Procrastination. We all do it and yet, it’s something that each and every one of us tries to avoid. From time to time, getting things done in the workplace seems all but impossible and by the end of the day, we might have nothing more to show for ourselves than a blank screen and a half finished email. There is another way, however and simply by changing up a few of your habits, you can get a great deal more out of the working day. Thought productivity was out of reach? Think again.
- Break Up Tasks
Looking at a to-do list that’s as long as your arm is a sure fire way of procrastinating throughout the day, but it doesn’t have to be like that. If you know that you have to do a lengthy and important job throughout the day, try splitting it up into smaller, more manageable pieces. Look at your project and try listing down the individual phases. Try and see each phase as a task in and of itself. The more tasks that you make it through during the day, the more productive you might feel.
- Reward Yourself
Heavy workdays are rarely fun and it’s easy to return home feeling tired, stressed and wiped out. When you’re facing a long list of tasks that you don’t want to do, try using a reward system to encourage yourself. After each 45 minutes or hour of work completed, allow yourself a brief break in which to make a coffee, chat to a friend or stretch your leg. Marking rewards regularly will help to keep you motivated to do more and leave you decidedly more productive.
- Set A Timer
Trying to concentrate for long stretches of time can be very difficult and before long, you might find yourself clock watching. To avoid getting distracted and keep your working hat on, try setting a timer to go off at the end of every 45 minutes. Concentrate fully on your task during this time; by the time the buzzer goes off, you might be surprised at how much you’ve achieved.