Are You a Master Procrastinator? Try Our 7 Motivational Tips to Get Your Best Work Done
Maybe you’re procrastinating because you’re dreading a project at work. Perhaps you’re anxious to start because you’re not sure how. It might also be because you’re just not feeling up to it today. However, we have quite a few responsibilities to get through every day. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered!
Here are 7 tips to motivate you to start your day, and get your best work done:
- KEEP AN OPEN MIND.
One of the worst things you can do when starting a task is to talk yourself down before you even begin. Maybe you’re unfamiliar with the project or unsure of where to begin. Keep an open mind, and ask for help from your mentors if you need it.
- SET THE RIGHT GOALS AND EXPECTATIONS.
Keep in mind the objectives of your project so that you can better understand how to approach it. Setting milestones for each task makes it easier to create an action plan, and to figure out which ones to tackle first.
- TAKE SHORT BREAKS AND TRACK YOUR PROGRESS.
Being productive isn’t exclusively about working for eight hours straight. Try out the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes, then take a five-minute break. After four pomodoros, take a 20-30 minute break.
- STRATEGIZE, BUT BE READY TO IMPROVISE.
Prepare for the most likely roadblocks, but don’t hesitate to think on your feet. Don’t be afraid to fail, either. Remember Winston Churchill’s words, “Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without losing your enthusiasm.”
- EAT THE FROG.
Not (necessarily) literally! It’s a quote from Mark Twain, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” It’s somewhat related to our next tip, which is…
- JUST DO IT.
Nike’s immortal slogan is definitely on point. Sometimes, you just have to stop thinking and delaying the inevitable. Just start doing it.
- REMEMBER TO HAVE FUN!
It may be a cliché, but it’s true. When you’re working with a team, just enjoy the journey and make wonderful memories along the way. Trust yourself and consider the challenging parts as an opportunity to learn something new.
BONUS TIP:
Whether you choose to work from a home office or a coworking space, make sure that you have a comfortable and creative work space that will inspire you to do your best work no matter the time of day. Pop on those headphones and play your favorite tracks and post motivational quotes on your desk. You can even display photos of people who inspire you or stack books you can flip through when you’re on your Pomodoro break. 😉
While we know that it’s much easier said than done, once you practice and create a routine that keeps you motivated, it becomes a discipline. What are your go-to habits that keep you motivated?