How to stop procrastination as a techie

Think of it like a superhero trying to save the day. If they procrastinate and don’t take action right away, the villain might win! Or imagine you’re playing a game and you keep putting off the hard levels. You might have fun for a while, but eventually, you’ll run out of easy levels and won’t be able to progress further. Knowing that we are superheroes in our own stories, I will be sharing tips on how you can stop procrastination as a techie.  

Source: PSYCOM

What is procrastination 

Procrastination is the act of postponing or delaying tasks or actions that need to be completed. It’s when you know you need to do something, but instead of doing it right away, you put it off until later. This can be due to various reasons such as a lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed, or being distracted by other activities. 

So, while procrastination can be tempting, it’s important to find a balance and get your important work done. That way, you can enjoy your fun activities without worrying about unfinished tasks looming over you.

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Causes of procrastination 

The causes of procrastination can be diverse and can vary depending on the person and the task at hand. One of the common causes of procrastination among techies is a Lack of motivation or interest in the task, this sometime might be a result of burnout or stress. This is why techies are always advised to sleep well and preserve their energy and avoid burnout. 

Another reason people procrastinate is because of the fear of failure. This is when you are already afraid of your codes not running before you even begin to write the codes. When you start feeling anxious and overwhelmed because of a task you are yet to even begin. Some common causes of procrastination include:

1. Poor time management skills
2. Difficulty in making decisions
3. Lack of clear goals or objectives for the task
4. Perfectionism is wanting to do the task perfectly
5. Distractions such as social media, TV shows, or video games

Now that we already identify the causes of procrastination, let’s discuss some of the ways it affects the average life and productivity of a techie. 

How procrastination affects your productivity as a techie

Procrastination can have a significant negative impact on the productivity of techies. Techies often work on complex projects that require sustained focus and attention to detail. Procrastination can disrupt this focus, leading to delays in completing tasks and potentially compromising the quality of their work. Here are a few ways in which procrastination can affect the productivity of techies:

1. Reduced efficiency: when you procrastinate on tasks, you tend to get tensed when a deadline approaches, in an effort to get tasks done before the deadline you rush into errors that get your efficiency reduced. Procrastination often results in wasted time and decreased productivity. When techies procrastinate, they may spend time on unproductive activities instead of working on their tasks. This can lead to missed deadlines and increased stress levels.

2. Decreased quality of work: Procrastination can also compromise the quality of a techie’s work. When they rush to complete a task at the last minute, they may make mistakes or overlook important details. This can lead to errors in their code or other technical work, which may be difficult to fix later on.

3. Increased stress and burnout: Procrastination can also cause significant stress for techies. You would have heard techies complaining of burnout, this happened as a result of procrastination and accumulation of tasks and then hurriedly doing them within a short timeframe before the deadline. When they delay working on a project, they may feel guilty or anxious about not making progress. This can lead to a vicious cycle of procrastination and stress, which can be difficult to break.

Tools that will help stop procrastination 

Many people including techies can stop procrastination or at least reduce it to the bare minimum by making use of some digital tools that will help them with scheduling and time management. Getting these 2 things right will help you get yourself in order and help you get on tasks as fast as possible. Some of these tools used are but are not limited to; 

1. Pomodoro Technique: This technique involves breaking down your work into 25-minute intervals, followed by a five-minute break. After four of these intervals, take a longer break of 15 to 20 minutes. This technique helps you to focus on a task for a short amount of time and makes the work seem more manageable.
2. To-Do Lists: Writing out a to-do list for the day or week can help you stay on track and prioritize tasks. Start with the most important tasks and work your way down the list.
3. Time-Blocking: Set aside specific blocks of time to work on a particular task. This will help you to avoid distractions and stay focused.
4. Accountability Buddy: Find someone who will hold you accountable for completing your work on time. This could be a friend, family member, or colleague.
5. Digital Detox: Limit your time on social media and other distracting websites. Use apps like Freedom or Cold Turkey to block these sites during work hours.
6. Mindfulness Meditation: Take a few minutes to clear your mind and focus on your breathing. This can help you to reduce stress and increase focus.
7. Just Start: Often, the hardest part of a task is just getting started. Set a timer for just five minutes and tell yourself you only need to work on the task for that amount of time. Once you get started, you’ll likely find that you want to keep going.

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Tips on how you can stop procrastination 

1. Set Specific Goals: Set specific and achievable goals for each day or week. Write them down and track your progress to keep yourself motivated.
2. Prioritize Tasks: Prioritize your tasks by urgency and importance. Focus on completing the most important tasks first.
3. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Break down large projects into smaller, more manageable tasks. This makes it easier to get started and reduces feelings of overwhelm.
4. Use a Timer: Set a timer for a specific amount of time to work on a task. This helps you to stay focused and avoid distractions.
5. Create a Schedule: Create a schedule for your day and stick to it. This helps you to stay organized and ensures that you have time for everything you need to do.
6. Avoid Distractions: Turn off notifications on your phone and computer, and avoid social media and other distractions while working.
7. Take Breaks: Taking breaks throughout the day can help you to stay focused and avoid burnout. Use break time to recharge and refocus.
8. Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system for yourself when you complete a task or reach a goal. This can motivate you to keep going.