Not only will work not “run away into the forest”, but it will not move at all if you do not put effort into it. But the more things pile up, the harder it is to get down to them and the less motivation there is to do anything. As a result, we just save memes and watch cat reels all day. Fortunately, the problem of procrastination can still be solved. We have collected simple recommendations that will help with this.
Sort tasks by urgency and importance
For this, you can use the Eisenhower matrix. This method suggests dividing all tasks into four groups:
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important and urgent;
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important but not urgent;
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unimportant but urgent;
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unimportant and not urgent.
The last category of tasks can be left for later without any pangs of conscience. Try to deal with the rest gradually, choosing three main tasks every day.
Make to-do lists for the day
This simple method will help you structure the chaos and create a clear action plan. It will be especially useful when there are so many things to do that you don’t know what to tackle. It is important to reasonably assess your strength and the time it will take to complete each task, so don’t plan more than five tasks in one day. Try writing them down on paper and focus on completing these tasks during the day. You can also use special apps for this .
Take the first step
It is always the most difficult. You need to overcome yourself and create a working document, open a file or a book, pour water into a bucket, make an appointment with a doctor. Then the task will move from the unstarted category to the unfinished one and will weigh on you, forcing you to return to it mentally again and again. This is the so-called Zeigarnik effect , according to which unfinished tasks are remembered better than completed ones. Because of this, it will be easier for you to finish the task you have already started.
Another easy way to get started is to use the one-minute rule . It goes like this: “If it takes less than 60 seconds, do it now.”
Break a complex task into simple subtasks
This method is called the elephant method, which you need to “eat one piece at a time,” or the Swiss cheese method . You need to break a complex task into simple subtasks and complete them step by step. For example, you need to write a large review article. Start by collecting information: you can watch lectures and read studies without even leaving your bed. In the next approach, sketch out a rough plan, formulate the main theses. When the structure is ready, write an introduction, format quotes, and gradually add the main text. In this way, you will be approaching your goal in small steps, and you will not have to make colossal efforts.
Set goals and deadlines for achieving them
Without a clear understanding of the end result, it is difficult to move forward, and there is no talk of any motivation. Write down what you want and by what date you plan to achieve it. The main secret is to formulate the goal correctly. For example, earning more is too vague and unclear a task, but doubling your income during this year and saving up for a down payment on a mortgage is already quite clear (and even relatively realistic).
Create a comfortable workspace
A messy desk and scattered things can be annoying, distracting and even demotivating. Take ten minutes and create a space around you that you feel comfortable in. It would also be a good idea to take care of the right air temperature, the right lighting and a comfortable chair that doesn’t make your back ache. This way, you’ll enjoy sitting down at your desk and the process itself will be more comfortable.
Mark your progress and celebrate your victories
Be sure to praise yourself for completing a task. Allow yourself to go somewhere, have fun, or at least buy a treat. This way, your brain will learn the pattern: “a completed task is a pleasant reward.” This is a simple but very necessary thing that will really boost motivation.
Don’t forget to take a break
Often, laziness and procrastination coexist with the other extreme – working 24 hours a day without rest or entertainment, supposedly to make up for lost time. Such a schedule can lead to burnout and apathy. To prevent this, be sure to set aside time for rest and relaxation: lie in a bath with salt, read a book unrelated to work, or watch a couple of episodes of your favorite TV series. Use the Pomodoro method . Its essence is that you allocate 25 minutes to a task and 5 minutes to rest after. It is easier to focus on the task if the period is fairly short.
Hang out with people who believe in you
Communication with active people motivates. If your friends and relatives do not support you and constantly do nothing but complain about life and suffer in every possible way , this can be demotivating. Reach out to people who inspire you, who captivate you with new ideas and undertakings.
Identify your productivity peaks
Each person has their own peaks of activity – the hours when they are especially productive. Some people prefer to work hard early in the morning, while others stay up late. Find out when you are most productive and try to complete difficult tasks during the hours of increased activity.
Take care of your health
The healthier a person is, the more active he or she is. Don’t forget about sports and physical education, walks in the fresh air, and a balanced diet. Excessive consumption of coffee, sweets , and energy drinks will only give you a boost of energy for a short time, but can later harm your health. And feeling unwell will only add to your troubles – you’ll have to visit doctors. Therefore, try replacing coffee with gentler drinks today , and add more protein and fiber to your daily diet.
Get rid of the information noise
Don’t keep windows open that aren’t necessary for work: instant messenger chats, social networks, entertainment portals. Set your phone to silent mode and, if possible, put it away from your desk. Try to work with concentration for some time, and then scroll through the feed with a clear conscience.
Use affirmations
These are short, affirmative motivating phrases. For example, before starting work, you can tell yourself: “I can do it” or “I can easily handle this task.” During work, you can say: “I’m doing great” or “Everything is going great.” You can also stick colored stickers with affirmations on your desktop, which will support you in moments of doubt.
Be kind to yourself
Treat yourself with care. Don’t compare your achievements with those of your colleagues or friends. There will always be someone who is smarter, more successful or richer than you. Life should not turn into a senseless race for success. Work with pleasure and at a pace that is comfortable for you.