Set clear goals and quantify them
The INSEAD Knowledge website suggests the first step is to set up clear goals. You need to know what you are trying to achieve and quantify these goals. For example, one goal might be: I will devote three hours of uninterrupted work to this project every day for the next two weeks.
Set yourself a fixed schedule
Planning is a good friend of anyone trying to overcome procrastination. If you establish a fixed schedule for yourself, you will have fewer opportunities to think of other activities you would rather be doing. Write a work schedule for each day and stick to it.
Learn deep work and do not try to practise multitasking
Multitasking, namely working on several things at once, sounds nice in theory but does not work well in practice. Moreover, if you try to do it, you put yourself at increased risk of procrastination. Instead, learn to work in a deep, concentrated way, and always work on one task at once for a longer period of time.
Eliminate distractions
Try to identify what distracts you from work. In what situations does this happen? Under what circumstances do you slip into procrastination and when are you able to work efficiently? Try to eliminate unnecessary distractions from your environment and your life.
Schedule time for doing nothing
Many people slip into procrastination because they have such a tightly planned and busy schedule that they are tormented by the prospect of not having time for themselves for an entire day. Avoid this problem by scheduling time when you can do what you want without feeling guilty for not working. It makes it easier to work when you know you have a scheduled time for hobbies and fun.
-mm-