Last month, we asked you to tell us what your productivity secret was, from coffee and meditation to music and to-do lists. The majority of you chose music as your secret weapon, while to-do lists came in a close second. No matter what your current productivity hack is, it can be helpful to try some new techniques. Here are a few helpful tips to get you started.
The Blast Off Countdown
The five second rule is essentially a countdown of “5, 4, 3, 2, 1” to encourage you to take your thoughts and turn them into actions. This technique is actually grounded in neuroscience. Counting down will help you focus on your goals and distract you from thoughts or excuses that could potentially prevent you from completing the project. So the next time you find yourself struggling to get started, consider doing a mental countdown and launching your task when you hit 1.
Try a Timer
When you have multiple projects at once, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. Using a timer can help you attack your to-do list. The first step is to write down all of the tasks you need to complete. Next, choose the most important task and set a timer for 30-45 minutes, only focusing your attention on that one specific task. When the timer is up, take a 5 minute break and set another timer, continuing to do so until all of your tasks are complete.
Setting a timer and breaking up your tasks into 30 to 45 minute intervals will help you feel more focused and less overwhelmed by the amount you have to complete.
Zen Out
Procrastination is oftentimes a mind game where your anxiety about completing tasks fuels your inability to get started. A helpful way to combat this is by practicing meditation. Before starting an assignment, consider taking 5 to 10 minutes to intentionally breathe, returning your focus to your breathing whenever your mind wanders. While this isn’t a quick fix, studies have found that practicing meditation and mindfulness for a few minutes each day can potentially have an impact on beating procrastination.
Struggling with procrastination? Try these helpful tips today!
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