Procrastination:The monkey on our shoulder.

-

Why Wait? The Science Behind Procrastination – Association ...

 

 "Procrastination is like a credit card, its a lot of fun until you get the bill."

-Christopher Parker

The ever elusive thief of time, procrastination is the ever present obstacles that halts our tracks of progress be it in any field of our day's activities. Something that is a common theme for anyone, especially when meeting deadlines.

We all know someone who waits till the last minute to finish something. No one is a stickler for time, it takes practice to rein in your thoughts.

Think of your consciousness to be a monkey on your shoulder, an extremely distracted individual that yearns to do anything but the goal that has been set in your mind. I'll admit being a procrastinator myself its a temptation to tuck the pressing matters into the back of the pile of things to do. 

It hits one in those quite moments in the middle of your task, for example while studying or sitting in an online lecture. The thought of something else draws your attention carrying you away from important tasks.

Procrastination is a common hurdle that many of us face when trying to accomplish tasks. Whether it's a looming work deadline, a pile of chores at home, or a personal project you've been putting off, overcoming procrastination is essential for productivity. In this blog post, we'll explore practical and straightforward strategies to prevent procrastination and boost your efficiency.

  1. Set SMART Goals:

    • Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound (SMART) goals provide clarity and focus. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This not only makes the goal seem less daunting but also helps you track progress effectively.

  2. Create a To-Do List:

    • Develop a daily to-do list to prioritise tasks. List them in order of importance and tackle them one at a time. Crossing items off your list provides a sense of accomplishment and motivates you to move on to the next task.

  3. Use the Pomodoro Technique:

    • Embrace the Pomodoro Technique, a time management method that involves working in short, focused bursts (typically 25 minutes) followed by a short break. This helps maintain concentration and prevents burnout.

  4. Eliminate Distractions:

    • Identify and eliminate distractions in your environment. Turn off notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and find a quiet space to work. Minimising interruptions allows you to stay focused on the task at hand.

  5. Reward Yourself:

    • Incentivise your efforts by incorporating rewards. After completing a challenging task, treat yourself to a short break, a snack, or a quick stroll. Associating accomplishments with positive experiences reinforces the habit of timely task completion.

  6. Visualise Success:

    • Picture yourself successfully completing a task. Visualisation can be a powerful motivator, helping you overcome the initial resistance to starting a project. Envisioning the positive outcomes can fuel your determination.

  7. Break Down Big Tasks:

    • Large projects can be overwhelming, leading to procrastination. Break them down into smaller, more manageable tasks. Tackling each component individually makes the overall project seem less intimidating.

  8. Establish a Routine:

    • Establishing a routine can create a structured environment that minimises decision fatigue. Consistency in your daily schedule helps build habits, reducing the likelihood of procrastination.

  9. Seek Accountability:

    • Share your goals with a friend, colleague, or family member who can provide support and hold you accountable. Knowing that someone else is aware of your objectives can be a powerful motivator.

  10. Learn from Setbacks:

    • It's normal to face setbacks and occasional procrastination. Instead of dwelling on failures, use them as opportunities to learn and improve. Adjust your strategies based on past experiences to enhance future productivity.

Conclusion: 

Procrastination is a common challenge, but with the right strategies, you can overcome it and boost your productivity. By setting SMART goals, managing your time effectively, and incorporating positive habits into your routine, you'll be well on your way to conquering procrastination and achieving your objectives. Remember, consistency and a positive mindset are key to long-term success.


Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

International Labour Day

-
Image
    Origins:   International Labour Day can be traced back to the late 19th-century labour movement in the United States.  The specific date of May 1st was chosen to commemorate a nationwide strike for an eight-hour work day that commenced on that day in 1886. This pivotal event, however, culminated in the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, a regrettable incident where a labour protest escalated into violence. A bomb explosion resulted in the loss of life for seven police officers and at least four civilians.   Despite International Labour Day tracing its origin to the commemoration of the Haymarket affair in Chicago, Labour Day in Canada and the USA is celebrated on the first Monday in September and not May 1.   International Labour Day helps us to recognise the contributions of the labours and the working class in development of the society and the country. It also urges the labours to learn about their rights. Labours are often exploited, and it is import...
Read more

A Letter From Our Forefathers

-
Image
  Sitting in his post office, he stares at the piled towers of envelopes. A little flag sits on his tabletop, ceremoniously marking the occasion at hand. A parchment of paper sits vacant, a letter to his son. He wonders what his message shall be today. A family tradition passed down like a baton in his arms. As the pen touches the paper, the words flow out with vigour and grace. The words come to him, at a fleeting pace. “I remember a time when, your great-grandfather, delivered messages by land. Every letter is a story for we, the messenger, must understand. These are filled with words of love and care, sometimes they carry the weight of sadness and despair. Treading kilometres on horseback to wherever his destination lay. The India you knew was a lot different back then. From horseback came the telegraph and rail. The Raj brought innovation, but at a cost too grave to let be and let live. The plunder and looting were too much for those who opened their eyes to see. As the cracks ...
Read more

Lord Bauer's View on Aid Economics

-
Image
Hailing from Budapest, Peter Thomas Bauer, also known as Baron Bauer, was a British development economist originally from Hungary. Born on November 6, 1915, and passing away on May 2, 2002. Famous for challenging the widespread belief of his time. The post world war development economics saw a major change in the existing command economies as predicted by economist Friedrich Hayek. Friedrich's prediction brought about the free market policies that inspired many including Margaret Thatcher and Ronald Reagan. It was even a philosophy imbibed by international institutions as the World Bank. Many thought that the best way for developing countries to progress was through government-led development plans with the backing of foreign aid.  However, Bauer stood against this idea, advocating for a different approach. He felt that crony capitalism would be born out of foreign aid. Bauer focused on development economics, international development, and foreign aid in most of his work.  He...
Read more