We all know that feeling: instead of starting a task on our list, we're suddenly scrolling through social media, editing our workspace, or looking for all sorts of ways to put off what we need to do. 

Procrastination is a common and often ingrained part of life, especially for young women struggling to balance school, work and personal life. 

Although it may seem innocent, long-term procrastination can negatively affect our goals, achievements, and overall happiness. 

Fortunately, there are a number of techniques that can help you overcome this habit and greatly increase your productivity.

1. Set specific goals

One of the main causes of procrastination is the lack of clear and achievable goals. If you feel like your work or tasks have no specific direction, it's easy to put them off. 

Try the following procedure:

Define your goals: 

Instead of a general goal like "write an article," set a specific, measurable, time-bound goal—for example, "write the first 500 words of an article by 10:00 a.m."

Create action steps: 

Break down your goals into smaller, easier steps that you can gradually accomplish. This will help you see progress and reduce feeling overwhelmed.

Visualization: 

Imagine what it will be like when you reach your goal. Focus on the positive outcomes – how you will feel after completing the task.

2. Break large tasks into smaller parts

Many of us procrastinate because tasks seem too difficult. It is natural to avoid activities that seem beyond our ability or ability to handle. 

In this case, an effective method is to break large projects into smaller, more feasible parts.

The "Pomodoro" Method: 

Try the Pomodoro technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a short break. This system allows you to work more efficiently and at the same time get breaks that can reduce the feeling of fatigue.

Prioritize: 

If you have multiple tasks, make a priority list and start with the most important or easiest ones. Once you complete them, you'll have a sense of accomplishment that motivates you to keep going.

3. Create a reward and motivation system

Procrastination can also be overcome by giving yourself a small reward for achieving your goals. This motivation system can help you focus on tasks and feel more satisfied at work.

Reward yourself: 

After completing a task, treat yourself to something you enjoy, such as a coffee break, an episode of your favorite series, or time with friends.

Focus on long-term benefits: 

Think about how completing a task will help you in the long run. When you focus on the benefits you will get, motivation will naturally increase.

4. Eliminate distractions

One of the main factors behind procrastination is constant distraction. Social media, notifications and noise around us can easily distract us from work.

Turn off notifications: 

Mobile and computer notifications can interrupt your concentration. Turn them off for when you need to fully concentrate.

Create a workspace: 

Find a quiet place where you can focus on your work. If you are at home, try working in a different room than where you usually relax.

Set working hours: 

Set aside a specific block of time during which you will work without interruption. You can write this time in your calendar as an urgent commitment.

5. Improve planning and organization

Organization is a key element of productivity. If you feel that you have no control over your time, work can seem chaotic and you can easily become passive about it. 

Try some of the following strategies:

Daily and Weekly Plans: 

Every night, plan the next day's tasks, and every Monday make a plan for the whole week. This approach will help you stay on top of what you need to complete.

Use digital tools: 

There are many apps like Trello, Notion or Todoist that can help you organize tasks and deadlines. Plus, digital tools allow you to access your plans anywhere.

Record your progress: 

After each completed task, write down what you have accomplished. This step will give you a sense of satisfaction and show you what steps you have already taken towards your goals.

6. Find a way to motivate yourself better

Motivation is the key to overcoming procrastination. For people aged 18 to 30, it can be helpful to focus on intrinsic motivation and how individual tasks contribute to the overall goal.

Focus on the "why": 

Think about the reason why you are doing the task at hand. What does it mean in the context of your long-term goals?

Associate tasks with values: 

If a task has personal value, you are more likely to complete it. For example, try to combine studies or work with personal growth and professional development.

Inspiration from others: 

Follow inspiring people or success stories of women who have achieved their goals, whether in career, personal life or studies.

7. Practice self-confidence and perseverance

One of the causes of procrastination can be low self-esteem or fear of failure. Working on your confidence and persistence will not only help you procrastinate less, but also help you achieve a higher level of productivity.

Positive Affirmations: 

Remind yourself of your strengths and achievements every morning. Affirmations can help you create a positive view of yourself and increase confidence in your own abilities.

Be kind to yourself: 

Don't be hard on yourself when things don't go your way or you don't do as much as you planned. Every day is a new beginning, and even small steps will bring you closer to your goal.

Overcome the fear of failure: 

Many people procrastinate because they are afraid that they will not be able to do the task perfectly. Realize that mistakes are a natural part of the learning process.

Conclusion: Overcoming procrastination as a path to self-improvement

Overcoming procrastination is not easy, but it is a step towards personal growth and self-improvement. Once you start using these techniques, you'll find that your productivity and confidence increase, and that you have more control over your time and goals. 

Remember that procrastination is not an obstacle, but an opportunity to understand and improve your approach to work and personal life. 

Overcoming procrastination isn't about perfection, it's about gradually improving and becoming more satisfied with your performance. 

Small steps like setting specific goals, eliminating distractions, or using techniques like Pomodoro can help you achieve a more productive and meaningful life. And don't forget – patience and persistence are the keys to success. 

By learning how to manage procrastination, you will not only increase your productivity, but also boost your confidence and ability to achieve your dreams.

We wish you the best of luck on your journey to greater productivity and satisfaction!