The Anti-Procrastination Checklist

You're already familiar with the concept, but let's face it: procrastination is the art of delaying the inevitable.

It's choosing the comfort of "now" over the urgency of "later" — a seemingly harmless trade-off until the bill comes due in the form of anxiety, self-criticism, or even penalty.

Yet, it's a universal experience. We all procrastinate.

Today’s issue, however, is your lifeline out.

I'm diving into evidence-based strategies designed not just to reduce procrastination but to transform how you approach your to-dos.

Let’s get into it!

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Before we begin: Here’s what you might have missed last week

• In issue #26 of The Productivist, I shared 5 powerful ways to boost your influence.

• You learnt the importance of setting intentions instead of having high expectations.

• When it comes to influence, you discovered the importance of energy, positive-framing, respect, and much more! 

Click here to access the full issue.

Big idea #1: A clear project timeline eliminates uncertainty.

The biggest hurdle to starting important projects is not laziness — it's the overwhelming size of the task at hand.

Where to begin?

Create a project timeline.

It might not be the most exciting task, but the boost in productivity you'll experience is undeniable. Don't overlook this step.

1. Define clear objectives for your project.

2. Break your project into 3-5 significant milestones, each with its own deadline.

3. Dissect these milestones into as many detailed tasks as possible.

4. Map everything out on a timeline.

5. Ensure each task has a deadline.

6. Visualize the execution.

7. Go get it! 🐯

Big idea #2: 3-way planning, consistently.

I am not talking about financial forecasting here; this is about the difference between sporadically following through on your agenda and achieving consistent execution.

Do not depend on having the energy and focus needed to tackle your to-do list, generate it yourself.

1. Plan your day the day before.

   Identify your top priority, review upcoming meetings, outline smaller tasks, and make as many decisions as possible about how your day will unfold.
   Trust me, letting your agenda simmer in your subconscious mind overnight works wonders.
   
   

2. Revisit your plan in the morning.

   Review your plan once again first thing in the morning.
   Enter the day with a clear focus.
   
   

3. Weekly review and planning.

   Use this time for a holistic view.
   Celebrate your accomplishments, digest the lessons, and ensure your priorities align with your larger monthly or quarterly projects.

Big idea #3: Socialize your agenda.

The agile methodology hit the nail on the head with its daily stand-up meetings — a swift way to share progress and remove obstacles together.

When you share your plans with someone, it's more than just sharing — it's putting your reputation and integrity at stake.

Suddenly, it's not just about what you feel like doing; it's about living up to your word.

Want to beat procrastination?

Seek out an accountability partner with whom you can consistently share progress towards your goals.

Do not underestimate the significance of this step.

It's particularly crucial for entrepreneurs, homemakers, and senior leaders, who may not regularly report to anyone else.

This could very well be the missing puzzle piece in your productivity toolkit.

Big idea #4: Focus on enjoying the process.

The simple truth is, if a task isn’t enjoyable, it’s all too easy to put off.

Injecting joy into your tasks transforms more than just your mood — it significantly boosts productivity.

When you genuinely look forward to your tasks, procrastination doesn't stand a chance.

It's about transforming 'must-do' into 'want-to-do'.

But before we dive into strategies, let's tackle an underlying issue:

Our dopamine levels

Dopamine, our brain’s reward and motivation neurotransmitter, spikes with every task completion and achievement.

However, our modern lifestyle bombards us with easy dopamine hits — from social media scrolls to binge-watching and fast food — diminishing our ability to find joy in genuinely fulfilling tasks.

To recalibrate your dopamine response, reducing time spent on instant-gratification activities can make a substantial difference, setting the stage for deeper enjoyment from everything else you do.

Now, here are some strategies to make any boring activity more fun:

1. Add novelty.

   A new environment can refresh your perspective and turn a boring task into something more exciting.
   
   

2. Pair tasks with pleasures.

   Enjoy a delicious coffee or your favourite music while working.
   
   

3. Gamify your tasks.

   Imagine yourself as a character on a quest, earning skills and unlocking levels.
   
   

4. Socialize mundane tasks.

   Turn boring chores into a party or competition with friends.
   
   

5. Seek deeper meaning or set new goals.

   Beyond the obvious objectives, find or create additional purposes that drive you.
   
   

6. Incorporate movement.

   Stand, stretch, or walk while brainstorming or on calls. Movement can increase blood flow and creativity, making tasks feel less tedious.
   
   

7. Break long tasks into shorter sprints.

   Dedicate 20 minutes of concentrated effort, followed by a brief pause. Repeat this cycle, each time challenging yourself to surpass your previous sprint's achievements.
   
   

8. Have micro-rewards.

   Introduce small, immediate rewards for completing tasks or parts of a task.
   
   

9. Approach it with a growth mindset.

   There’s always more to learn. Find a more efficient method to complete the task, learn about its history or significance, or even find ways it can benefit your personal growth or future projects.

Specific examples of how it can look like:

• Filing taxes, often a dreaded task, can turn into a fun challenge.
  Host a tax filing party with friends, creating a competition with a prize for the first to finish.

• Stuck with a long, tedious report?
  Change your environment. Head to a coffee shop, enjoy your favorite beverage, and let the ambiance transform your experience.

• Need to learn a new system for your team?
  View it as a debate with yourself. Outline all the reasons for and against its implementation, prepare a presentation, and let the best argument win.

And if you think these strategies will triple your task time, think again.

Procrastination is the real time thief, delaying action indefinitely.

If you want to get something done this week, find a way to inject some joy into it.

Big idea #5: The power of place.

Just like Winifred Gallagher argues that our surroundings shape our thoughts, emotions, and actions in her book "The Power of Place", I cannot understate how impactful your environment is for your work.

1. Environmental cues

   Your environment cues specific emotions and behaviour.
   A cluttered, disorganized, and dark space prompts stress, distractibility, and procrastination.
   While a well-organized bright office with a vision board above your desk prompts productivity and focus.
   
   

2. Association

   If you scroll Instagram or shop on Amazon at the same desk where you do your work, no wonder you have trouble focusing.
   Start de-associating your work space from such activities, which not only distract you but also tank your dopamine (reward chemical) base level.
   
   

3. Sensory input

   Bright lighting, comfortable temperatures, and reduced noise levels can enhance focus and energy, making it easier to start and continue working on tasks.
   
   

4. Nature

   Incorporating elements of nature into workspaces (like plants, natural light, or even pictures of nature) can reduce stress and improve focus, potentially decreasing procrastination.
   
   

5. Functionality

   Spaces designed to facilitate focus and minimize distractions encourage more disciplined work habits and less procrastination.
   

My best recommendation:

1. Have a dedicated work space where you only do focused work.

2. Leave your phone/distractions in another room.

3. Keep your work space tidy and organized.

4. Add plants and bright light if you can.

5. Set optimal temperature.

6. Eliminate noise.

Tiny habit: Use the Anti-Procrastination Checklist.

Steal my Anti-Procrastination Checklist to ensure consistency in your productivity and performance.

When to use it:

• Whenever you find yourself procrastinating.

• Before starting a new project.

The Productivist Question

Procrastination is not always bad.

Sometimes, hitting the pause button is exactly what you need.

It’s called 'positive procrastination':

• continue researching,

• not rushing into things, and

• letting a decision marinate in your subconscious.

Today’s question is:

What’s one of your decisions or tasks that can benefit from 'positive procrastination'? 

I hope you didn’t procrastinate reading this one. 😉

Have a productive week ahead,

Valeriya

PS: Would love to hear which strategy becomes a game-changer for you. Please reply to this email or DM me on LinkedIn with your thoughts!

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