Effective Methods to Finish Tasks on Time

Procrastination happens to the best of us. Even those of us who teach productivity for a living sometimes find ourselves scrolling social media (like RIGHT NOW) instead of tackling the article I’m supposed to write, the tricky conversation I need to have, and the administrivia that I need to follow up on. I mean YOU. Did I say “I”? :) The key isn’t to eliminate procrastination entirely;,it’s to have the right tools to get yourself unstuck when it happens. Here are a few “procrastination pep talks” you (I) can give yourself (myself) when you (I) find yourself (myself) stuck: 1. “This feeling is information, not a verdict.” Your procrastination is trying to tell you something. Maybe you’re overwhelmed, uncertain where to start, or afraid of not meeting expectations. Instead of judging yourself, get curious about what’s underneath it. Once you identify the real issue, you can address it directly and move forward. 2. “You don’t have to feel ready to get started.” Readiness is overrated. You’ll rarely feel completely prepared or motivated to begin difficult work. The most productive people don’t wait for the perfect moment. They start anyway. Action creates momentum, and momentum creates motivation. Not the other way around. 3. “Progress over perfection.” That report doesn’t need to win a Pulitzer on the first draft. Your job right now isn’t to create something perfect; it’s to create something improvable. Give yourself permission to produce work that’s good enough to refine later. Version 1.0 beats version never. 4. “Break it down until it feels doable.” If the task feels overwhelming, it’s probably too big. Keep breaking it down until you find something manageable. Can’t write the whole proposal? Write the outline. Can’t do that? Open the document and write the first line. There’s always a smaller step you can take right now. 5. “You’ve done hard things before.” Remember when you thought you’d never figure out that challenging project? Yet here you are. You have a track record of working through challenges and getting things done. This task isn’t any different. 6. “Fifteen minutes is enough to start.” You don’t need three uninterrupted hours to make progress. Set a timer for 15 minutes and commit to working for just that long. Often, starting is the hardest part, and once you’re in motion, you’ll want to keep going. 7. “Your future self is counting on you.” Think about how you’ll feel tonight if you continue avoiding this task versus how you’ll feel if you make real progress. Your future self will either thank you for pushing through or wish you had started sooner. Be the person your future self can count on. Procrastination isn’t a character flaw. It’s an emotional avoidance habit. And like any habit, it can be changed with the right strategies and self-compassion. The next time you find yourself stuck, choose one of these pep talks and give it a try.

How do you manage your time, and your team's time, to avoid procrastination? As someone who's been in leadership roles for a while, I get it... procrastination can be a real problem. It's not just an individual problem... it can have ripple effects on your team's productivity and morale. Here's how I've learned to manage my time effectively and dodge the procrastination bullet: Identify Priorities: Know what tasks are urgent and important. It helps to make a to-do list every day and prioritize it. Break Down Tasks: Don't let big projects intimidate you. Break them down into smaller, manageable tasks. It's easier to tackle, and you'll feel a sense of achievement along the way. Eliminate Distractions: Identify what commonly distracts you in your work and eliminate or minimize these distractions. It could be social media, noise or even constant email checking. Monitor Progress: Keep track of how you're doing. I often set mini-deadlines for myself to keep the ball rolling. Seek Feedback and Support: Don't operate in a vacuum. Get feedback from your team or peers to know if you're on the right track. Sometimes, just talking about what you're working on can spark new ideas or solutions. Positive Mindset: Cultivate a can-do attitude. Procrastination often feeds on self-doubt and fear. Believe that you can do it, and half the battle is won. Use Tools: There are plenty of apps and tools to help you manage your time. Find one that works for you. I personally use a simple time-tracking app to stay on track. Accountability: Sometimes declaring your goals to someone else can keep you accountable. I often share my key weekly tasks with a trusted coworker. Time for Yourself: Believe it or not, taking short breaks and dedicating time for yourself can rejuvenate your mind and can be a cure for procrastination. Review and Adjust: At the end of the week, take some time to review what you've achieved and what fell through the cracks. Use this as a learning opportunity to plan your next week better. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "Do one thing every day that scares you." Pushing through procrastination is uncomfortable, but that's how we grow. Feel free to share your own experiences and tips! How do you battle procrastination in your supervisory role? #Leadership #Productivity #PersonalGrowth

