How to Stop Procrastinating
Sometimes waiting until just before a deadline is very motivating. And sometimes, procrastination is a way to postpone a dreaded task until we feel more prepared, energetic, or able to do it.
Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone!
Procrastination is a trap that many of us fall into.
But sooner or later, chronic procrastinating will begin to deteriorate job performance. It will also affect our mood and state of mind by generating worry, fear, or added stress.
If procrastination has become a problem for you, let’s check these strategies to help you be more productive.
1 – Make the rewards of taking action more immediate
Bundle a behavior that is good for you in the long-run with a behavior that feels good in the short-run.
The basic format is: Only do [THING YOU LOVE] while doing [THING YOU PROCRASTINATE ON].
Here are a few common examples of temptation bundling:
2 – Make the Task More Achievable
The 2-Minute Rule states, “When you start a new habit, it should take less than two minutes to do”.
The idea is to make it as easy as possible to get started and then trust that momentum will carry you further into the task after you begin.
3- Design Your Future Actions
One of the favorite tools psychologists use to overcome procrastination is called a “commitment device”.
An example, you can stop wasting time on your phone by deleting games or social media apps, or hiding your PlayStation in a closet and only taking it out when you don’t have pending tasks.
Finally, take a look at the recommendations from our friends at mindtools.com
“Procrastination is one of the most common and deadliest diseases, and its toll on success and happiness is heavy.” — Attributed to Wayne Gretzky
WEEKLY VOCABULARY
Shilly-shally: fail to act resolutely or decisively.
Nonresolution: failure to resolve something.
Diligent: caring and conscientiousness in one’s work or duties.
Assignment: a task or piece of work assigned to someone as part of a job or course of study.
Work-shy: (of a person) lazy and disinclined to work.
PHRASAL VERBS
Put off: postpone something.
“Talking about homework, I always put it off until the last minute.”
Give up: to stop trying.
“After ten minutes trying to get the answer I gave up.”
IDIOMS
Fish or cut bait: stop vacillating and act on something or disengage from it.
Play for time: to delay until you are ready.
Related Articles:
4 skills to Develop Emotional Intelligence https://www.englishpriority.com/4-skills-to-develop-emotional-intelligence/
Mastering Emotional Balance https://www.englishpriority.com/mastering-emotional-balance/
Learner Autonomy https://www.englishpriority.com/learner-autonomy/
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