Strategies to Beat Procrastination and Boost Productivity

Duh! Me,

    Because I always thought if things aren't going well right now, I can always start over when things get better. But things never got better, and I never started over. As a result, I always got things done in rush in the last minute. As they say, haste makes waste, and my works never utilized my full potential. Only it wouldn't stop there. While I procrastinated, I would also worry myself to death that I am not doing my work. It was a cynical cycle of guilt, worry, distraction and regret. One of the realisation is that following a routine kept me on track, but then when I didn't follow the routine properly, I would again procrastinate, postponing the task to the next day, when I could follow my routine flawlessly. And to say my To-Do-Lists were ideal is an understatement. It was simply too ambitious for me to follow. I would spend time reading how not to procrastinate than to jump to the job directly. Things haven't changed much, but I would like to share what works better for me.

1. Forget about the results.

I know this sounds foolish, given about all of the self-help books out there preach concepts of visualisations, universal laws of attraction and stuff. While they do work for a while, they don't work in the longer run. Imagining yourself getting good marks will sure keep you motivated, but let's not forget it's an emotional investment, and it exhausts you. 

2. It's about the Journeys and not Destinations.

If you are always worried if you make it to the destination, then it's not a surprise, you didn't enjoy journey. Many a times we end up spending all our time exhausting ourselves in worrying, and distracting ourselves from worrying, but hello, let's be honest! We end up worrying more. 

3. Do the job! 

Right, now that you don't give a fig if your work's a success or a failure, you might as well start working. Since there is no pressure to succeed or fear of failing, just do the job, explore and see what's the deal about. 

4. Try worshipping it. If you are a theist, this trick is more likely to work for you. Consider work as worship. Do it with as much commitment as you would while worshiping god. Do your job for the almighty, and dedicate the results to him. If your work bears fruits, then it is for god. If it doesn't, then also it is for god. God is your employer, and well your just an employee.(Typing this point, made me like I am member of cult, but I am not! Trust me!)

5. Inaction is cheating! You know how it is a crime to cheat in exams? Then you must also realize that lazing is like cheating life. If there is a work assigned to you, and you are lazing around, then you are cheating life and worse cheating yourself. So inaction just isn't the key, Bro! 

Happy working!,

Yours,

Me