I’ve shared these 6 research-backed strategies with several friends wanting to avoid procrastination (at work and home), and they work every time: 1. Create a "Not-To-Do" List Most people focus entirely on what they need to accomplish. But research shows they should be equally focused on what they shouldn't be doing. Write down three things not to do alongside three things to do. If someone needs to clean their garage, their not-to-do list might include: • No Netflix  • Not putzing around in the kitchen  • Don’t check email/social before 10 a.m. Clarity on what to avoid creates mental space to focus on what actually matters. — 2. Make Public Commitments Studies show that public accountability increases follow-through. You can announce your goals on social media or to friends. For example: "I'm cleaning my garage this weekend and posting before/after photos on Monday. If anyone sees me scrolling Facebook, tell me to get back to work!" Public accountability creates just enough social pressure/accountability to push through resistance moments. — 3. Set Up Smart Barriers Shape your environment to make procrastination harder and progress easier. Digital barriers: • Create separate computer users (one for work, one for play) • Uninstall distracting apps from the work profile • Remove social media bookmarks • Install parental controls on their own devices Helpful shortcuts: • Set important apps to open automatically when they start their computer • Remove distracting apps from their phone's home screen • Keep only essential tools easily accessible — 4. Use the 5-Minute Starter Research shows that the hardest part of any task is simply starting. So I trick myself into it. I open the doc and write one sentence. I pull one box out of the garage. Once I start, momentum does the rest. That initial 5 minutes eliminates the mental barrier of "where do I even start?" — 5. Stop at the Peak (Never Finish Sections) Never end work at a natural stopping point. For example, I’m currently writing my next book and I never stop at the end of a section. I stop mid-sentence. The next day, I pick up exactly where I left off. There’s no inertia, no overthinking. (BTW my next book will ALSO start with a “C” can you guess what it will be?!?) — 6. Dream Big (Think Abstract) When bills pile up or clutter builds, it’s easy to stay overwhelmed. So I pause and visualize how I’ll feel after. A clean closet. An empty inbox. That emotional payoff actually helps push me through. These 6 simple shifts make it easier to follow through without relying on willpower.

𝟭𝟭 𝗪𝗮𝘆𝘀 𝘁𝗼 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗿𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗜𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗧𝗲𝗰𝗵 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗲𝗿 Procrastination can cost you years of progress in your tech career.  But most people don’t know how to break the cycle.  Here are 11 actionable ways to beat procrastination and level up in tech 👇🏾  (Pro tip: start with one and build from there.)  --- 𝟭. 𝗨𝗻𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘀𝘁   Delaying action can mean missing out on life-changing opportunities.  Learn:   • Why a year of inaction could cost five years of growth.   • How to shift from waiting to doing.  --- 𝟮. 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗹𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗪𝗵𝘆   Uncover the root cause of your procrastination.  Learn:   • How fear of failure or perfectionism holds you back.   • Strategies to overcome these mental barriers.  --- 𝟯. 𝗘𝗺𝗯𝗿𝗮𝗰𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗻𝘂𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴   Tech evolves fast, your skills need to keep up.  Learn:   • How to stay relevant in a constantly changing industry.   • Tools and resources to build your learning habit.  --- 𝟰. 𝗦𝗲𝗲𝗸 𝗠𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽   Struggling alone slows your growth.  Learn:   • How to find mentors who can guide your path.   • Why mentorship accelerates your progress.  --- 𝟱. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗜𝗺𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘁   Procrastination doesn’t just hurt you, it affects your team and company too.  Learn:   • How being proactive creates value for everyone.   • How to make decisions that benefit your career and organization.  --- 𝟲. 𝗦𝗲𝘁 𝗖𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀   Unclear goals lead to inaction.  Learn:   • How to break big goals into smaller, achievable tasks.   • Why celebrating small wins keeps you motivated.  --- 𝟳. 𝗣𝗿𝗶𝗼𝗿𝗶𝘁𝗶𝘇𝗲 𝗧𝗮𝘀𝗸𝘀   Feeling overwhelmed often leads to doing nothing.  Learn:   • How to focus on what truly matters.   • Tips to eliminate distractions and stay organized.  --- 𝟴. 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗸 𝗟𝗼𝗻𝗴-𝗧𝗲𝗿𝗺   Avoid resisting new skills by visualizing the future you want.  Learn:   • How today’s efforts lay the groundwork for tomorrow’s success.   • Why investing in yourself pays off in the long run.  --- 𝟵. 𝗕𝘂𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗔𝗰𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆   Without accountability, procrastination thrives.  Learn:   • Tools and systems to track your progress.   • How to set deadlines that keep you on course.  --- 𝟭𝟬. 𝗙𝗼𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗮 𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗖𝘂𝗹𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲   Growth isn’t just personal, it’s collective.  Learn:   • Why sharing knowledge benefits your team.   • How to create a culture of continuous learning at work.  --- 𝟭𝟭. 𝗗𝗼 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗡𝗼𝘄   Procrastination only steals time and opportunities.  Learn:   • How decisive action transforms your career.   • Why starting today is always better than waiting for tomorrow.  --- What’s one action you’ll take today to overcome your procrastination? Let me know in the comments 👇🏾

