One of the toughest challenges of any worker is having to deal with procrastination. Even the most diligent employee can experience procrastination at some point. While this is normal, it becomes a problem if it becomes a habit and your work begins to suffer.
But there are ways to overcome procrastination. Here are three effective ways to deal with it:
Eliminate distractions
One of the root causes of procrastination are the many distractions that will divert your attention. Social networks like Facebook and Twitter are some of the biggest culprits. Video games and social games are also things that can easily distract you. One way to eliminate distractions on your PC is by using applets that will lock these sites at a time period you specify. You can be more hardcore and actually modify your browser’s host file so you can’t access the sites at all.
Follow a plan that solves procrastination
There are many anti-procrastination plans you can implement if you inclined to follow one. One of the most popular productivity plans is the Pomodoro Technique, which uses a timer to help you concentrate at work. You get to work for short bursts and at the end of each cycle you are given a few minutes to rest and do what you want. Another good plan is to plan your work schedule and actually allow for periods where you can be allowed to procrastinate. Structuring your time actually helps beat procrastination.
Give yourself rewards
Implementing a reward system is another effective way to solve procrastination problems. Instead of depriving yourself of the things that distract you, turn them into rewards. Set a schedule where if you finish a certain number of tasks you can take a break and visit your social media account or watch TV for an hour. It’s the best way to turn your interests into an incentive. Just be sure to set a time limit to your ‘rewards.’
Sean Stone works for a job search site for professionals.
