Three rules to help beat procrastination

Procrastination, namely the postponing of duties, avoiding work and succumbing to various distractions and leisure activities, is a disease of modern society. And no wonder. All of us are almost constantly surrounded by noise, monitors and mobile phone screens, and with just a couple of clicks you can access information or entertainment in seconds. Here are three rules to help overcome procrastination: you may either apply them to yourself or encourage members of your team to follow them.

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When to work on the most demanding tasks?

Based on our circadian rhythms (i.e. the natural clock of the human body), people produce their best work and mental performance especially in the morning and before lunch. You should reflect this when planning daily activities. Try to deal with the most important tasks that require most concentration first thing in the morning: if you aim at maximum performance towards evening, your mind will rebel, you will not work well and again be at greater risk of procrastination. 

When and how to plan daily activities?

According to the Harvard Business Review, one of the most effective ways to avoid unwanted distractions from work is to prepare a clear action plan. Write down your schedule hour by hour, and with each activity also define the desired outcome. For planning to be effective, it must also be realistic. Do not forget breaks and relaxation; otherwise, being unable to keep up with the plan, you will start breaking it and sooner or later it will not represent any kind of commitment.

Is it necessary to be online at all times?

The internet and a permanent link to the virtual world are currently a very common reason for people being defeated by procrastination. One solution is to cut yourself off from these sources. Try to get back to working offline. If possible, set up everything you need to work on tasks in offline form, then close your connection and enjoy being disconnected. If it is not possible completely to turn off the connection, at least do not open the browser and do not look at any websites not closely connected to your work.

 

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Article source Harvard Business Review - flagship magazine of Harvard Business School
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