Time is what we want most, but what we use worst. Years ago, I thought time management was: ↳ Making to-do lists, ↳ Planning everything on a schedule, ↳ And still not getting everything done. But I learned the hard way: It’s not about doing more, it’s about doing it right. Here are 12 game-changing strategies: (that truly transformed my productivity) 1/ Anti-To-Do List: Track what not to do (low-value tasks or habits that waste time). 2/ The Rule of Three: Instead of endless task lists, set just 3 key priorities per day. 3/ Time-Stamped Planning: Estimate time for each task, so your schedule isn’t just a wish list. 4/ Switching Tax Awareness: Switching between tasks can cost up to 40% of your productivity—minimize it. 5/ Waiting Time Hack: Use waiting in line or commuting for micro-tasks (replying to emails or listening to audiobooks). 6/ 90-Min Deep Work Cycle: Your brain works best in 90-minute focus sprints followed by breaks. 7/ Day Theming: Assign specific tasks to certain days (e.g., Mondays for planning, Fridays for networking). 8/ Set Hard Stops: Decide when work must end to prevent overworking and force efficiency. 9/ Productive Boredom: Allow quiet time for creative thinking (no phone, no music). 10/ Just Start Rule: When procrastinating, commit to just 2 minutes of a task—momentum usually follows. 11/ Multiplier Tasks: Some tasks (automating a workflow or hiring the right person) save you time forever. 12/ Manage Energy, Not Just Time: Track when you’re naturally most focused and schedule deep work. Time is the only resource you can’t get back. Manage it wisely. ♻️ Share this with your network. ☝️ For more valuable insights, follow me, Victoria Repa.

In 2013, I quit my cushy $200k/year job at Cisco to chase the startup dream. Two years later, I was staring at my bank account balance: $11. What happened? My journey from corporate dropout to failed entrepreneur: • Left a prestigious systems engineer role at Cisco • Poured my 401k into a tech startup • Watched it all crumble due to unchecked procrastination The culprit wasn't laziness. It was anxiety-driven paralysis. Here's the brutal truth. Procrastination isn't just about poor time management. It's a complex emotional regulation problem. I learned this $250,000 lesson the hard way. Rock bottom hit hard: • Drained retirement savings • Crippling depression • Self-doubt spiraling out of control But failure wasn't the end. It was the beginning. The turnaround secret? Mastering my mind. I developed a system to conquer procrastination. 1. Identify the root cause Most procrastination stems from: • Fear of failure • Perfectionism • Overwhelm Pinpoint your trigger. Name it. Face it. 2. Break the anxiety-procrastination loop: • Practice self-compassion (I used to beat myself up constantly) • Use micro-commitments (Start with 5 minutes, not 5 hours) • Celebrate small wins (They compound over time) 3. Reframe your relationship with time: • Stop thinking in terms of "perfect timing" • Start embracing "good enough" action • Remember: Done is better than perfect 4. Build a support system: • Find an accountability partner • Join a mastermind group • Invest in coaching (It changed my life) 5. Create high-stakes scenarios: • Public commitments • Financial penalties for missed deadlines • Rewards tied to completion The result? I've built an 8-figure coaching business, helping thousands break into tech. From $11 in my account to $25M+ in high-ticket sales. The lesson? Your biggest setback can become your greatest comeback. But only if you're willing to face your demons head-on. What's holding you back from your potential? Let's crush those mental blocks together. - Thanks for reading! If you enjoyed this: Follow me, Terry Kim, for more content on productivity and creating the life of your dreams through action.

