Written by Edgar Luna

There are days where there are so many things that need to be done and you are well aware of that, however you are in a state of mind that just makes it difficult to get things moving and start closing out issues.

Have you ever had that feeling?

Maybe, once in a while you have had that feeling , you get into that state of mind that you can do the work but you do not feel like doing it. When that happens, the frustration sinks in and you know that the most difficult part is to start doing the work.

But why do you allow yourself to be hijacked by these feelings that convince you to say that its acceptable to leave stuff for another day?

That is something that many people choose to do and really puts a damper on productivity.

Whatever the reasons you have to allow yourself to procrastinate, you should take some steps to improve.

In my experience when I feel that urge to procrastinate it’s when:

1. There are many tasks that need to be completed and I can’t focus on one at a time.
2. I find other soothing or numbing activities that take my mind off what needs to be done.
3. I find that the reward of performing a task will not fulfill me.
4. There are many other distractions that take away focus from the tasks.
5. I feel that the tasks are so easy or simple that they can be accomplished very easily and you do not give them importance.

These and others are some of the reasons you might procrastinate.

However, how do we get better at this?

Going from the list above:

1. Make a list of all the tasks that need to be completed, organization is key and writing them down on paper makes a difference, it makes it visible and more real. As you create your list find those easy tasks and do a few easy ones first get a few wins. That will make you feel that you are getting things done.

2.  Don’t lose focus. When you get stuck like when your PC is loading information or you are just mentally stuck or you feel the urge and reach for your cell and check out social media while your PC gets going. Be aware and try to do something else related to your tasks. Find a motivating factor that will keep you engaged in completing your task.

3. Make it your goal to knock off a few tasks per day and cross them off your list. Focus on trying to complete maybe 4 tasks. It is very satisfying to see how tasks get crossed out off your list. You will not know how satisfying it is until you try it.

4. Find your space where you are able to eliminate distractions. Wherever you are try to stay focused and only deviate your attention if really needed. If someone walks up to you to try to shoot the breeze, politely ask them to give you the opportunity to finish your task and you will get back to them.

5. Even if tasks are easy, give them the attention and knock them out quickly . The more you wait the more tasks will pile up and then you will end up with a huge pile of “easy” tasks that take time.

In life there are many cycles we all go through, sometimes we are really productive and get things done in a timely manner and sometimes we are not feeling the motivation and leave things for later.

However we need to be aware of those feelings and notice when we are falling into the habit of procrastinating and take steps to improve and get things done in a timely manner.

E.Luna