Welcome to a space of empowerment and productivity!

We all know the struggle—a deadline is always approaching, but sometimes, the allure of a new Netflix series or the endless scroll through a friend’s vacation photos on Instagram can be distracting.

For millennial women balancing careers, and personal lives, the multitude of tasks can sometimes be overwhelming, making procrastination an easy escape. But, there’s good news! Navigating through this maze of distractions is possible. In this post, we’re sharing steps to help you elevate your productivity. Let’s dive in!

1. Understanding Procrastination

Procrastination is not just a fancy term for laziness; it’s a complex phenomenon where we delay tasks that we find unpleasant or overwhelming. 

Getting to Know Procrastination

• Identify the tasks you are avoiding and ask yourself why.
• Recognize the triggers that lead to procrastination, such as certain feelings, people, or environments.
• Develop a positive mindset and visualize the benefits from a complete task.
• Surround yourself with people who encourage you.

2. Identifying Your Distractions

We live in a world of distractions. Whether it’s in social media, watching TV, attending unnecessary meetings, or juggling all of them at once, recognizing these distractions is the first step.

Cutting Down the Distractions

• Use App Limiters: Set daily limits on the use of distracting apps like social media or games.
• Turn Off Notifications: Disable non-essential notifications on your phone and computer to avoid constant interruptions.
• Create a Dedicated Workspace: Having a clean, organized, and designated area for work or study can help minimize distractions and improve focus.
• Set Specific Times for Checking Messages and Emails: Allocate specific times in your day for checking and responding to messages and emails instead of constantly monitoring them.

3. Prioritizing Your Tasks

Effective time management is knowing when the right time to act is. Prioritization helps to focus your energy and resources on activities that are most impactful at that moment. 

Easy Steps to Follow

• Step 1: List All Tasks: Write down every task you need to accomplish. Use a project management tool such as notion, monday.com, trello.

• Step 2: Break Down Larger Tasks: Divide any large task into smaller, more manageable steps.

• Step 3: Assign Importance and Urgency: Use the Eisenhower Matrix or another suitable method to categorize each task based on its urgency and importance. 

• Step 4: Execute High-Priority Tasks: Start working on the tasks that are both urgent and important. 

• Step 5: Reevaluate Regularly: Consistently review your task list, adjusting them as needed based on completed tasks, new tasks, changing circumstances, or shifts in your goals.

• Step 6: Reflect and Adjust: After executing the tasks, reflect on the outcomes and the effectiveness of your prioritization process. 

4. Setting Realistic Goals

Setting unrealistic goals is a common pitfall leading to procrastination. Overestimating productivity can result in overwhelming to-do lists.

Crafting Goals with "SMART" Framework

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve.
• Measurable: Establish criteria for measuring progress.
• Achievable: Set attainable goals considering available resources.
• Relevant: Align goals with broader objectives and values.
• Time-bound: Set a clear timeframe for completion.

Example:

5. Using a Habit Tracker

After distractions are identified, tasks are prioritized, and goals are set. Now, it’s time to take it to the next level using a Habit Tracker. 

What is a Habit Tracker?

It's a handy tool designed to help you see if you're sticking to your habits, and it can be as user-friendly as a calendar marking off each successful day or as advanced as an app providing detailed analytics of progress.

How Does a Habit Tracker Work?

It’s simple; it operates on the concept of visual progress, offering clear evidence of advancement and thus motivating you to stay on track.

Where do I find a Habit Tracker?

There are several free and paid habit tracker apps that you can try such as:

• Habitica
• Productive
• HabitBull

The trick is to use them consistently for at least 66 days, the time research suggests it takes to form a habit.

6. Taking Breaks and Practicing Self-Care

Our journey to kick procrastination to the curb wouldn't be complete without discussing the importance of taking breaks and practicing self-care. 

Continuous work without breaks can lead to burnout and increased procrastination.

Time for a Breather: Efficient Break Ideas

• Pomodoro Technique: Work in 25-minute sessions followed by five-minute breaks.
• Mindful Rewards: Engage in rejuvenating activities like listening to music, meditating, or walking.
• Time-Blocking with Extended Breaks: Allocate longer periods for focused work and take extended breaks to engage in refreshing activities.

Conclusion

Keep in mind, modifying long standing habits takes time and patience—so acknowledge every small win. Start applying the strategy that aligns best with you today! 

Now, the ball is in your court! Have you tried any of these strategies or do you have a favored method for defeating procrastination? Share your experiences in the comments below.

Every journey starts with a single step, so why hesitate? Begin your journey now, and together, let’s eradicate procrastination and foster a productive environment!