How to Handle Procrastination
Source: James Clear.
The Two Minute Rule by David Allen
- best for small tasks such as chores and smaller work tasks (sending emails, sharing feedback, etc)
- Small wins mindset
1. The two-minute rule aims to banish procrastination and help people accomplish small tasks.
2. Here’s what the rule says: if you can do an action in two minutes or less, tackle it at the moment — and don’t delay. This has the potential to deliver long-term benefits.
Temptation Bundling
- habit stacking method
1. Temptation bundling is a concept that came out of behavioral economics research performed by Katy Milkman at The University of Pennsylvania. Simply put, the strategy suggests that you bundle a behavior that is good for you in the long-run with a behavior that feels good in the short-run.
2. Only do (what you love) while doing (what you’re procrastinating).
Eg: only do (pedicures) while (answering work emails).
Only (watch your fave tv show) while (ironing your clothes).
The Ivy Lee Method
1. At the end of each work day, write down the six most important things you need to accomplish tomorrow. Do not write down more than six tasks.
2. Prioritize those six items in order of their true importance.
3. When you arrive tomorrow, concentrate only on the first task. Work until the first task is finished before moving on to the second task.
4. Approach the rest of your list in the same fashion. At the end of the day, move any unfinished items to a new list of six tasks for the following day.
5. Repeat this process every working day
