6. Study Tips in 5
- Jackie Chapman
- 1 day ago
- 1 min read
Welcome to OCA's Study Tips in 5 series. In this instalment we bring you five tips to boost productivity and combat procrastination. Boosting your productivity and effectively combating procrastination involves understanding its root causes and implementing targeted strategies to overcome it.
1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps
Large tasks can feel overwhelming, which often leads to procrastination. Break them into smaller, manageable parts.
Actionable tip: Instead of "Write a report," create subtasks like "Outline main points," "Write the introduction," and "Edit draft."
2. Set Clear Deadlines
Open-ended tasks often lead to delays. Assign specific deadlines to create urgency.
Actionable tip: Use time-blocking or apps like Trello or Google Calendar to allocate time for each task.
3. Use the 'Two Minute Rule'
If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. For bigger tasks, spend just two minutes starting it—it often leads to continued work.
Actionable tip: Begin a task by telling yourself, "I’ll just do this for two minutes," which reduces the mental barrier.
4. Minimise Distractions
Identify and eliminate sources of distraction, such as social media, cluttered workspaces, or notifications.
Actionable tip: Use tools like Focus@Will or website blockers like Freedom to stay focused.
5. Reward Yourself
Pair work with positive reinforcement to make it more enjoyable.
Actionable tip: Promise yourself a treat, like a break, snack, or favourite activity, after completing a task.