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Does anyone have any suggestions on how to better manage your time?
I'm a really big procrastinator who tends to get things done at the last minute. Any suggestions would be welcomed.
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3 answers
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Lynn’s Answer
Hi there! This is actually a great question and you are not alone! I often struggle with this myself. Some tactics I have employed to help me are:
- Keep a to do list. This really helps to keep your tasks in front of you. It also give you a sense of accomplishment when you check items off.
- Set time aside for specific tasks. An example may be cleaning your room. If you set aside 15 minutes each day to straighten up, by the end of the week you will have a clean room.
- Tackle large projects in smaller doses. If you have an essay due in 3 weeks, don't try to write it all at once. Break it up into more manageable segments. Example: Today I will spend 30minutes on my outline. Tomorrow I will spend 30 minutes on my research for XYZ.
- Make time for things you enjoy. Let's be real... we procrastinate on the things we don't like doing. That being said, doing the things you like can rejuvenate you and give you the mental boost you need to tackle the tasks you don't!
- Don't be afraid to give yourself a reward. I absolutely despise doing my taxes every year so I reward myself when I get them done!
- This one is big....Find an accountability partner! Do you have a close friend with like habits? Perhaps a mentor you can lean on.... Share your ambitions and let them hold you accountable! We often try to keep our procrastination habits private but by having an accountability partner, you will have a buddy to help motivate you and keep you on track!
- Keep a to do list. This really helps to keep your tasks in front of you. It also give you a sense of accomplishment when you check items off.
- Set time aside for specific tasks. An example may be cleaning your room. If you set aside 15 minutes each day to straighten up, by the end of the week you will have a clean room.
- Tackle large projects in smaller doses. If you have an essay due in 3 weeks, don't try to write it all at once. Break it up into more manageable segments. Example: Today I will spend 30minutes on my outline. Tomorrow I will spend 30 minutes on my research for XYZ.
- Make time for things you enjoy. Let's be real... we procrastinate on the things we don't like doing. That being said, doing the things you like can rejuvenate you and give you the mental boost you need to tackle the tasks you don't!
- Don't be afraid to give yourself a reward. I absolutely despise doing my taxes every year so I reward myself when I get them done!
- This one is big....Find an accountability partner! Do you have a close friend with like habits? Perhaps a mentor you can lean on.... Share your ambitions and let them hold you accountable! We often try to keep our procrastination habits private but by having an accountability partner, you will have a buddy to help motivate you and keep you on track!
Updated
Lamia’s Answer
Here are some ways I use to manage my time:
1. Break tasks into smaller steps - large projects can seem overwhelming so break into manageable chunks and work on small bits.
2. Set deadlines even if they are self imposed
3. Work in short focused intervals. Eg: work for 25 mins and take a 5 min break.
4. Limit distractions - phone on silent, noise cancelling headphones or just white noise to focus
5. Do the harder tasks at your most productive time of day
6. Reward yourself for completing parts of a task.
7. Use visual reminders - like a whiteboard or checklist that you can write down your tasks to complete and strike out when done
8. Reflect on your procrastination - why do you do it? It is boredom or fear of failure. Understanding the root can help with an approach to deal with it.
1. Break tasks into smaller steps - large projects can seem overwhelming so break into manageable chunks and work on small bits.
2. Set deadlines even if they are self imposed
3. Work in short focused intervals. Eg: work for 25 mins and take a 5 min break.
4. Limit distractions - phone on silent, noise cancelling headphones or just white noise to focus
5. Do the harder tasks at your most productive time of day
6. Reward yourself for completing parts of a task.
7. Use visual reminders - like a whiteboard or checklist that you can write down your tasks to complete and strike out when done
8. Reflect on your procrastination - why do you do it? It is boredom or fear of failure. Understanding the root can help with an approach to deal with it.
Billie Messick
Professional Organizer, Interior Decorator/Designer, Administrative Employee Management
1
Answer
Updated
Billie’s Answer
Create a list, take a seat, and devise a strategy to finish your tasks. Don't allow time to slip away... simply take action on what needs to be done. You've got this!
List your tasks in order of importance.
I always complete my least favorite task first as I feel it clears my head and enables me to completely focus on the others
When you think about your tasks, just begin and do it . . . .You'll feel better and be more productive.
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