How to start focusing and stop procrastinating
By Amanda Scali

Are you a chronic procrastinator? You have a deadline looming. However, instead of doing your work, you are fiddling with miscellaneous things like checking email, social media, watching videos on YouTube, surfing blogs and forums?
 
You know you should be working, but you don't feel like doing anything. Procrastination can be super annoying and stressful as you end up leaving things to the last minute and stressing more about getting them done.
 
And I don’t know about you, but this year has been one of the worst for procrastination and putting things on hold that you should be prioritising,
 
So how do you stop procrastinating and get on with the task at hand?

Here are our top tips.

 
Break Your Work into Little Steps
 
Part of the reason why we procrastinate is that, subconsciously, we find the work too overwhelming for us.
 
Break it down into minor parts, then focus on one piece at a time. If you are still procrastinating on the task after breaking it down, then break it down even further.

 
Get an accountability buddy
 
Having a companion makes the whole process much more fun. Ideally, your buddy should be someone who has their own set of goals.
 
Both of you will hold each other accountable for your goals and plans.
 
 
Change Your Environment
 
Different environments have a different impact on our productivity. Look at your work desk and work out how it makes you feel.
 
Sometimes you need to change things up; work outside on a gorgeous spring afternoon, add some plants or motivational quotes or fun photos when you are at your most happy to your desk and office space.
 
 
Get a Grip and Do It
 
In the end, it boils down to taking action. You can do all the strategising, planning and hypothesising, but if you don’t take action, nothing’s going to happen.
 
So just start, write a list of the top three things to get you started and start working through them.
 
 
Lean on your support network
 
If you feel overwhelmed and struggling to get into the groove, take some time out, pick up the phone and call a friend for a chat, see someone you love for a home-cooked meal or give your parents a call.
 
Often these things can make a huge difference in getting you back into the groove of things.