How to Overcome Procrastination for Improved Productivity
There's no denying that procrastination can be a real productivity killer. But what exactly is procrastination? And why do we do it?
We've all been there before - you sit down at your desk with the best of intentions, but somehow the hours slip away without you accomplishing anything. If this sounds familiar, you're not alone. In fact, research has shown that up to 20% of people identify as chronic procrastinators. But the good news is that there are steps you can take to overcome this tendency and boost your productivity.
Defining Procrastination
There's no denying that procrastination can be a real productivity killer. But what exactly is procrastination? And why do we do it?
Simply put, procrastination is the act of putting off something that you know you should be doing. We all do it from time to time, but for some people it can become a real problem. There are a number of different theories as to why we procrastinate, but one of the most common is that we're trying to avoid feeling negative emotions like anxiety or fear.
Whatever the reason, if you're someone who struggles with procrastination, there are a few things you can do to overcome it.
First, try to get a better understanding of what's causing you to procrastinate. If you can identify the emotions or thoughts that are holding you back, you'll be in a better position to address them.
Once you know what’s causing the problem, make a plan to tackle it head-on. Break down whatever it is you’re avoiding into smaller, more manageable pieces and set some realistic deadlines. Then, commit to taking action and following through on your plan.
It's also important to be kind to yourself.
The Causes of Procrastination
There can be many causes of procrastination, but often it stems from a fear of failure or a lack of confidence. It can also be a sign of perfectionism, as you may feel that your work is never good enough. Or, you may simply find it difficult to get started on a task. Whatever the reason, procrastination can have a negative impact on your productivity.
If you want to overcome procrastination and improve your productivity, it's important to first understand the causes. Once you know what's causing you to procrastinate, you can begin to take steps to address the issue. If perfectionism is the problem, for example, you may need to learn to accept that no one is perfect and that mistakes are part of the learning process. If you're finding it hard to get started on a task, try breaking it down into smaller steps so that it feels less daunting. And if confidence is an issue, try building up your self-belief by taking on smaller challenges and celebrating each success.
By understanding the causes of procrastination, you can take steps to overcome it and improve your productivity.
Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity By David Allen
The Effects of Procrastination
It's no secret that procrastination can have a negative effect on productivity. After all, if you're putting off important tasks, it's likely that they won't get done in a timely manner. This can lead to missed deadlines, lost opportunities, and a general feeling of being overwhelmed.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to overcome procrastination and get back on track. Here are a few tips:
1. Identify your triggers. What causes you to procrastinate? Is it certain types of tasks? A lack of motivation? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to work on avoiding them.
2. Break down tasks into smaller chunks. When a task seems daunting, it can be helpful to break it down into smaller steps that you can complete easily. This will make the task feel less overwhelming and make it more likely that you'll actually stick with it and get it done.
3. Set a timer. Sometimes all it takes is setting a timer for yourself and working on a task for a set amount of time. Once the timer goes off, you can take a break or move on to something else. But the key is to actually start.
Conclusion
Procrastination can be a difficult habit to break, but it is possible with some effort and perseverance. The techniques outlined in this article should help you to overcome procrastination and improve your productivity. Remember, the key is to take things one step at a time and not to try to do too much all at once. Make a plan and stick to it, and you should see results in no time.
Thanks for reading!
Changing A Person Never Works
One of the worst things you can do is start a relationship with someone and then set about trying to change him or her.
One of the worst things you can do is start a relationship with someone and then set about trying to change him or her. This usually comes about because you were attracted to certain parts of a person such as their looks, sense of humor or intelligence. Anything that’s not so appealing to you are things that you figure you can take care of once you’ve snagged them, and that’s something that cannot be further from the truth.
When you take on someone to have a relationship with, you take them as they are. There’s really no other choice in the matter because any changing that you attempt to do with is just going to push them away from you. Besides, when you’re looking for someone to love, you most likely don’t go around picking someone just for their good looks. Starting with a shell is never a good idea. You find someone that you’re drawn to for various reasons and not just because their hot.
In fact, the old adage of not judging a book by its cover also applies when choosing the right mate. They may look awesome on the outside but you have noting in common to build on. Sadly, it’s not unusual for beauty to hide an ugly personality. So while they may have the face of an angel, that doesn’t mean they has the heart of one.
On the other hand, when you meet someone that draws your attention, take mental notes of the things you like about them. If the list is long enough, you may want to pursue this a bit. The one thing you do not want to do is go into things thinking that the few things you may not like about a person are things that you can fix. If you’re attracted to them as they are, you’re going to have to accept the rest of them, too.
Acceptance doesn’t mean change isn’t possible or soot after. When a person wants to commit to change, they do it because they feel inspired to do so. Any change forced is a change that won’t last.
Also, consider that you’re not so perfect, either. There may be things about you that others would love to change but they don’t try because the rest of you is rather endearing. Relationships are all about growth. Growing together and creating something the two of you can feel proud of, safe in and cared for. Change is a collaboration not a DIY project.
The point is that when you meet someone that you like, believe them when they tell you, and show you who they are. Don’t look at them and think instantly of all the ways that you can mold them into your perfect person. It rarely ever works out. On top of that, while you may be able to accomplish the changes you want, it’s quite possible that you’ll be the only happy one in the relationship. When people are forced to change against their will, they’re usually not very happy, and if you’re content with being happy no matter what it takes from your partner, then you’re a rather self-centered individual that needs to do some changing of your own.
You might want to start with taking a look at your boundaries and whether you respect yours and others. https://amzn.to/3ATdeGc
Thanks for reading!
GIVEAWAY! (Now Closed)
It’s Giveaway Time!
I’m so excited about my new book The Boundaries Journal going on sale in a few weeks, and to share that excitement with you I'm giving away an advanced copy before it's available to the public!
I’m so excited about my new book The Boundaries Journal going on sale in a few weeks, and to share that excitement with you I'm giving away an advanced copy before it's available to the public!
To enter for your chance to win, head over to my Facebook page, LIKE, COMMENT and SHARE this post. Giveaway ends 12:00 PM PST March 1st, 2022 . Winner will be chosen at random on March 5th, 2022 just in time for the big release!
There will only be one winner, so if you haven't pre-ordered your copy of my book yet, please do that here: https://amzn.to/3ATdeGc
(Open to US residents ages 18 and up only. Entries must be received by 12:00 PM PST March 1st, 2022. One winner will be chosen at random on March 5th, 2022. No purchase necessary. Est. retail value: $13.99. This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook. You understand that you are providing your information to the owner of this Facebook page and not to Facebook.)
Upcoming Book Release!
Inside my NEW book The Boundaries Journal, you'll find prompts that help you discover your influences, explore your boundaries, address anxiety and guilt, love and accept yourself, and uphold your boundaries for life. I would love you to support my book. You can pre-order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3r4OJ5o
After a LOT of hard work behind the scenes for the past several months, I'm so excited to finally announce that I have a new book coming out, The Boundaries Journal. Inside you'll find prompts that help you discover your influences, explore your boundaries, address anxiety and guilt, love and accept yourself, and uphold your boundaries for life. I would love you to support my book. You can pre-order your copy here: https://amzn.to/3ATdeGc
Stay tuned for sneak peeks in the coming weeks! I’m so excited!