Well, we all have been guilty of this at least once in a while. It is almost as if we have been cultured to this practice ever since we were students who instead of doing the homework right away would keep on toing and froing whether we should already start. They say the first step is always the hardest, that is true but is it really that bad to procrastinate until such time you are ready? From a dictionary’s perspective, procrastination is the trouble of convincing and persuading yourself to do the things you are supposed to do. As a result of this, however, you find yourself preoccupied with other trivial things and instead just let you veer away from your primary objectives. This makes it hard especially when you are committed to a goal but do not seem to have enough motivation to do it unmonitored.
It is even harder when you are distant from people who can help you overcome procrastination like in the work-from-home setup. Given that many of us were forced by the disruptions and changes brought by the COVID-19 pandemic, the majority took telecommuting to their advantage. As such, employees were provided with the liberty of time and an opportunity to make a perfect work-life balance but on the other end of the rainbow, this only made procrastination even more possible. It is more difficult when you have formed it as a habit already and just like what we were taught in grade school, habits only stop when we avoid practicing them. You need to control yourself and start by learning how to say no to the temptations of doing other things that are subliminal in value. Opportunities do not always present themselves, you know. Here are a few ways on how to break this cycle:
1. It is all in the mind. If you stick with your plans as indicated on your to-do list, you will not have a hard time following through with what you need to finish because your mind will be conditioned that if you are done, you have all the time for yourself to enjoy. Mental conditioning is an important factor in performing any function as it will signal you and your body with what it is supposed to be doing. Focus on getting the task done, not avoiding it, and always think of the prize that awaits. Think of it like when you are living in a new apartment unable to determine who should be liable for mold because you started to be a couch potato while your backlogs are waiting. Perhaps you might want to skip Netflix for the night and make it your reward tomorrow.
2. Ponder on it. Upon receiving a task from your boss through your work chat app, act on it in small ways. You may not do it right away if it is not urgent but already get your mind to thinking how you can address it. As soon as a task arises, reflect on how you can go about it. Take it as an opportunity to examine and come up with possible ways to make it work. Consider innovating or finding steps in order to get it done fast but with accuracy. Research on some remote work hacks which can save you time and effort. There is always a way to do things around if you only spend enough time studying it. Do it now rather than pile it up for another day. Besides, you are still going to do it anyway.
3. Eat right to boost your productivity. Your motivation level can be affected by what you eat. A heavy meal after lunch can potentially ruin your workflow after some carb loading. When you feel heavy, you are more likely to slouch, lounge, and play around instead of working on something. If you eat right, your body will recognize the energy your meals give and this should be helpful with your performance. If you cannot skip the smorgasbord, recognize it as a reward when the day is over.
4. Mind what you say. Remember, the law of attraction. It believes that any positive or negative thoughts you tell yourself can bring positive or negative experiences into your life so if you keep saying it is hard, it will most likely be. Also, negative thoughts allow for disempowerment and can only make your willpower go spiraling down.
5. Disconnect before it is too late. Ditch your phones, social media, and friends for a while. Timing is everything. If you keep on accepting their temptations and invites, you are derailing yourself from the plan. Distractions in your home office should be limited as well. Detach yourself from anything that can make you lose focus. Respect your time paid to work.
Analyze each task by looking at its meaning, significance, and relevance so you can, on your own, increase its value, and will be very easy for you to make a decision. All in all, it is only a matter of whether or not you can handle the consequences of procrastination. Make sure you are ready by then.
About the Author:
Bash Sarmiento is a writer and an educator from Manila. He writes laconic pieces in the education, lifestyle, and health realms. His academic background and extensive experience in teaching, textbook evaluation, business management, and traveling are translated into his works.
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