Often Put Off Your Work? Try These 10 Ways to Be More Productive
Jakarta (ANTARA) – Putting off work is a common habit, whether people are doing office tasks, household chores or meeting everyday responsibilities. What may begin as a short break can turn into lost time, with work piling up before they realise it.
This habit, known as procrastination, is the act of delaying work even when someone knows the delay could have negative consequences. Its causes vary, from feeling overwhelmed or fearing mistakes to difficulty concentrating and too many distractions.
Procrastination does not always mean that someone is lazy. In some cases, it is linked to difficulty managing emotions, pressure placed on oneself or uncertainty about how to begin.
Even so, procrastination can be reduced by establishing a more organised routine and applying simple strategies. Here are ten ways to try to finish work sooner and increase productivity, drawing on Newcastle University and other sources.
- Identify why you put off work
The first step in addressing procrastination is to understand what lies behind it. Pay attention to when you most often put off work and how you feel at the time.
For example, you may delay because a task seems too complicated, you worry the result will fall short of expectations, or you do not know where to start. Others may be easily distracted by social media, incoming messages or more enjoyable activities.
By identifying the trigger, you can choose a more effective way to address it. If the problem is uncertainty, set out clearer steps. If your phone is the distraction, limit access to the apps that divert your attention.
Understanding the reason for procrastination helps you tackle the problem at its source, rather than simply forcing yourself to work harder.
- Break large tasks into smaller steps
Work that appears large and complicated can make someone feel overwhelmed before they even begin. As a result, it is repeatedly postponed because it seems to require too much time and effort.
To address this, try dividing the work into smaller, more manageable parts.
For example, instead of setting the goal of “completing the monthly report”, break it down into gathering data, checking figures, outlining the report, writing the content and carrying out a final review.
Each part has a clearer goal, so you do not have to think about the entire task at once.
This also helps you see progress in stages. Once one part is complete, you can move on to the next without feeling burdened by the whole task.
- Use the five-minute rule to get started
If you find it difficult to begin, try the five-minute rule: commit to working on the task for just five minutes.
You do not have to finish everything straight away. Simply take the first step, such as opening a document, reading the instructions, drafting three key points or replying to an important work message.
This strategy can help reduce the mental barrier to starting. When the five minutes are up, you can decide whether to continue if you are able to.
A similar approach is recommended in guidance from Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust to help people overcome procrastination.
The key is not to wait until you feel fully motivated. Sometimes motivation comes after you have started doing something.
- Make a realistic, prioritised to-do list
A to-do list can help you see what needs to be done and prevent you from wasting time deciding which task to tackle first.
However, do not simply write down everything without setting an order. Sort tasks by importance, deadline and the time needed to complete them.
Prioritise work that is important and urgent, especially if it involves a deadline or a responsibility that cannot be postponed. Then set aside time for other important tasks that do not need to be completed that day.
Avoid making the list so long that it leaves you feeling more overwhelmed. Choose a few realistic goals to complete in a day.
You can also specify the result you want to achieve. For example, instead of “work on the presentation”, write “finish the first five slides before lunch”.
Clear goals make it easier to get started and assess your progress.
- Use the Pomodoro Technique to stay focused
The Pomodoro Technique is a time-management method that divides work into focused sessions and short breaks.
One commonly used pattern is to work for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After four sessions, you can take a longer break as needed.
During each work session, focus on one task and avoid switching between activities without a clear reason. If you feel the urge to check social media or do something else, make a note of it and return to your main task.
This method can help you begin without feeling that you have to concentrate for hours at a time.
The sessions do not always have to last 25 minutes. Adjust them to suit the task’s difficulty, your ability to concentrate and your need for breaks.
- Reduce distractions around you
One reason work gets delayed is the number of distractions that arise when you are trying to concentrate.
Message notifications, social media, short videos and conversations nearby can divert your attention. As a result, work that should take a short time can take much longer.
To address this, switch your phone to silent or turn on its do-not-disturb feature during work sessions. If you do not need the device to complete the task, put it out of reach.
If you work in a noisy environment, try to find a quieter place or use earplugs if possible.
Also prepare what you need before you start, so that you do not have to keep leaving your desk to find documents, stationery or other materials.
A supportive environment can help you maintain focus and reduce opportunities to put work off.
- Do not wait for a perfect result
Wanting to do your best work can be positive. But if you set your standards too high, you may become afraid to start because you worry the result will not meet your expectations.
This can lead someone to spend too long planning, repeatedly check minor details or keep putting work off because they feel unprepared.
To address this, focus on completing a first draft. You do not have to produce perfect work on your first attempt.
For example, when writing a report, first set out the main ideas and the data required. Once all the sections are complete, check for errors, improve the wording and polish the result.
Separating drafting from editing helps the work move forward without sacrificing quality.
Remember, completed work that can still be improved is often more useful than a perfect plan that is never put into practice.
- Set a regular schedule
An organised schedule can help reduce procrastination by giving each task a clearer time slot.
Try setting specific times for particular tasks, such as checking emails at the start of the day, working on your main task in the morning and completing administrative work in the afternoon.
Adapt your schedule to your energy levels and habits. If you concentrate more easily in the morning, use that time for tasks that require deep thought.
Remember to allow time for meals, breaks and unexpected work. An overly packed schedule can leave you feeling overwhelmed and make it harder to maintain a routine.
Review your schedule regularly to see whether the allocation of time suits your needs. If a task takes longer than expected, make adjustments rather than treating the entire plan as a failure.
- Reward yourself after completing a task
Giving yourself a simple reward can help maintain motivation when you are working on a task that feels boring or challenging.
For example, you could enjoy a favourite drink after finishing a report, take a short walk after completing a work session, or watch a favourite programme after meeting your daily target.
A reward does not have to be expensive. A small, enjoyable treat can encourage you to maintain productive habits.
However, make sure you give yourself the reward after completing the agreed goal, rather than letting it become an excuse to put work off.
You can also keep a daily record of the tasks you have completed. Seeing your progress can build confidence and make the process of forming new habits feel more tangible.
- Be kind to yourself and review what happened
When work is delayed again, some people immediately label themselves lazy or undisciplined. But excessive self-blame does not necessarily help resolve the problem.
Instead of continuing to feel guilty, consider what stopped the work from going according to plan. Was the goal too large, was the timing unsuitable, or were there distractions you had not managed to address?
Use your answers to improve your approach the next day. If the previous target was too demanding, break it into smaller steps. If your schedule was too full, reassess your most important priorities.
Changing habits takes time and consistency. You do not have to become productive all the time straight away; you can gradually build a better working pattern.
If procrastination persists to the point that it seriously disrupts your work, education or daily life, consider consulting a professional to understand whether other factors may be involved.
Overcoming procrastination is not simply a matter of forcing yourself to stay busy. The key is to understand why you put things off, make tasks easier to start, manage distractions and set realistic goals.
By applying simple steps consistently, you can build a more organised routine, complete work more effectively and reduce the pressure of approaching deadlines.