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Can I let you in on a little secret? I’m a bit of a procrastinator.
In fact, I’ve written an entire blog post about how to increase productivity…and guess what? This blog post sat in my draft folder for a few months waiting to be completed.
Oops! See? Nobody’s perfect. However, life isn’t about being perfect, but about improving oneself and being the best you that you can be.
If you’re anything like me, then you probably struggle with getting things done from time to time. But don’t worry- it’s totally possible to overcome procrastination and increase productivity so you can get more done in your day- to- day life.
See, there isn’t a single answer to overcoming procrastination- it’s a complex issue that requires a variety of different tactics.
However, if you’re looking for some ways to get started, here are my top 20 different ideas to increase productivity.
1. Set Simple Achievable Goals
When you’re working on a big project, it can be easy to get overwhelmed and start procrastinating. To avoid this, set simple goals for yourself and break the project down into simpler steps
2. Create A Timeline For Yourself
Procrastination often happens when we feel like we don’t have enough time to compelete a task and get overwhelmed. To combat this, create a timeline for yourself and make sure to stick to it.
Use a monthly, weekly, daily planner to help you organize your thoughts into steps. I have planner printables that you can get for free to help you increase productivity and overcome procrastination. Click below and check it out!
3. Take Breaks
It’s important to give yourself time to relax and de-stress, especially when you’re working on a big project. Make sure to take breaks regularly and get some exercise- it will help improve your productivity levels.
However, if you’re anything like me, then these breaks can turn into much longer than anticipated. Be sure to set a timer for your break so you don’t end up binge watching an entire TV show season during your break. 🙂
4. Set A Specific Deadline
Sometimes the best way to overcome procrastination is to set a specific deadline for yourself. This will force you to focus and get the job done on time.
Use planners, either printables and/or digital planners to help keep you on track with your deadlines and help you achieve your goals. I have some free planner printables you can grab and start using now.
5. Eliminate Distractions
When you’re trying to work, it’s important to eliminate all distractions so you can focus on the task at hand. Turn off your phone close your laptop and put away any distractions that might prevent you from completing your work.
You’ll be surprised how this simple task can increase productivity and can help you stay focused to get things finished.
6. Change Your Environment
If you find that you’re constantly procrastinating in the same environment, try changing things up a bit. Work in a different room, or go to the library.
If you’re trying to get work done with toddlers…I know the struggle…one idea is to have a list of activities that the little ones enjoy that are only used during much needed work time. Activities such as coloring, play doh, or kinetic sand are great activities.
7. Take Care Of Basic Needs First
Before starting any big project, make sure you take care of your basic needs first- such as eating well and getting enough sleep. This will help reduce stress levels and allow you to focus better on the task at hand.
Get a good meal and make sure you’re well rested prior to starting a big project. (But not too big a meal where you feel you need to take a nap!)
8. Set Deadlines For Others
If you have someone else who is relying on you to meet a deadline, it can be helpful to set specific deadlines for them as well. This will create some external pressure and motivate you to get the job done on time.
It’s also important for everyone to be on the same page when it comes to working together. By having deadlines, you each will know what to expect and there will be no surprises.
9. Find Someone Who Is Also Struggling With Procrastination
It can be helpful to talk to someone else who also struggles with procrastination- they may have some great tips that can help you out.
Finding others with the same struggles and experiences can provide a safe and understanding environment to connect and help each other.
10. Make A List Of Rewards For Yourself
When you finish a task, give yourself a small reward- such as watching your favorite show, going out with friends, or taking a relaxing bath. This will give you something to look forward to and help keep you motivated throughout the day.
11. Break Tasks Into Smaller Chunks
When tasks seem overwhelming, try breaking them down into smaller chunks so they seem less daunting. This will make it easier for you to focus on one task at a time ad increase your chances of completing them successfully.
Did I mention that my planner printables are FREE? :). Sign up below!
12. Use Positive Reinforcement
When you do complete a task, reward yourself with something positive- such as allowing yourself an extra hour of sleep or treating yourself to a favorite food or drink.
13. Set Boundaries For Yourself
If there are certain things that tend to distract you from working, try setting boundaries for yourself in order to stay focused.
For example, tell yourself that you can only check social media once every hour for a couple minutes or that you can only watch your favorite TV show once per day.
