This Friday, September 6th is Fight Procrastination Day. I can honestly say I am queen of procrastination, and no matter how many times I say, “I will not procrastinate this,” I still put things off. In fact, I try to keep up on my Tuesday Top 5s, but you’ll often find me finishing it right before I post it Tuesday evening. So in the same fashion, here I am finishing my article. By the way, sorry this is a day late. This week has been NUTS! Here are my Top 5 for fighting procrastination. Some of these will sound obvious, but they’ve worked for me, so I thought I’d pass them along.
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Make a list
Well duh, but do you actually write said list? Many believe that when a todo list is long, it’s unachievable. I believe that, but with some exceptions. I write even the smallest, easiest tasks on my list that I know I have to achieve. I mean, I do have to shower, and I might as well put it on the list too. There can be no disappointment if you cross off SOMETHING off the list, right?
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Get a phone app
Digital list and automatic reminders are the best, and most of the time if I cannot accomplish it then and there, it will stay on my home screen until I go into the app to mark it as complete. I even encourage some of my students to get apps on their phones to help them accomplish their todo lists.
Five within The Five to fight procrastination
- Wunderlist- Create multiple categories of lists and even share the lists with others. Perfect for a honey-to-do list!
- Reminder App- This comes on Apple products, but Android probably has a similar one.
- Google Keep- Lets you put multiple lists together to organize and share with who you need to. It’s also connected to all devices your Google account is signed in on.
- Google Calendar- Who doesn’t like reminders?
- Cozi- This family organizer helps you see everyone in the family’s schedule, therefore keep everything on track!
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Set a time limit
Research shows that for peak productivity, one must do work in time blocks. Pick a task to work on for the entire set time. Set a timer for 25 minutes, and get to work. After the 25-minute timer goes off, take a 5-minute break, then return to the task for another block of time. This is called the Pomodoro Technique. The specific timed sessions allow for significant productivity, while still giving your mind the break it needs.
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Find an accountability partner
Some of my best college study sessions were when a friend and I went to the coffee shop, put our headphones in, and went to work on our own assignments. Even right now, my husband is working on his project at the table next to me. His project may be a fantasy draft, but it’s still a “project” that needs to be done. Knowing someone else is next to me working on their to-do list helps me also work because I know neither of us has time to sit and chat.
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Just do it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZXsQAXx_ao0
Worst comes to worst, here’s Shia LeBeouf for some motivation to get your tasks accomplished. You’re welcome for a quick time waster, but get to your list!
I really did have this Tuesday Top 5 done on time, it was just too good to pass up the procrastination joke. I love having more ideas to help fight procrastination (and try with students and myself!), so feel free to send your tips to kbrxdoghouse@gmail.com. Enjoy your week!
