Do you often make goals, only to procrastinate until the last moment (or, worse, not accomplish them at all)? Do you often write “To Do” lists but don’t ever get around to crossing off the items? You’re not alone. A lot of people are great at figuring out what needs to be done, but not-so-great at actually doing those things.
1. Stay positive – people procrastinate the most when they’re in a crummy mood. When you’re happy, your productivity improves and you can become more successful. Even the military trains its recruits to be optimistic. How do you tap into your good side, though? Take note of the progress you’re making, even when your goal still feels far away. Celebrate how far you’ve come. Even when something has been ridden with negative events and failures, the progress alone will help you to keep happily pushing on.
2. Setup a reward system – and a penalty system, while you’re at it. According to research, rewards account for 75% of why people do things. Treat yourself to something when you cross an item off your “To Do” list. Also, penalize yourself if you skip a task. Maybe you have to give $10 to your significant other for every duty you don’t do or you won’t go out to dinner with friends if you don’t finish your list for the day.
3. Peer pressure isn’t all bad – studies have shown that it actually helps children more than it hurts them. Surround yourself with people who encourage you to accomplish your goals. Join a group of people who are making things happen or who have already accomplished what you’re going for. The pressure you’ll feel is a good thing – it’s a motivator that will get you moving on your task list. Research has shown that you become like the people you surround yourself with, from eating and health habits to career goals. Be choosy when it comes to the people you let into your life.
There are so many productivity programs out there, but so few actually take emotion into account. Emotion, averse reactions and fear play a big role in what we accomplish and what we don’t. When you understand how your mind reacts to the work ahead, you have a better chance of tackling your projects and setting new goals (that you’ll actually reach). Need more tips for working for yourself? Find out here.
