We've all been there before. We'll make a promise to ourselves to get up and do things but when the time comes, we find ourselves stuck in our pajamas watching Netflix all day. Here are nine things you can do to be more productive.
Make a List.
It goes without saying that making a list is one of the easiest ways to stay organized, which of course is key to avoiding procrastination. Start your list by prioritizing what's most important to get done, and post it somewhere where you can't avoid it, like on your computer screen or your mirror.
Count the Hours.
As tedious as it sounds, planning things by the hour can help you avoid procrastinate. When you see how you're spending every hour of your day, you learn to manage it better.
Be Realistic.
People procrastinate because of the fear of deadlines being too far off. The cure to this is to be realistic. A deadline set a few months away doesn't mean you can slack off until a week or the night before. Rather, it means you have much more time to prepare in order to produce your best work. Always be realistic about your goals and tasks to stay ahead.
Reward Yourself
A good way to get over procrastination and be more productive is to reward yourself as you complete your tasks. Reward three hours of studying with an hour of the Game of Thrones or pizza. You'll end up conditioning yourself to associate work with pleasure, and that's always a good thing.
Change Your Mentality.
Starting to think positively about the work that you're doing and relating it to future goals can help you stay productive and avoid slacking off. One of the best things about hard work is the payoff and getting to bask in it. So keep your goal in mind, and you'll be surprised how well you stick to it.
Build A Support Group.
Friends and family are the best at keeping you in track. They're quick to call you out when you're slacking off, even when you don't realize it. Keep them close, and let them in on things you'd like to accomplish so they can have your back should you fall behind.
Create Your Own White Noise.
Music, pure silence, the static of a TV - these are all sounds that can be used to keep you focused on the task at mind. Use white noise to lock out all of the other distractions life has to throw your way, and you'll find that completing tasks comes easy.
Find A Productive Place.
Have you ever noticed how simply going to the gym makes some people feel pumped to work out? Or going to the library makes people want to study? The same goes for productivity. Finding a solid spot to get things done is a great way to get started. It is part of conditioning yourself to get to work and stay focused.
Search for Inspiration.
Above all, search for inspiration in any way you can. Part of being productive is finding motivation, and sometimes that comes in the form of inspiration. Take a moment to seek it out and hone in on your inspiration. This will help you keep your eye in the prize.
