Research shows that about 20 percent of us are chronic procrastinators \u2013 but nearly everyone procrastinates from time to time. Whether it\u2019s putting off folding the laundry or not starting a project until the night before it\u2019s due, this stress-inducing habit affects us all. So why do we put off until tomorrow what could be done today? According to researchers, we avoid tasks because we want to feel good now. The thing is, delaying those not-so-fun tasks actually make them harder to do later. Luckily, there are some simple strategies for beating procrastination, so you can stay focused and productive throughout even the most challenging tasks.<\/p>\n
Be specific<\/strong> Break it down<\/strong> Reduce distractions<\/strong> Just get started<\/strong> Research shows that about 20 percent of us are chronic procrastinators \u2013 but nearly everyone procrastinates from time to time. Whether it\u2019s putting off folding the laundry or not starting a project until the night before it\u2019s due, this stress-inducing habit affects us all. So why do we put off until tomorrow what could be […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[176,106],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-14196","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-balance","category-mindful-living-en-nl"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\r\n
\nRather than having a vague goal and timeline, like \u201cwork out over the weekend,\u201d make specific plans to complete your task, choosing exactly what you are going to do and when you will do it. (Take a yoga class at 9 a.m. on Saturday, for example).<\/p>\n
\nA big project is easier to take on when you break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Instead of writing \u201ccreate presentation\u201d on your to-do list, try writing out the four or five steps you\u2019ll need to take to actually finish it. Then tackle them one by one. Psychologically, when you make a task concrete and achievable, you\u2019re more likely to get started on it.<\/p>\n
\nJust about anything can be a distraction when the alternative is an undesirable task. The key to avoiding distractions is to be honest with yourself about what might tempt you to get off-task and eliminate it before it can ruin your focus. Know you\u2019ll want to take a peek at your Facebook newsfeed? Log off before you get to work. Find yourself strolling to the vending machine to kill time? Stash some healthy snacks in your desk drawer.<\/p>\n
\nOnce you make even a little bit of progress on a goal, it fuels your well-being and your motivation. Sounds simple, yes, but the best way to overcome procrastination is to just get started with the task at hand.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"