September 14, 2017 | 5 min read
Productivity Stalled? Kick These Bad Procrastination Habits

Catherine

As you progress through the work week, you may have periods where your typical productivity levels have slowed. Don’t be afraid to admit it; it happens to everyone! However, there is a difference between occasional bouts of nonproductivity and having a bad habit of procrastinating.

If this is something you struggle with, it might be time to assess whether your office rituals are keeping you from efficiently getting your work done. For those looking for tips to overcome procrastination, start by evaluating whether you have any of these habits:

Texting and checking your phone

In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s easy to get distracted by your phone. However, checking your phone every five minutes can hinder you from not getting your work done as quickly or as effectively you may have hoped. If you find yourself scrolling through your phone on a regular basis, keep your phone away from your desk by storing it in a bag or a drawer. If you can see it, you’re more likely to use it.

Not maintaining a schedule

Part of overcoming procrastination involves discovering what’s making you procrastinate in the first place. For example, if you find your productivity has stalled, it may be because you aren’t adequately managing your time effectively from the start. If you aren’t already, you should be keeping a thorough schedule of what your day and ensuing week looks like. Whether that is using tools such as Google Calendar, Microsoft Outlook, or a day planner, having a place to jot down important deadlines and meetings you need to address will help you to better manage all your responsibilities.

Always saying yes

Many professionals in the workplace will tell you that they have difficulty saying no to projects. However, this can sometimes lead you to feel so overwhelmed that you don’t know where or how to start. If you find yourself in this boat, it’s important to assess how much you can realistically handle. Unsure how? To start, evaluate your top priorities and see whether the extra requests align with them. It also helps to evaluate whether or not someone else is well-suited for the project you’re being asked to help with.

Second guessing yourself

Let’s say you are asked to complete a project that requires knowledge and skills you may not possess or are uncomfortable with. If you find yourself in this situation, you may feel inclined to put off the work it entails because you question whether you’ll be able to do a good job. These feelings are normal and something we all struggle with, but its consequences do result in a lack of productivity. If you constantly second guess yourself when it comes to work, don’t be afraid to ask someone for help! Bringing someone else into the picture can make you feel more accountable on your end, and it can make you more excited about the task at hand. Stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself might not be easy, but in the long run will be key to landing opportunities for professional development.

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