By setting boundaries, you’ll be able to keep focused on the task at hand and will increase productivity.
14. Try Doing Paperwork or Chores During Downtime
By doing paperwork and chores during downtime instead of waiting until the last minute, you will reduce stress levels and make life less hectic overall. It’s all about utilizing time properly.
This is a great way to increase productivity. It’s always easier to maintain than to have to start over. Doing chores a little bit at a time can go a long way…and can save you time. (And, who doesn’t want that?!)
15. Make Good Use of Technology
There are so many helpful technology tools available that can assist with productivity- such as apps that block websites or track how much time you’re spending on certain tasks.
You can also use apps that help with planning and scheduling your month, week and day. If you’re not a big fan of planner printables, try going green by using a digital planner with the Goodnotes app.
Grab my free planer Printables and use them in GoodNotes.
16. Avoid Perfectionism
I must admit, this is very difficult for me, as I strive for perfectionism. However, trying to perfect everything can often lead to worrying and procrastination, and only uses up more time in the process.
Perfectionism can also lead to excessive stress and anxiety as individuals constantly strive for an unattainable ideal. It creates unrealistic expectations and a fear of failure, which hinders progress and personal growth.
Additionally, perfectionism can often lead to procrastination as individuals become paralyzed by fear of not achieving their high standards, which then results in missed opportunities and decreased productivity.
17. Practice Self Compassion
Don’t berate yourself if you slip up or procrastinate occasionally- everyone makes mistakes sometimes. It’s important to be kind to yourself while setting goals. Use positive affirmations to remind yourself how awesome you are!
Journaling is another way to increase productivity and through journaling, one can benefit from a multitude of benefits.
Not only does journaling promote clarity of mind, helping to organize thoughts and alleviate stress, but it also provides a private space to express thoughts and feelings.
Journaling encourages self discovery, allowing individuals to explore their values, goals and dreams.
Promptly Journals specializes in creating beautifully designed journals with carefully curated prompts for capturing and preserving life’s meaningful moments.
They have a wide collection of prompted journals to aid in self reflection and self expression, enhancing overall well-being and enriching one’s journey of self discovery.
Check out their wide collection of journals.
18. Create Structure
Having a structured day can help overcome procrastination and improve productivity because you’ll know what to expect of yourself. Plan everything out prior to working, by using planner printables or a digital planner. Being prepared is the key component to being more productive.
19. Find An Accountability Partner
Having someone else to talk to, whether they are also trying to overcome procrastination, can help keep you motivated and accountable. Whatever you’re trying to accomplish, involve them in your plans so they can motivate you to continue, especially when things get difficult.
For example, if you’re trying to write a book, tell your friend the deadline you have for chapter 1 to help keep you motivated. Or, if your goal is to declutter your house, enlist their help to keep you on track. By having an accountability partner, they can help you stay on track.
20. Create A Vision Board
Whatever it is that you’re procrastinating on, create a vision board to help you keep on track. Perhaps you’re procrastinating on studying for an exam because it all seems so overwhelming.
Create a vision board, either physical or digital, to remind you what life will be like when you’re finished.
Having a visual reminder can help keep you motivated. (Just don’t let creating and perfecting a vision board take up too much time that you don’t work on the task at hand!).
Get my free goal journal with vision board below!
Conclusion
You don’t have to continue struggling to get things done. Here’s a recap of the 20 tips in list form for those (like me) who likes to skim articles.
- Set achievable goals
- Set a timeline for yourself
- Take breaks
- Set a specific deadline
- Eliminate distractions
- Change your environment
- Take care of basic needs first
- Set deadlines for others
- Find someone who is also struggling with procrastination
- Make a list of rewards for yourself
- Break tasks into smaller chunks
- Use positive reinforcement
- Set boundaries for yourself
- Try doing paperwork and chores during downtime
- Make good use of technology
- Avoid perfectionism
- Practice self compassion
- Create structure
- Find an accountability partner
- Create a vision board
So, Mom, are you one who struggles with getting things done? Do you constantly feel overwhelemed by all the things that need to get done? You’re not alone.
I hope these tips helped you find ways to increase productivity and overcome procrastination so that you can regain control of your life.