Elite performers don't fight procrastination. They win via emotional regulation. Procrastination isn't a time management problem. (or a lack of "wanting it") It’s an emotional regulation problem. Your brain WANTS to procrastinate. (It’s getting something out of it) Here’s how to break free: 1️⃣ Procrastination = Instant Relief ⤷ Your brain sees hard work as “danger.” ⤷ Scrolling, snacking, or “quick” distractions = dopamine hit = temporary escape. 🔥 The fix: Awareness - Recognize the urge as a craving, not a command. - Ride it out for 5 minutes before acting. Most urges fade fast. 2️⃣ Your Brain Loves Easy Wins ⤷ The hardest part of work? Starting. ⤷ Once you begin, the resistance vanishes. 🔥 The fix: Start STUPIDLY small - write one sentence - open the doc - do one push-up Momentum will take over. 3️⃣ You’re Chasing the Wrong Dopamine ⤷ Procrastination = fast dopamine (distractions). ⤷ Deep work = slow dopamine (progress, mastery, real rewards). 🔥 The fix: Gamify your work. - Track execution, not just results. - Turn progress into a visible streak. Small wins = better dopamine than distractions. 4️⃣ Perfectionism is the Real Villain ⤷ “I’ll do it when I feel ready” = Fear of doing it badly. ⤷ The longer you wait, the scarier it feels. 🔥 The fix: Make it ugly on purpose. - Write the worst first draft. - Do a “bad” version first. Perfectionism dies when you embrace messy action. 5️⃣ Burn the Escape Routes ⤷ The easiest way to stop procrastinating? Make it hard to procrastinate. ⤷ Your environment matters more than willpower. 🔥 The fix: Optimize your environment - Delete apps. Block distractions. - Work in focus-only spaces. Make it EASIER TO START than to avoid. Procrastination isn’t laziness—it’s a system problem. Fix the system, and you break the addiction. ✍️ Which one of these do you need to try today? ♻️ Repost to help your network level up 🤓 Follow me Peter Shallard for more on productivity and psychology.

8 sneaky reasons you procrastinate and how to beat them: Procrastination isn’t about laziness—it’s about emotions and habits. Here’s why you delay (we’ve all been there) and simple fixes that actually work. 1. The Perfectionist: “If it’s not perfect, why bother?” ↳ Why you procrastinate: Fear of falling short keeps you stuck. ↳ The fix: Allow yourself to create a messy first draft. Progress beats perfection. 2. The Overthinker: “What’s the best way to do this? Let me think about it more…” ↳ Why you procrastinate: You’re stuck analyzing every option, so nothing gets done. ↳ The fix: Set a timer for 20 minutes to decide. Then act. You can always tweak later. 3. The People-Pleaser: “Sure, I’ll do it!” (But now you’re drowning.) ↳ Why you procrastinate: You say yes to others, leaving no time for yourself. ↳ The fix: Practice saying, “I can’t take this on right now.” Protect your priorities. 4. The Avoider: “What if I fail?” ↳ Why you procrastinate: Big tasks feel overwhelming, so you avoid them. ↳ The fix: Break it into micro-tasks. Start with one small, easy step. 5. The Busy Bee: “I’ll get to it… once I finish these 10 small things.” ↳ Why you procrastinate: You fill your day with busywork to avoid the big tasks. ↳ The fix: “Eat the frog” first—tackle the hardest task when your energy is fresh. 6. The Dreamer: “This idea is amazing… I’ll do it eventually.” ↳ Why you procrastinate: You love planning but struggle with execution. ↳ The fix: Turn your dream into actionable steps with deadlines. Big ideas need structure. 7. The Distracted One: “What was I doing again? Oh, right…” ↳ Why you procrastinate: Interruptions and endless scrolling keep pulling you off track. ↳ The fix: Block distractions and work in short, focused sprints with timers. 8. The Burned-Out Procrastinator: “I just can’t deal with this right now.” ↳ Why you procrastinate: You’re exhausted or overwhelmed, so everything feels impossible. ↳ The fix: Rest first. Then pick a small, manageable task to regain momentum. — Procrastination isn’t failure—it’s a signal. Once you know why you procrastinate, you can shift your approach and move forward. — ♻️ Repost it to help others grow. ➕ Follow me, Misha Rubin, for actionable career and life insights.

I've struggled with procrastination for decades. For years, I willed myself to attack my todo list with limited success: working as a Staff Eng at Meta, teaching at Stanford, and running a YouTube channel. Here's how I achieved stress-free productivity: 1️⃣ Action leads to motivation. This is the most important thing to remember when you feel down. Don't wait for motivation to hit you. (you'll end up waiting forever!) Instead, just start making some progress toward your goal, and the motivation will follow after a few minutes. If you're doom-scrolling on Instagram, tell yourself that you simply want to open up your editor and start writing *something*. This is surprisingly effective. 2️⃣ Build a system. Create a system where it's easy to do the right thing and hard to do the wrong thing. Your willpower will change day by day (even hour by hour), so you can't rely on it. Make certain activities automatic based on time of day, e.g. 1 hour of deep work in the morning. This is a mind hack that capitalizes on the fact that simplicity changes behavior. Systems create simplicity. 3️⃣ Figure out what to work on. Your goal is not to be productive for the sake of productivity. Your goal is to make progress on something important. You need to figure out the few tasks that are the most meaningful and prioritize them. For example, you don't want to be known as the software engineer who is always replying to emails. Your prodigious productivity with emails is not why you're hired as an engineer. Focus on the important over the urgent. My full breakdown: https://lnkd.in/gDz7tRCy #productivity #LIPostingDayApril