There are some days where I am on a roll and can get task done and there are other days that I struggle and cannot focus on the task on my list. If you're anything like me, you put things off to the last minute and tell yourself you work better under pressure. However, middle of the task you look at the clock an noticed that you forfeited your sleep because you choose to wait until 45 minutes before your bed time to realized that this task is going to take longer than you realized.
Procrastination can have negative effects on your health! Procrastination is correlated to anxiety, depression, stress, poor quality of sleep and more. Read more about that on Science News website.
It is also important you understand why we procrastinate. Usually our body is feeling the approach of burnout and is attempting to help relax. But it is hard to relax and can increase stress as you put off your task for another day. You have to find a balance. Here are some tips to tackle big projects!
1. Make a plan!
Look over the requirements of the project. Write down everything the project entails. What is important or required for the project to survive? What materials will you need? For example, if you're working on a project for a class look at the rubric. How long does it have to be? Does it need research information? When is it due by? I suggest making the due date for yourself a few days earlier than the actual due date.
Then break your task over days. For example, you have one week for your final paper that has to be five pages long and requires research. Day one will consist of you outlining ideas and looking at what research information is available to read through to support and arguments for your paper. Day two will be reading through all of the information and determining if more research is required or not. You will continue to plan the next five days out with writing and editing the paper.
YOU ARE MORE LIKLY TO DO SOMETHING IF YOU SET A TIME AND DATE TO WORK ON IT AND SCHEDULE IT INTO YOU'RE DAY!
2. Set a timer!
Once you have planned out how you're going to take the project set time aside through out the week on how you're going to work on the project. So on Monday you have free time from 5pm to 9pm and choose to work on the project form 6 to 7:30. Set a 45 minute timer take a 5 minute break and then knock out the rest of your task for the remaining time. If 45 minutes is to long for you to concentrate, choose smaller timers and work your way up to longer timers. Youtube has lots of focusing work timers to use. Here is one of my favorite two hour working timers
3. Remove Distractions!
Put your phone on DND (do not disturb). My phone is setup that only certain people can get through to me if they call in case of an emergency. I generally do not use my phone even if I am using a timer. I will use my tv or computer so that I am not tempted to pick up my phone to check how much time is remaining. I don't know about you but I had developed the habit of opening TikTok as soon as my hand touches my phone.
OPENING APPS OUT OF HABIT IS A REAL THING BE MINDFUL OF THE HABITS YOU HAVE.
This is easier said than done. If you are a mom and you have your kids while you work on some projects attempt to set them up with a movie or a activity that does not require monitoring while you work. Using shorter timers like 15 to 30 minute work sessions may be more helpful then the longer timers. If you are able to get them out of the house or have time where they are not at home this would be the best time to work on the project!
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