Chronic postponement of responsibilities, commonly known as procrastination, is something of a modern epidemic. Delaying important tasks in favour of entertainment or less important activities affects not only ordinary employees but also managers, and it can develop into a serious problem. However, even a strong tendency towards procrastination can be overcome. Here are six tips on how to do it.
Tip one: Start your working day with difficult tasks
You can try to eliminate procrastination by making the most difficult tasks the first things you work on each day. This ensures that complex, and often important, tasks that you would rather avoid are addressed at the very beginning of the working day. As a result, there is a lower risk that you will continue postponing these tasks while focusing on simpler but less important activities.
Tip two: Define your priorities
As Entrepreneur.com states, it is also necessary to have clear priorities. You cannot manage everything. Therefore, you must determine what deserves your primary attention.
Tip three: Prepare a plan for every working day
Prepare a detailed schedule of activities for each day and then follow that plan strictly. However, do not forget to include free time and space for relaxation as well as urgent and unexpected tasks. This will ensure that your plan remains realistic.
Tip four: Turn off your phone
During periods that you have allocated to working on a specific task, turn off your phone, do not respond to emails, and eliminate all distractions, such as a television that is switched on.
Tip five: Do not exceed the time allocated to tasks
You should not spend more time on individual tasks than you originally planned. If you are unable to complete something, move the activity to the following day and continue with your daily schedule.
Tip six: Improve your delegation skills
One of the common factors contributing to procrastination, especially among managers, is task overload. Learn how to delegate work effectively and pass tasks on to your colleagues or subordinates.
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