When you’re presented with a task that seems completely uninteresting, it can be challenging to get motivated to do it. You might find other things that need to be done, get bored quickly, or simply feel overwhelmed. If that’s the case, you’re not alone.

Although procrastination can be difficult to overcome, there are many ways you can increase your productivity, both at home and at work. 

Eliminate Distractions

Nothing encourages procrastination more than distractions. So whether it’s the TV, a cluttered desk, or a chatty coworker, do your best to eliminate whatever distractions you can. Turn off the TV, take a few minutes to clean and organize your desk, and grab yourself a set of noise-canceling headphones to drown out any distracting noises.

Plan

It might sound simple, but laying out a plan can go a long way in helping you increase your productivity. You could buy a planner, get a giant whiteboard for your wall, or use an app on your phone to set up your schedule. Simply having a list of tasks that you can check off as you go can help you feel a bit more productive.

Set Goals

Part of your scheduling process should include specific goals. You can set daily, hourly, or weekly goals that will help keep you on track to getting your work done. For example, if you’re an English teacher, you might set a goal of having twenty assignments graded each day. If you’re a writer, perhaps you’ll set an hourly word count.

Give Yourself a Reward

Don’t feel shy about giving yourself a pat on the back when you reach your goals. Plan your rewards out ahead of time so you know what you’re working for. But remember, if you reward yourself mid-day, keep a time limit on it so you aren’t away from your desk for too long.

Take Breaks

When you’re working, the last thing you want is to develop burnout, which can happen quickly if you don’t let yourself rest. Set up times to take a break throughout the day, even if it’s only for a few minutes. A break can help you clear your head, which will make it easier to refocus once you sit back down to work.

Procrastination at work or at home can be incredibly hard to overcome. However, if you use the tips listed here, you shouldn’t have any problems getting yourself motivated to accomplish your goals. Just don’t forget to reward yourself for a job well done.