Hey Kings, the start of September is ahead and the start of a new month means we have a chance to reflect and set goals for ourselves. August was a crazy month for most of us, with the chaos of back to school and getting back into the swing of things, we might have found ourselves procrastinating certain tasks (myself included). Procrastination is a habit that gets the better of us from time to time. Here are a few tips to help you kings kick procrastination to the curb and unlock your fullest potential as we head into the new month: 

Why Do We Procrastinate? 

Recognizing that you are letting procrastination win is the first step to breaking the habit. Let’s start off by asking the crucial question: Why do we procrastinate? This is key to being fully honest with ourselves and discovering the root cause of what is holding us back. Is your to-do list excruciatingly long? Are the tasks simply boring? Fear of failure? Once the reason has been identified, you’ll have a better understanding of yourself and can create a strong plan of action to beat procrastination. 

What’s Your Priority? 

Create a list and determine what needs to be done first. Is there a deadline that’s rapidly approaching and needs to be met? If there is, then that belongs at the top of your list. When you accomplish the most important tasks first, tackling what’s left will be a breeze. This list provides a clear visual for you to see exactly what you need to work on and when. Focus on completing one task at a time, rather than multitasking and trying to get everything done at once.

Clear Environment, Clear Mind

When our environment is a mess, it shows in our mindset and how we perceive situations. Before getting started on your to-do list, take the time to clear your workspace in order to start in the right headspace. If your desk is cluttered and filled with unnecessary materials, then you’re hindering your productivity. It doesn’t have to be picture perfect or 100% spotless, but clean enough for you to be fully present and engaged in what’s in front of you. 

Break it Down

When we have too much on our plate, we can become so overwhelmed to the point where nothing gets done at all. To avoid this work paralysis, break it down into small and manageable tasks. Use an interval system to help with large and daunting tasks that you desperately want to avoid; set a timer for 30 minutes and take a 5 minute break when the timer goes off. Taking breaks helps to prevent burnout and gives your mind a rest.

Do It Now! 

You know those tasks that you can literally do in two minutes but you still put it off for some reason? Just get it done the second it’s on your mind. If you see a dirty sock laying on the floor, pick it up and put it in the laundry. In this particular instance, you’re already one step closer to having a cleaner space (and a clearer mind.) Once you just start getting things done, you’ll get in the groove and enter a productive mindset. 

Treat Yourself Nicely 

We’re often so hard on ourselves and spend too much of our valuable time focusing on the negative, rather than the positive. Don’t waste your precious energy mulling over what you could have done – channel that energy into the present moment and do what you can now. We have busy lives and there are always going to be things that need to get done (if only there were more hours in the day.) Celebrate what you accomplished and leave self-deprecating thoughts behind. 

Implementing these strategies in your life will allow you to thrive in the new month and increase your productivity. Keep up the good work, kings.