliminating procrastination from my life is to make a list. I am a visual person, and seeing what I have to accomplish in the form of a list allows me to check off each task. This seemingly meaningless action significantly helps my ability to complete my duties. There is just one catch, I HAVE to do what is on the list. Now, the list method might not work for everyone, and if that’s the case, have no fear. Here are some quick and super helpful tips that can get your mind focused.
Sometimes getting outside and doing something physical will help clear your head and get your mind right. Try taking a walk, going to the gym, lifting weights or going for a jog. Anything that gets your body in some sort of motion for at least 10 minutes is bound to expel excess energy and get you ready to get your work done.
On the opposite spectrum of working out there is sleep. Getting a good night’s sleep is probably the most important thing in my life. It dictates how my day will go, how I will interact with other people and how productive I will be. Without sleep there is no way I am getting my work done. I know it is hard to get into bed when your mind is seemingly going a mile a minute all the time, but just do it, your morning self will thank you.
It may sound simple, and even a little silly, but living a healthy lifestyle will probably lead to a healthy schedule. Whether that is sleeping regularly, being physically active, eating right, getting your daily dose of Vitamin D or limiting your technology use, finding ways to clear and focus your mind is integral to ceasing procrastination.