Do you often stare out the window for minutes even though you have work to do? Are you looking for useless information or playing games on the Internet even though there are more important tasks that need to be done immediately? Sounds like you have to admit that you have a tendency to procrastinate. The key to managing time more effectively is to minimize distractions, focus on the most important tasks you have to get done, and find more reliable ways to increase your productivity.
Step
Method 1 of 2: Avoid the Habit of Wasting Time
Step 1. Stay away from the Internet
Nowadays it is so easy to access the Internet and therefore we are often tempted to access it. When you realize that you need to stop wasting time and do something, avoiding the Internet becomes an easy way to break the habit of procrastination.
If your determination can't help you stay off the Internet-or worse, the work you have to do requires you to use the Internet-you can install site-blocking apps for various browsers. You just have to turn on this app if you need to stay focused and let this program help you
Step 2. Close your e-mail box
A survey of Microsoft employees showed they spent about ten minutes answering emails and then an additional fifteen minutes refocusing on the task at hand. If you really have to focus on one task, you can set your voice mailbox to answer automatically and try to hold yourself back from checking it until you've finished your work.
You can do the same with text messages, instant messages, push notifications, mobile alerts, and so on. These distractions can cause us to procrastinate because they often feel more productive than other time-wasting things, but they are often just as unproductive. Turn off your cell phone as much as possible
Step 3. Do the whole job on one device
If you use a portable computer to work on spreadsheets, a cell phone to check email, and a tablet to do presentations, you'll have a hard time too. Every time you switch devices, there's bound to be a distraction or two that you face and after that you need some time to refocus. Try to gather everything you need on one device while getting ready before starting work so that you can use only one device at work.
Step 4. Create a schedule
Most people don't like making a schedule, but you don't need to make a complete schedule. Before starting to work on a task, take five minutes to make a list or other things needed to complete the task. By creating a good timeframe, you can also ensure progress in your work.
- Use "time grids," or definite time segments for specific tasks so that you can break this task down into workable parts more easily. This method can be applied to all sorts of things from homework, office tasks, or home renovations.
- If possible, try to group your tasks and jobs. For example, if you have to go to the supermarket and refuel the car, try doing both in one trip. That way, you can save time going twice for things that can be done at one time.
Step 5. Do it more slowly
This may sound unproductive, but try to work slower because if you work too fast or do more than one task at a time, you could end up wasting your time. Studies show that only 2% of people who do one task at a time can be truly effective and save time.
Working more slowly also provides an opportunity to ensure you complete each task well and clearly, so you are less likely to return to the task to correct any mistakes, which usually take more time
Step 6. Continue to work on the current task
Often times we procrastinate because we are doing other important (but not urgent) tasks instead of the important tasks we need to finish right now. Spending time on less important activities is a step back and a waste of time if you have other more pressing tasks. Know whether the task you are working on is the top priority on your to-do list or not.
Try to prioritize your tasks. Start with a few small tasks to motivate yourself, then focus on the most important or urgent tasks for you right now
Step 7. Give yourself time to pause
Working non-stop can make you tired and frustrated. You can give yourself time to stop at the end of work hours or at dinner to help yourself avoid overwork that could affect the quality of your work.
Even if you're struggling with assignments that have to be submitted tomorrow, give yourself time to pause before working on them again
Method 2 of 2: Using Retest
Step 1. Create a table to manage your time throughout the day
By now you've covered a lot of steps to help yourself stay focused from Method 1, and this iterative test is a good way to test how effectively you're using it. Start by creating a spreadsheet or you can create a table on paper or a whiteboard. Create one column for the clock, and create an even wider column to the right of it.
Step 2. Stop working at the beginning of every hour
This test requires you to rest for a minute or two at the beginning of each hour to evaluate how you used the previous hour. You can set a timer to make sure you stop long enough to fill this table.
Step 3. Think about how you spent the previous hour
During the evaluation period, think about what you did in the previous hour. The things you do vary from exercise to studying for a test or spending an hour in front of the television. Try to be honest with yourself when evaluating this hour.
Step 4. Ask yourself if you would like to repeat the hour
Therefore this test is referred to as a retest. Once you know what you did an hour before, try asking yourself if you want to do it again or not. This question helps you ask yourself if you believe that you spent the previous hour productively. If the answer is no, you are less likely to want to repeat the clock.
Step 5. Summarize what you did in an hour and write your evaluation in the column to the right
Keeping track of how your day is going and seeing how many hours you want to repeat and how many hours you don't want to repeat can also be an effective motivational tool. Write down a few words what you did in the previous hour in the right column and also evaluate whether you want to repeat it or not.
Step 6. Know the parts of your day that you can control
One of the downsides of this retest is that you can quickly judge each hour by its usefulness. Classes where the teacher isn't teaching new material, unproductive work meetings, and other parts of your day can feel like annoying time-wasters. Try to remember that sometimes you don't have complete control over every hour of your day and you have to attend to things that feel unproductive like work meetings which to you are a waste of time.
Being flexible is important in all aspects of life, including time for fun and relaxation
Tips
- Make sure you get enough sleep at night so you don't feel sluggish and lazy throughout the day.
- Try to be honest with yourself when trying to be productive at work. Sometimes the best thing you can do is stop for a short walk, eat something, or talk to a friend for a few minutes when you feel like you need to freshen up after a hard day's work.
