One of my very favorite TED talks is from Tim Urban entitled “Inside the Mind of a Master Procrastinator”. Procrastination is a killer for many execs in business. It can prevent you from meeting deadlines, completing important tasks, and achieving your goals. In his talk, Urban takes us down the path of YouTube binges, Wikipedia rabbit holes and bouts of staring out the window -- and encourages thinking harder about what we're really procrastinating on, before we run out of time.
Need more than a TED talk? Here are my top tips on how to get past procrastination…..
- Set clear goals: Start by setting clear, specific, and achievable goals. Write them down and break them down into smaller tasks.
- Create a schedule: A prioritized to-do list that outlines when I’m going to complete each task helps me stay organized and on track.
- Break tasks into smaller steps: The smaller something is, the more manageable it will look. Hack your own perception of the size and complexity of the tasks on your plate.
- Identify the cause: Are you feeling overwhelmed, bored, or anxious? Once you know the cause of your procrastination, you can take steps to address it. One of the best pieces of advice I’ve received is “action brings relief.” If you’re feeling stalled out, making a move is the first step to getting unstuck.
- Eliminate distractions: Social media, email, or phone notifications can be productivity killers. Turn off your phone or use apps that block distracting websites.
- Get support: Lean on colleagues, mentors, or coaches. They can help keep you accountable and provide motivation and encouragement.
- Reward yourself: Completed a task or achieved a goal? Take a break or treat yourself to something you enjoy.
Procrastination can be a difficult habit to break, but with these tips (and a TED talk as inspiration), you've got a roadmap to get unstuck! Remember to stay focused, organized, and motivated, and to celebrate your successes along the way.
We’d love to hear about your best procrastination hacks!