Are you procrastinating?

Lately, I've been reflecting on procrastination.

Procrastination is a challenge at the best of times, and right now, it can be particularly difficult to get ourselves to sit down, focus, and work steadily.

A while back, I joined CBS This Morning to share tips for avoiding procrastination while working from home. You can watch the clip here.

We don't all procrastinate in the same way, so it can be helpful to determine your procrastination style.

What type of procrastinator are you?

Are you a procrasti-cleaner? Do you decide that you can't start working until you finally get all your files re-organized? Sure, it can be helpful to spend a few minutes clearing off your desk as a way to set yourself up for productive work--but that's not the same thing as re-alphabetizing all your bookshelves.

Are you a procrasti-creator? If so, you work … but not on the most important project. Working is one of the most dangerous form of procrastination; you feel productive, but you're procrastinating if you're not making progress on your real priority. (This is one of my main forms of procrastination.)

Are you a procrasti-waiter? If so, you delay work because you convince yourself you need more information, permission from someone else, a mentor, or something else to fall into place. Maybe that missing piece is needed to complete a project, you can probably get started without waiting for it.

My sister Elizabeth and I discuss these and other popular styles of procrastination (procrasti-scrolling, procrasti-researching, procrasti-claiming, procrasti-snacking, and others) on episode 391 of the Happier podcast.

We can’t measure what we don’t monitor. It may be easier to identify your procrastination style if you know how you're spending your day. Download this daily time log to help track your time.

5 tips to help you fight procrastination:

1. If you struggle to switch from family life or the latest news into a challenging work assignment, give yourself a transitional task to get into a work mindset. Check the news; then do an easy work-related task for a few minutes, to get into the work frame of mind; then tackle the procrastinated task.
2. Set aside a specific time for a task you’ve been putting off, and during that time, don’t allow yourself to do anything else. One of my aphorisms is: Working is one of the most dangerous forms of procrastination. Doing laundry is procrastination if what you really need to do is to work on the annual report!
3. Schedule a dreaded task for a time when your energy and focus is high. If you’re a morning person like me, do it first thing in the morning. If you’re a night person, perhaps after lunch is better.
4. Ask for help. Often we procrastinate because we’re not exactly sure how to proceed. Ask yourself, “Could someone help me move forward? What information would make it easier to take the next step?”
5. We procrastinate more when we’re feeling low-energy. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep and some exercise to keep your energy and your self-control high. A productive work day starts the night before.

Self knowledge is the key to self improvement. My Know Yourself Better: Embracing Change Journal is a tool that prompts you to reflect on your experiences, interests, and values so you can move forward.

Would you like more tips and strategies for happiness and good habits?

Sign up for bi-weekly tips for practical ways to make our lives happier, healthier, more productive, and more creative.