I have a very bad habit of putting off tasks I don’t want to do. Editing content has always been like pulling teeth, so it’s natural that I do that last.

Here are three key bullet points I’ve used to improve and stop procrastinating.

Procrastination is the enemy of productivity, and we have all been guilty of it at some point in our lives. Putting off tasks until the last minute can lead to unnecessary stress, missed deadlines, and a general feeling of unease. If you’re tired of procrastinating and want to increase your productivity, here are three ways to stop procrastination:

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Chunks

One of the reasons we procrastinate is because the task at hand feels overwhelming. Breaking it down into smaller chunks makes it easier to manage and less intimidating. Start by identifying the individual steps required to complete the task and then set a deadline for each step. This approach not only makes the task seem more manageable, but it also gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.

2. Eliminate Distractions

Distractions are another major cause of procrastination. Social media, email, and other notifications can divert our attention and prevent us from focusing on the task at hand. To overcome this, create a distraction-free environment by turning off notifications, closing unnecessary tabs and apps, and finding a quiet workspace. You can also use productivity tools such as website blockers or time-tracking apps to help you stay on task.

3. Use the 5-Minute Rule

Sometimes, the hardest part of a task is getting started. The 5-minute rule can help overcome this hurdle. Set a timer for five minutes and work on the task for that time. Once the timer goes off, you can choose to stop or continue working. More often than not, you’ll find that once you get started, it’s easier to continue working on the task. This method helps to overcome the mental block that often leads to procrastination.

Procrastination can be a challenging habit to break, but it’s not impossible. Breaking tasks into smaller chunks, eliminating distractions, and using the 5-minute rule are three effective ways to overcome procrastination and increase productivity. Try incorporating these techniques into your routine, and you’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish!

Here are some website links that can help you stop procrastination:

1. RescueTime (https://www.rescuetime.com/) – RescueTime is a time-tracking app that helps you track how much time you spend on different activities on your computer or smartphone. It can help you identify which activities are taking up most of your time and where you can make changes to increase your productivity.
2. Focus@Will (https://www.focusatwill.com/) – Focus@Will is a music streaming service that provides music specifically designed to help you focus and improve productivity. It uses neuroscience to create music that can improve your attention span and help you get into the “flow” state.
3. Freedom (https://freedom.to/) – Freedom is a website blocker app that can help you avoid distractions by blocking websites or apps that tend to sidetrack you. You can set custom blocklists and schedules to help you stay on track.
4. Beeminder (https://www.beeminder.com/) – Beeminder is a goal-tracking app that uses the concept of “commitment contracts” to help you stay on track with your goals. You set a goal and a deadline, and if you fail to meet your goal, you have to pay a pre-determined penalty. This can provide an extra incentive to stick to your goals and avoid procrastination.
5. Forest (https://www.forestapp.cc/) – Forest is a productivity app that helps you stay focused and avoid distractions by “growing” a virtual tree when you stay on task. If you leave the app to check social media or other distractions, the tree dies. It’s a fun and creative way to stay focused and avoid procrastination.