Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks and activities that need to be done. We’ve all been guilty of it at some point, putting off an assignment until the last minute or continuously hitting the snooze button instead of getting out of bed. Procrastination can rob us of our time, energy and enthusiasm. It can also lead to feelings of guilt, inadequacy and lowered self-esteem.
In the short-term, giving in to procrastination might feel easier or even satisfying. But over the long run it leads to heightened stress, poorer work quality and missed opportunities. Procrastination essentially means voluntarily choosing to delay productivity and progress. So, how can we overcome this common but problematic habit? Planning our days effectively using a time sheet template can be the antidote to procrastination we’re looking for.
The Power of Planning
Having a plan gives purpose, structure and direction to our days. It helps ensure we use our time wisely on productive tasks instead of frittering it away on distractions. Planning a dream holiday or preparing for a travel adventure is a way to establish a timeline of actions and goals so we know what we need to accomplish.
Making a daily schedule is one of the most powerful planning techniques for defeating procrastination. Scheduling allotted time frames for responsibilities, priorities and routines guides our behaviour. Knowing what you need to do and when you intend to do it makes it much harder to procrastinate.
Schedules reduce decision fatigue. They eliminate time wasted mulling over what to do next. They also curb the temptation to stray off course into unproductive diversions. Scheduling keeps us focused, accountable and working steadily towards our objectives.
Planning Tips
To maximise the anti-procrastination power of planning, keep these tips in mind:
- Make schedules at the start of each day or the night before – Planning in advance helps avoid procrastinating when the next day arrives.
- Allot time slots for big tasks – Break large or complex projects into defined stages with scheduled deadlines.
- Prioritise important activities for morning time slots – Scheduling priorities early means you’re less likely to put them off.
- Build in breaks between tasks – Scheduling regular but brief breaks helps recharge motivation.
- Adjust schedules flexibly as needed – Stay open to shifting tasks if unexpected challenges arise.
- Calendar appointments with yourself – Treat planned tasks like appointments you can’t miss or cancel.
- Use productivity tools – Apps like Calendars, Todoist, Focus Keeper, Forest or Cold Turkey can aid scheduling.
- Limit schedule overfilling – Be realistic about what’s achievable each day to avoid disappointment or giving up.
The Motivation of Momentum
Once you’ve defined a schedule for the day, actually sticking to it is the next challenge. But planning creates momentum – once you’ve started ticking off the first few tasks of the day, you’ll gain enthusiasm to keep going.
Momentum fuels motivation. By wiring your brain to associate planning with accomplishment, you’ll start to crave the satisfaction of being productive. Progress becomes a self-perpetuating cycle.
Additional Tips for Success
Here are some additional tips to help make daily planning a success:
- Review your schedule the night before – This allows you to mentally prepare and get organised.
- Set reminders leading up to planned tasks – Alerts help ensure you start tasks on time.
- Check off completed activities – The sense of achievement motivates you to stick to the plan.
- Build rewards into the schedule – Fun activities scheduled after tasks give you something to look forward to.
- Share your schedule with someone – Accountability to others can provide extra motivation.
- Analyse why you procrastinate – Identifying patterns helps you anticipate and overcome triggers.
- Adjust sleep schedules to support morning productivity – Being well rested makes early starts easier.
- Create routines around recurring tasks – Habits reduce the effort needed to complete regular jobs.
- Focus on the end goal achievement – Keeping your eyes on the prize helps endure any planning struggles.
With consistent effort, planning every day really can become an automatic habit that leads to success. By diligently scheduling your time you’ll keep procrastination at bay and unlock greater productivity.
Planning triggers a purposeful, proactive mindset rather than a reactive state. Being intentional about your time puts you in control, whereas procrastination means surrendering control. Embrace the momentum mindset, and procrastination will gradually lose its hold over you.
Procrastination and poor time management often go hand in hand with an ADHD diagnosis. Planning offers a simple but transformative solution. Structuring days efficiently around tasks, priorities and schedules curtails procrastination. Defeating the procrastination habit requires forethought, discipline and commitment to the planning process. But persevering is well worth it for the benefits of boosted productivity and progress.
Time is our most valuable asset – effective planning ensures procrastination will no longer cause you to squander it.
