What, primarily, causes procrastination? Productivity requires goals, which require thoughts. We think, we determine the goal, and then – don’t act. Why do we not act?
Our emotions get in the way. Fact: Because of the way our brains are structured, emotions always win over thoughts. We know what we have to do, we just don’t feel like doing it. Why should that be the case? We procrastinate most when we are in a bad mood. Mood management is key in productivity. So, get positive.
Happiness increases productivity. In order to manage mood, we must become positive. Optimism is required to prevent procrastination, and the greatest motivator is progress. Learn to celebrate each little win and optimism increases, progress increases, and then productivity increases. Thus, we get rewarded.
Receiving a reward is a great motivator for many of us. After progress is made, treat yourself. Or, use penalties as motivation. One device is to give a friend money, which you will receive back only if you achieve your productivity goal; this is negative reinforcement which requires commitment on your part. And that is a part of peer pressure.
Surround yourself with people who have high goals, and are people you admire. Some would say that who you associate with determines the type of person you become. Job performance is more dependent on self-image than actual performance. Join with peers and hold one another accountable.
Some useful tips to become more productive each day: get a routine, focus, manage your mood. Don’t check email in the morning, this may make you reactive and in some cases, emotional. Your focus is lost, you may become stressed and distracted. Research has shown that due to distraction, your IQ can drop as much as 10 points. At work, determine whether tasks can be done faster, or not at all. Decide what’s important and don’t do much else. Stay focused, even if you must change your environment. Eliminate distractions. Develop a system, get a routine so that tasks become automatic. Define goals the night before, write them down.
Good time management is about feelings. Manage your mood and become positive; productivity is the result. Stay busy, but not rushed, and increased job satisfaction and productivity will follow.
If you are feeling overwhelmed or need a little help focusing on your goals, please contact me and let’s schedule a complimentary 20 minute coaching session to see how we can, together, get you back on the right track.
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