How to beat Procrastination: 5 Simple steps to stay focused
We are all trapped in this inescapable matrix of procrastination, working towards escaping it. No matter how hard we try to focus on our tasks by eliminating distractions, involuntarily we create other distractions.
Not to worry, you’re not alone. I know how tempting it is to check your socials.
To beat this, here are 5 highly effective ways to beat Procrastination and stay focused with your task at hand:
1. Prioritize and Set Clear but Realistic Goals:
It doesn’t mean that you need a perfectly-curated to-do list with all the things that have been pending from your New Year goals (which have been pending for a reason). Nothing good gets done overnight.
By creating clear and realistic goals, you are more likely to stay on track and avoid getting sucked into the cycle of procrastination repeatedly.
A realistic schedule will allow you to allocate time for different tasks, ensuring that you stay on track and maintain a sense of control over your responsibilities. Although, remember to be flexible and leave room for unexpected events, as an overly rigid schedule may lead to an unwanted burden of stress, which you most certainly do not need at this point.
2. Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks
By breaking your tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, it can make them seem less overwhelming.
Completing an entire novel in one day is impossible. Instead, create a realistic goal which can be further broken down into smaller parts. Aim to complete reading 2 chapters, including small 5-minute breaks to hydrate yourself.
As you progress by completing each step, a sense of accomplishment and motivation is built within you, as a result driving you away from procrastination and ensuring that you achieve your goal without any hesitation.
3. Eliminate distractions:
Our phones are our biggest distractions. We might deny it, but deep down, we’re all just one notification away to becoming distracted. The device you are reading this article on is most likely a distraction for you.
Keep your phone afar from the room where you’ll be working in or lock it up in your desk drawer.
4. Use the Pomodoro Technique:
The Pomodoro Technique revolves around the concept of breaking work into short, focused intervals called “Pomodoros.”
Generally, a Pomodoro consists of 25–30 minutes of an undisturbed flow of work, followed by a short 5-minute break. During the short break, utilize this time to stretch, walk around or freshen up before starting your next Pomodoro.
There are several Pomodoro videos on YouTube which you can use while completing your tasks. Personally, I find the ‘Study with Me’ videos with Pomodoro timers quite effective, as the background music enhances the experience.
You can also find plentiful ‘Study with Me’ videos with peaceful nature sounds.
The structured nature of the Pomodoro Technique reduces the tendency to procrastinate, ensuring that you’ are timing the progress that you’ve made and enhancing your focus.
5. Practice self-discipline and Reward Yourself
Self-discipline plays a pivotal role in beating procrastination, ensuring you to stay focused as well as organized.
The combination of self-discipline and rewarding yourself creates a powerful synchronization, driving you towards realizing your capabilities better.
Self-discipline makes you mentally strong enough to deal with almost every obstacle thrown at you by life with ease. It’s a power that is developed, no one is born with it.
Trust me, once you achieve the power of self-discipline, nothing can distract you. Not even sad breakup songs blasted on full volume by your roommate at 2am.
Conclusion:
While procrastination may offer temporary relief, the long-term consequences are severely detrimental.
By following these 5 simple steps, you will surely see a drastic shift in your mindset with enhanced focus and control over your distractions.
Hope this article helps you become a better version of yourself. ❤
Lastly, I would like to conclude this article with a renowned quote to inspire you:
“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”
-Walt Disney
