We’ve all been there. You’re staring at a blank document on your computer screen, or maybe you’re holding a pen over a blank piece of paper. You have a pressing project that needs to be completed, but for some reason, you just can’t seem to get started. Never have your cell phone with Youtube and Tiktok seemed so tempting, and just as you’re only going to see one video or check a message, you find yourself sitting there watching meaningless videos for more than an hour!
Photo from guts.wisc.edu
The procrastination is real, and it’s tough to overcome. But don’t worry — I’ve got your back. Here are four easy hacks to help you beat procrastination and get the shit done!
Hack #1: Set a timer
One of the best ways to overcome procrastination is to set a timer and commit to working for a set amount of time. Once the timer goes off, you can take a break. But more often than not, you’ll find that once you get started, you’ll want to keep going and finish the task at hand. And even if you don’t finish, you’ll at least make some significant progress.
Interval timers are great for this hack because they use the Pomodoro Technique, which is a popular time management technique that breaks down work sessions into 25-minute intervals separated by five-minute breaks. There are tons of great interval timer apps out there; my favorite is Focus To-Do .
Hack #2: Get in the zone with music
If complete silence isn’t really your thing, try putting on some music to help you focus and get in the zone. Make sure to choose music without lyrics so that you’re not distracted by the words (instrumental versions of popular songs are great for this).
Hack #3: Take breaks and move around
It might seem counterintuitive, but taking breaks can actually help you be more productive . When we force ourselves to work for long periods of time without breaks, we tend to get tired and our attention starts to wander.
By taking regular breaks, we give our brains a chance to rest and recharge so that we can come back feeling refreshed and ready to tackle the task at hand with renewed vigor. And while you’re taking those breaks, make sure to move around — sitting in the same position for too long isn’t good for your body or your mind.
So get up, stretch your legs, and maybe even do some jumping jacks! Just make sure not to get too carried away — the goal is to take a break , not start an impromptu cardio session .
Hack #4: Change your environment
If you’re finding it hard to focus in your current surroundings , changing up your environment can sometimes do the trick. Sometimes all you need is a change of scenery. If possible, try working outside or in a different room. And if neither of those options is available (or if it’s just too darn cold outside), try rearranging furniture or adding some plants or other greenery to your space .
Anything that will help make your environment feel more fresh and new will do wonders for your focus and productivity levels .
Conclusion
Don’t let procrastination win the battle — try one (or all) of these four easy hacks next time you’re struggling to get started on a project. And if all else fails, remember that Rome wasn’t built in a day. Take it one step at a time, and eventually, you’ll cross that finish line.
Good luck and thanks for reading!
Jonatan Wigerup