\u201cTo beat procrastination I try to do a few things. Firstly, I try to start my working day with the most unpleasant task and dedicate at least a little time to it, and do it every day. Secondly, I use the Kanban board not to miss any important parts and to visualize the process. That also gives me a sense of achievement when something is done, and I see that I can complete even a complicated and unpleasant task which increases my optimism regarding such tasks. Also, I try never to skip sports, when I go to the swimming pool I have the energy to carry on.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Mostly I procrastinate when I don\u2019t feel well or don\u2019t have enough energy (bad sleep, no fresh air or gym) or when the task involves activities I hate the most (e.g. communication with somebody not so nice, filling in forms, red tape). When the project is very big, it is always difficult to get down to it, but I keep reminding myself how I can eat an elephant\u2026 Piece by piece\u2026\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Polina, Head of English Teaching Direction at Devexperts<\/p>\n\n\n\n The whole point of beating procrastination is not postponing a task for tomorrow or even for an hour from now. Decide what needs to be done and start right away. If the task feels too difficult or you genuinely don\u2019t know where to begin, follow the 5-minute miracle tactic described below.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 5 Minute Miracle is fairly easy. Simply ask yourself, \u201cWhat action can I take in less than five minutes right now that will help me achieve my task even in the slightest?\u201d Once you establish what that task is, set a timer for 5 minutes and do your best to achieve it. Starting the task is usually the hardest part. In fact, the Zeigarnik Effect<\/a> states that unfinished tasks are likely to get stuck in your mind, proving that once you start a task, you\u2019re highly likely to finish it. So, the next time you\u2019re stuck, remember that only 5 minutes of your day can make all the difference.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cI find I procrastinate most often with hard-to-starter tasks. Usually, they are big or very complex. Procrastination prompts me here that I have no proper plan and I need to think more on reachability (e.g., to estimate it better or to think about the schedule and the actionable order.)\u201d<\/em> \u2013 Oleg, Design Team Lead at Devexperts<\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ve heard of the natural rhythm our bodies have in regards to our 24-hour biological clock. This phenomenon is better known as the Human Circadian Rhythms<\/a>. But, did you know that researchers have found that these natural rhythms result in our minds going through natural cycles of increased and decreased focus? Train your brain for optimal productivity by setting aside an hour of your day with absolutely no distractions. Put your phone on silent, disconnect from social media, and isolate yourself to entirely focus on the task at hand. Once you\u2019re done with the power hour, make sure to take a break and relax. This will aid you in creating more defined peaks and lows in your focus, which you can maximize for optimal productivity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n \u201cWhat works best for me when I am attacked by procrastination is to make a to-do list and assign time slots for each task. Say, I need to complete a requirement for a feature \u2013 I dedicate 1 hour for this, turning off my phone, putting in the other room just in case, or in my backpack if I am in the office.\u201d <\/em>\u2013 Yuliya, Business Analyst at Devexperts<\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Polina](\"https:\/\/devexperts.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/01\/quotes_1@2x-1-1024x567.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nStart Right Away<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The 5 Minute Miracle<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Do a Power Hour<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/devexperts.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/01\/quotes_2@2x-1-1024x567.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nHave a Music Boost<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/devexperts.com\/blog\/app\/uploads\/2021\/01\/quotes_3@2x-1-1024x567.png\")
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