Procrastination usually comes down to stress. Busy lives that include dance, friends, dance, and more make fitting everything in difficult. Things get pushed aside or put off until it’s too late. At the moment, this feels like managing a long list, but in the end, it’s harmful. Procrastination leaves you more stressed, anxious, and overwhelmed. Learning to manage your time and tasks makes your day-to-day life easier.
Break Down Your To-Dos
A common reason for procrastination is that to-do lists feel too daunting. There are so many things on the list. Where do you start?
Instead of tackling a big school project or learning a three-minute dance routine in one session, break your tasks down. Decide what feels doable and use that information to create smaller, less intimidating steps. Checking off these small tasks is easy, and crossing them off will boost your motivation and confidence.
Create a To-Do List
Sometimes, procrastination stems from a lack of organization. A to-do list can be the perfect thing to keep us on track.
Your to-do list is completely customizable to you. Create a paper list or record it on your phone. If prioritizing is a struggle, make sure your to-do list puts the most important tasks at the top, so you can work down the list. You can add details like due dates to keep things even more organized.
Limit Distractions
One of the biggest factors in procrastination is getting distracted. Your phone, friends, and interests find ways to sneak in between you and productivity when it matters most.
Set times to focus. One strategy, the Pomodoro Method, is made of rounds of 25-minute focus periods split up with 5-minute breaks. During your breaks, you can check your phone, dance around, stretch, or have a snack—as long as you jump back in when the break is over. You can adjust these focus periods and breaks to match your own rhythm, repeating until you’re done with your to-do list.
Don’t Put Yourself Down
Without the proper tools or education, procrastination is a common bad habit. It is normal to have to craft strategies to fight it. While you figure out your own best ways to be productive, treat yourself with kindness and recognize your effort.
