Procrastination or the act of intentional postponing of a job is a common human experience. Even though it hinders one’s productivity substantially, we all have procrastinated at some point in our lives. It may have been a mere chore of washing the dishes or an essential work of writing and submitting a report.
But why is it that we procrastinate? Research has linked this action to one’s emotions related to a particular job. Individuals may have uncomfortable feelings associated with the job or enjoy spending time on mood-enhancing activities. People stereotypically perceive procrastination as a negative trait. However, it may stem from mental well-being issues like depression.
In his research, Dr. Phchyl had discovered seven triggers that contribute to making a task more prone to the act of procrastination by making it seem more averse. They are:
- Boredom
- Frustration
- Ambiguity
- Un-rewarding feel
- Difficulty
- Unstructureness
- Lack of personal meaning
Then, how can we resist the impulse to and overcome the habit of procrastination?
Set a Work Limit
Most often, we procrastinate when there is a lot to be done in a short period. Yes, it may seem contradictory. But if you think about it, precisely this happens. It primarily stems from the disinterest one has towards the work.
Thus, it is essential to set a threshold to how much work you do at a time. Gauge your resistance level, create proper schedules according to it and stick to them. Start slow and never work at a long stretch at a time. Take ample breaks in between.
Track the Progress
What else is better to keep your head in the game than motivation? Maintain a record of how much progress you are making in a day. Once you see how much you can do and what you have achieved, it will give you a push on the back.
You can use employee monitoring software for this, both in the case of solo and teamwork. Try it, and maybe you’ll feel like patting yourself on the back.
Seek Help
It becomes exceedingly difficult to accept the consequences of procrastination when it starts affecting your work along with others’. Hence, to some extent, it is better to work with someone. It helps stave off boredom, manage tasks properly and get the much-needed emotional support during stressful times.
Reframe Deadlines and Tasks
An effective way of getting your tasks done is by tricking yourself. Consider a job’s deadline to be a day or two before the actual one.
Another way to stop procrastination is by breaking down complex projects and compiling them into simple tasks. It deceives you into thinking that the work is more undemanding than its actuality and helps you get it done.
