Tackling Procrastination: 6 Ways to Maximize Productivity

  I was reading an article recently and came across a concept called present bias. Basically, present bias refers to the tenuous relationship between the immediate and the abstract. When we are facing a big project or a difficult decision, the immediate cost always seems to outweigh the long term benefits. The immediate consequences of our actions are tangible and real, while the long term consequences feel abstract and out of reach. Our minds are programmed to deal with the immediate; whatever is causing pain or discomfort in the moment always seems more important than future issues. Present bias is the backbone of procrastination. We procrastinate because dealing with a difficult task in the moment feels more unbearable than the inevitable negative impact of putting it off. No matter how illogical it may be, our instincts will always be to avoid immediate discomfort. We all do this. It doesn’t matter how professional or disciplined we may be, the temptation to procrastinate is real for each and every one of us. By putting off our responsibilities, we exchange future stability for momentary relief. But let’s not allow ourselves to be deceived – procrastination is nothing more than a way to hide. And while we may be able to avoid the pain of the moment, we cannot hide from the consequences of our actions. [bctt tweet="By putting off our responsibilities, we exchange future stability for momentary relief." username="dukematlock"] Productivity and procrastination cannot coexist. Greatness cannot be achieved if we are unwilling to act. The best thing we can do both professionally and personally as leaders is to combat procrastination with excellence and discipline. Here are six ways to do just that.  

1. Visualize and confess.

   When facing a challenge, imagine what it will feel like to overcome. Imagine the feeling of accomplishment, the relief of having that thing off your plate, and the time you will have to do other things. Allow the long-term benefits to occupy more space in your mind than the immediate discomfort. Speak these things aloud; remind yourself that dealing with the thing in front of you is the only way to experience those benefits.

 

2. Count the cost.

   Weigh the pros and cons of procrastinating. Write them down; process all the way through the potential outcomes. I think we both know what you will find; the consequences of inaction will always, without fail, be detrimental to your productivity and success.

 

3. Tackle the source of your hesitation.

   It may help if you get to the root of the issue. Why are you struggling to complete this task? Why are your instincts telling you to avoid this? Understanding and identifying the “why” will make it that much easier to overcome the issue. You can’t win if you don’t know what you’re fighting against.

[bctt tweet="You can’t win if you don’t know what you’re fighting against." username="dukematlock"]

4. Commit publicly.

   Inviting others to hold you accountable by committing to your task publicly makes a huge difference. This eliminates the temptation to make excuses and give yourself a pass when it comes to procrastination. Protecting your reputation and maintaining the respect of your peers are great motivators.

 

5. Identify the first step.

   Sometimes procrastination is a result of feeling overwhelmed. When the job just seems too big, it’s easier to avoid it altogether. Breaking down the task into smaller, manageable steps is the best way to confront this. You don’t need to accomplish everything all at once; you just need to take the first step.

 

6. Follow through.

   At the end of the day, you’ve just got to bite the bullet and get it done. After you take the first step, start taking the second one. You’ve broken the task down into attainable steps, so now you just have to follow through and get it done.

 

7. Celebrate.

   Reward yourself for your hard work! If long-term benefits don’t seem like enough of a reward, treat yourself when the task is completed. Combating procrastination is hard, no matter how disciplined you are. Don’t hesitate to celebrate your win.

  Your ability to succeed is directly tied to your willingness to address harmful habits. The cost of procrastination is excellence; you don’t have to make that trade. The temptation to avoid difficult tasks will always be there, but you have the ability to overcome. You can handle whatever is thrown at you; you have the potential to be great. [bctt tweet="Your ability to succeed is directly tied to your willingness to address harmful habits." username="dukematlock"]

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