What are some strategies for avoiding procrastination and staying focused?
Didem Erişkin
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Anastasia C@anastasia_chow
I use to procrastinate a lot. Here are my ways to improve efficiency:
✅Plan Ahead: Set your goals and map out a plan to achieve them. This will help you stay focused and on track.
✅Outsource and Automate: Learn to delegate and automate tasks, just like Tim Ferriss suggests in "The 4-Hour Work Week".
✅80/20 Rule: Focus on the 20% of tasks that will give you 80% of the results.
✅Batching: Group similar tasks together to save time and increase efficiency.
✅Prioritizing Tasks: Tackle the most important tasks first and don't let distractions get in the way.
✅Eliminate Distractions: Identify the sources of distractions in your work environment and take steps to eliminate or minimize them.
✅Parkinson's Law: Set tight deadlines for yourself to avoid procrastination and get things done faster.
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Here's what I did to stay focused:
- Prioritize tasks based on importance
- Use time-blocking to schedule specific times for specific tasks
- Use productivity tools such as PM tools and my AI Design Resource tool
- Take short breaks
- Lastly, closing unnecessary browser tabs
I need these advices too, but there you go:
Even though it might sound odd I practice some sport or pilates, mindfulness or such strategies to afterwards focus on my tasks better.
For me it works having specific tasks to do each day and having a checklist near you to go crossing. For each task be proud of yourself.
Take breaks.
Create a list of things you're thinking about and they take your concentration away, or the things you have to do or want to do for after work know.
Good luck with all :)
@olatz_urrutia Thanks a lot! I need practice yoga or pilates, too! Also, you are right. Mindfulness is the most important thing to focus on our tasks.
Try the 2 minutes rule. I already wrote about it on someone's comment before.
Anyway, when you realise you are procrastinating a task, decide to do it only for 2 minutes.
Chances are very high you will end up completing the task and if you genuinely get up in 2 minutes, it usually means the task wasn't so important to you.
Trust me it's very very simple and you'll see results immediately.
Procrastination is the barrier to start infact and not laziness to complete the task.
I feel like it's a daily struggle, but here's what helps me:
- Turn phone on do not disturb
- Set Slack on silent/do not disturb
- Time blocking: group meetings together and have at least 2 hours of quiet work
- If you're in a flow, then keep working and reschedule any calls
- Make a daily to-do list with max 3 item
- Go for a walk when you feel like you're being unproductive
Most importantly, forgive yourself when you're unproductive. Some days are like that. You'll bounce back the next day 😊
focus on need, not want.
- Break tasks into smaller chunks and set specific goals.
- Use a timer to limit the amount of time spent on a task.
- Eliminate distractions by turning off notifications and finding a quiet place to work.
- Prioritize tasks and focus on the most important ones first.
- Use a to-do list to stay organized and on track.
- Take breaks and engage in activities that refresh the mind.
- Use positive self-talk and visualization to stay motivated.
Just do it has been my mantra