How To Stay Motivated And Avoid Procrastination

Hey Op,

I know how you feel. I am a full time web development freelancer and the one issue that I face more than anything else is procrastination. The problem lies with both distraction and avoidance.

Usually the distraction fuels the avoidance to some degree but the avoidance comes for many reasons. Maybe the task at hand seems far too daunting or big. Possibly you don't think that you have the gusto/skill to actually do the task at hand and end up stressing about it.

Stress is what fuels avoidance. The distractions like TV, social networking, and even cleaning your house are ways for you to avoid said stress even if the way you are avoiding it is unhealthy to the progress you are trying to make.

Some Tips:

1. Make a longer list of small things.

I know someone said make a smaller list earlier and I half agree with him/her. I do believe you need to cut out a lot of in between but do break the important big chunks into more manageable bites. This will allow you to accomplish a micro task quickly and give you a boost of accomplishment.

2. Get away from distractions

Go to a coffee shop if you can or at least turn off your tv and close any distractive tabs in your browser. Turn your phone on silent if you have to.

3. Finish Tasks First, Play Later

If you finish a certain number of tasks, reward yourself. This work towards reward system works well for most people. Reward yourself with a snack, some social time (30 min or something), or if it is a big goal then a night out. At the end of the day you will thank yourself.

4. Take breaks

This was the hardest for me to realize but taking breaks is proven to boost productivity. You don't want to get burnt out on the task at hand.

5. Log your time.

By doing this you will know how long it takes approximately to finish a task. This will allow you to build better lists in the future :)

6. Get some rest

Sleeping is necessary. Don't overwork yourself or you are doing yourself some injustice. You need energy to stay focused and alert.

7. Eat well

The way you eat will affect your mood, energy levels, and even the way you think. Don't go out and pound down an energy drink or soda expecting to stay awake for eight hours doing work. It will only to serve a nasty sugar crash directly to your brains door step. Drink some black tea, a LOT of water, and maybe a small cup of coffee if it is a must.

8. Organize yourself.

This means actually writing your list, noting any calls you need to make, working around your daily schedule but most importantly it means a clean and clutter free space. As humans we stress in an environment that we find uncomfortable and will not work efficiently nor happily. Make stuff easier for yourself and put stuff in easy to access areas, clean that space up and clear the clutter.

9. Don't Re-invent the wheel!

Unless your job is inventor and you are coming up with new gadgets, there are tools out there to help you. If you are a writer, web developer, or other you can find great online tools. Even if you are a cook, baker, tanner, etc there are great online resources and tutorials out there for you. Make your work life as easy as possible. Your work isn't a proving ground for anothers scrutiny but a place for you to craft your best and provide the best possible product or service. Why not make it easy on yourself? :)

10. FORM GOOD HABITS

It is all and well to say that this list is good and you will do them but actually acting upon them and/or remembering them is the hardest. Actually try to put each item into your daily work routine to easily integrate it. Habits are the hardest things to form but also the hardest to break. Take time to strengthen a good habit.

If you find this list useful, throw me some karma points or something ;)

The tempo around us and the economic demands on people and families are breaking our spirit. I will try a elite sportsman approach this year. Just thinking about getting my body in great shape. Even if I'm 45 I'm going to try that path and maybe the mental
Health will get better at the same time??
But things are really stressing for folks these days. To much shit happening around us

Pathetic.

Yes, yes you are to have posted that lol

Anyone have any tips? Any tried and true methods?

Weak minded and lazy fools will have no place in the future. Take note.

The advice is this:

Refuse to procrastinate and self motivate. Ignore physical weakness to accomplish your objective at all costs. If you cannot find a way to do this, no one will do it for you.

If being nasty towards others is what it takes to beat procrastination then I accept my procrastination with open arms

The future has no place for the unkind and judgmental in my opinion.