11 Effective Strategies for Getting Things Done

Procrastination is a common problem that affects many people at different stages of their lives. It is the act of delaying or postponing tasks that need to be done, even if they are important or urgent. Procrastination can lead to negative consequences, such as missed deadlines, increased stress, and reduced productivity.

However, there are several strategies that can help overcome procrastination and improve productivity. In this response, we will discuss 11 effective strategies for getting things done, with examples, facts, and figures to support each strategy.

Break tasks into small chunks:

Large tasks can feel overwhelming and lead to procrastination. Break tasks down into smaller, more manageable pieces. This can help make the task feel less daunting and increase your motivation to start working on it. For example, if you’re working on a research paper, you could break the task into smaller steps like researching, outlining, writing a rough draft, and revising.

Implementation intentions:

One unique technique to overcome procrastination is called “implementation intentions.” This technique involves creating a specific plan for when, where, and how you will complete a task. By creating a concrete plan, you are more likely to follow through with your intentions and overcome the temptation to procrastinate.

To use this technique, start by identifying a specific task that you have been procrastinating on. Then, create a plan for when and where you will complete the task. For example, you might decide to work on the task at 2:00 pm in your home office. Next, create a plan for how you will complete the task. This might involve breaking the task into smaller steps or setting a time limit for each step.

Set clear goals and Prioritize your tasks:

Prioritize your tasks based on importance and urgency. Work on the most important tasks first, as they often require the most energy and focus. By creating specific plans for when and where you will complete tasks, if-then planning helps to overcome the ambiguity and indecision that often lead to procrastination. This technique can be applied to various types of tasks and can be customized to fit individual preferences and schedules.

If-then planning involves creating a specific plan for when and where you will complete a task. The idea is to make a concrete commitment to yourself that increases the likelihood of following through on the task. For example, you might say, “If it is 9 am on Monday, then I will spend the next hour working on my project at my desk in the library.”

Eliminate distractions:

Identify and eliminate potential distractions such as social media, TV, and email notifications. This can help you stay focused and reduce the temptation to procrastinate.

For example, one study found that employees who were distracted by social media during the workday spent an average of 3 hours per day on non-work-related tasks (Millsap, 2019).

Use the Pomodoro Technique:

Set a timer for a specific amount of time and work on a task until the timer goes off. This can help you stay focused and motivated, and can also provide a sense of urgency to help you avoid procrastination.

For example, the Pomodoro technique involves working for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break, followed by a five-minute break. After four intervals, take a longer break. This can help increase productivity and motivation.

Visualize the end result:

By using visualization, you can create a mental image of success and reduce the negative emotions that may be holding you back from completing the task. While not a completely unique strategy, visualization can be a powerful tool for overcoming procrastination and achieving your goals.

To use visualization to overcome procrastination, try the following steps:

• Set a clear goal: Identify the task or goal that you want to complete.
• Visualize the outcome: Close your eyes and imagine yourself completing the task or achieving the goal. Picture the details of the situation, such as where you are, what you are doing, and how you feel.
• Visualize the steps: Break down the task into smaller steps and visualize yourself completing each step. Imagine yourself working through any challenges or obstacles that may arise.
• Focus on the positive emotions: Imagine how you will feel when you complete the task or achieve the goal. Focus on the positive emotions associated with success, such as satisfaction, pride, and relief.

Practice self-compassion:

Be kind to yourself and avoid negative self-talk. Recognize that everyone procrastinates sometimes and that it’s okay to make mistakes. Positive self-talk can improve confidence and reduce negative self-talk, which can lead to feelings of self-doubt and procrastination.

For illustration, instead of saying “I’ll never get this done,” try saying “I can do this, one step at a time.”

Use positive reinforcement:

Reward yourself for completing tasks. This can help increase motivation and reduce procrastination. Rewarding yourself for completing tasks can help motivate you to stay productive. For example, you could treat yourself to a favourite snack or activity after completing a particularly challenging task.

Get an accountability partner:

Find someone who can hold you accountable for completing tasks. This can be a friend, family member, or colleague who shares similar goals. Having someone else to answer to can help you stay motivated and reduce procrastination. For instance, you could find a friend or colleague who is also working towards their own goals and check in with each other regularly.

Identify your triggers:

Identify the things that tend to trigger procrastination for you, such as fear of failure or boredom, and develop strategies to overcome them. For example, if you tend to procrastinate when faced with a difficult or unpleasant task, try breaking the task into smaller steps or using a timer to create a sense of urgency.

Embrace imperfection:

Recognizing that no one is perfect and that it’s okay to make mistakes can help reduce feelings of self-doubt and procrastination. For example, instead of striving for perfection, focus on making progress and learning from mistakes.

In a nutshell, procrastination is a challenge that many people face in their personal and professional lives, but it can be overcome with the right strategies. The 11 strategies outlined in this response, such as setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller steps, and eliminating distractions, can help reduce procrastination and increase productivity. By implementing these strategies, individuals can become more efficient and effective in completing their tasks, which can lead to greater success and satisfaction.