Practical Ways to Overcome Procrastination and Boost Productivity

Have you ever felt like your day slips away in a haze of postponed tasks, even though you know exactly what you should be doing—but still can’t start? If you’re an employee struggling with work pressure, a busy schedule, or a lack of motivation, you’re not alone. Procrastination is not a weakness; it’s a complex psychological mechanism that can affect even highly intelligent people.

Clinical psychologist and life coach Susan Mohamed shares practical, realistic strategies to help employees regain focus and increase productivity without added stress.

Step 1: Make a Task List

Write down everything you need to do, including short-term daily and weekly tasks and long-term goals that may take months or years.
Seeing everything written down helps you plan and prioritize tasks effectively.
You can write your list on paper or on your phone.

Step 2: Focus on Your Most Important Task

Set a timer and work on a specific task instead of thinking about the total hours you need.
Start by committing to just 15 minutes. This reduces the sense of overwhelm, and you’ll often continue working beyond the initial 15 minutes.

Tips:

If 15 minutes feels intimidating, start with 3–5 minutes to ease yourself in.
Take a 2-minute break after each session, then continue with another 15-minute block.

Step 3: Break Tasks into Smaller Steps

Divide larger tasks into manageable steps to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
Instead of thinking: “I must finish this article by 10 PM,” say: “I’ll outline it, write it, then gather quotes.”
Consider the Pomodoro technique: 25 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break.

Step 4: Tackle the Hardest Tasks First

Plan your morning around your most challenging tasks when you’re at your peak energy after breakfast.
Completing tough tasks first provides a sense of accomplishment and makes the rest of the day easier.

Tip:

This strategy isn’t for everyone. If you’re a night owl, pushing through a tough morning task may lead to mistakes or frustration. Work with your natural energy patterns.

Step 5: Prioritize Your Goals

Categorize your tasks into four groups:
1. Must-do immediately
2. Can do later or reschedule
3. Delegate to someone else
4. Non-essential—can eliminate
This method works for both daily and longer-term planning.

Step 6: Choose the Right Workspace

A distraction-free environment significantly boosts focus.
For example, if you’re studying for an exam, pick a quiet, spacious place for books and materials.