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October 20, 2022
Most of us go through periods in our lives when we feel a strong urge to put off work, avoid responsibilities or act in ways that are not consistent with our own values. Your environment often shapes the way you behave during these times—and there are certain things, such as unpleasant mental states, distractions in your work environment, or simply a lack of interest in the task at hand, that can exacerbate the problem. Here are some of the best ways to combat procrastination!
First of all, how’s your mental health lately?
Some people might be surprised to learn that poor mental health can lead to procrastination. After all, when we think of procrastination, we often think of it as something we do when we’re avoiding something we don’t want to do. But the truth is, sometimes we avoid things because we’re not feeling our mental health is well enough to deal with them.
If you find yourself procrastinating more than usual, it might be a good idea to take a step back and assess your mental health. Are you feeling overwhelmed or stressed out? Do you find yourself getting irritable or anxious more easily than usual? If so, these could be signs that your mental health is suffering and that you might need to make some changes.
Identify & Eliminate Workplace Distractions
There are a number of things that can cause us to procrastinate, but one of the most common is distractions. Identifying and eliminating workplace distractions is essential if you want to be productive.
One of the biggest distractions in the workplace is actually hiding in plain sight, email. Checking email constantly throughout the day can disrupt your workflow and lead to procrastination. To avoid this, set aside specific times to check email instead of checking it all the time.
Another common distraction is social media. If you find yourself wasting time scrolling through Facebook or Twitter, try logging out of your accounts or using a website blocker to limit your access.
Interruptions from colleagues can also be distracting and lead to procrastination. If possible, close your door or wear headphones to signal that you don’t want to be disturbed.
You should strive to make sure your work environment is conducive to concentration. If it’s cluttered and noisy, it will be more difficult to focus on what you’re supposed to be doing. Creating a calm and organized workspace can help you stay on task and avoid procrastination.
Do you actually even like your job?
It’s a common question we ask ourselves when we’re feeling stuck in a rut: do I even like my job? The answer is usually “no” – otherwise, we wouldn’t be struggling with procrastination.
Many factors can contribute to our dislike of our jobs. Maybe we’re in a position that doesn’t align with our skillset or interests. Maybe we don’t feel challenged enough, or we’re not given the opportunity to grow. Maybe we simply don’t enjoy the company culture or our co-workers.
Whatever the reason, it’s important to address why you don’t like your job. If you can pinpoint the source of your dissatisfaction, you can start to look for solutions. For example, if you’re not being challenged enough at work, you can look for ways to take on more responsibility or learn new skills. If you don’t get along with your co-workers, you can try to build better relationships or look for opportunities to work with different people.
If you’re really struggling to find anything positive about your job, it may be time to start looking for a new one. But before you make any drastic decisions, make sure you understand what’s causing your discontentment. Once you know what’s wrong, you can start taking steps to fix it – or find a new job that’s a better fit for you.
The bottom line is that procrastination is caused by a variety of factors, including fear, perfectionism, and low self-confidence. However, it is possible to overcome procrastination by taking small steps and building up your confidence. Remember, you are not alone in this battle!
Looking for a light industrial, administrative or professional job you’ll love?
Check out Inter-Connect. We help candidates find positions in the Tri-State Area and we’re ready to talk to you about your next opportunity. To learn more, contact Inter-Connect today!