8 tiny habits that help me avoid procrastination

Summary

In this video, the speaker shares eight anti-procrastination micro habits that have transformed their productivity. These simple yet powerful habits include starting big tasks at the end of the day, tackling the hardest task first, using the two-minute and five-minute rules, changing your environment to boost focus, and reframing tasks to make them fun. Other tips include leaving slightly valuable items in public places to motivate return, and taking short walks to reset your mindset. The speaker emphasizes the importance of timing and understanding your internal state to effectively use these habits over time.

Takeaways

• 😀 Procrastination often stems from fear, including fear of failure, fear of the unknown, and perfectionism.
• 😀 Getting started on a task, even with just a small step, helps reduce fear and makes the task seem more manageable.
• 😀 Starting with the hardest task first in the morning sets the tone for the day and makes everything else feel easier.
• 😀 The two-minute rule encourages tackling small tasks immediately, preventing unnecessary worry and procrastination.
• 😀 The five-minute rule involves committing to work on a task for just five minutes, which often leads to continued work once you start.
• 😀 Changing your environment can help break free from a stuck mindset and improve focus and productivity.
• 😀 Leaving slightly valuable objects in public places can motivate you to return to your productive environment and continue working.
• 😀 Reframing tasks to make them fun and enjoyable increases motivation and reduces procrastination, especially when it's something you love doing.
• 😀 Taking a short walk or bike ride to reset your mind can help break the procrastination cycle and refresh your focus.
• 😀 Implementing anti-procrastination habits requires understanding your internal state and using each habit at the right time for maximum effectiveness.

Q & A

What is the primary cause of the speaker's procrastination?

The speaker's procrastination is primarily driven by fear, including fear of not performing well enough, fear of failure, and fear of the unknown.

What are 'micro habits,' and how do they help with procrastination?

Micro habits are small, quick habits that help the speaker overcome procrastination. These habits are easy to integrate into daily life and are effective in building momentum and overcoming inertia.

Why does the speaker recommend starting big projects at the end of the day?

Starting big projects at the end of the day helps reduce fear of the unknown by familiarizing oneself with the task, making it less daunting the next day. The speaker suggests taking just five to ten minutes to get started.

How does the 'eating the frog' concept help with productivity?

The 'eating the frog' concept, popularized by Mark Twain and Brian Tracy, encourages tackling the hardest and most important task first. This uses the idea that willpower is stronger at the start of the day, making it easier to handle difficult tasks early.

What is the 'two-minute rule,' and how does it combat procrastination?

The two-minute rule states that if a task can be completed in two minutes or less, it should be done immediately. This helps prevent unnecessary worry or delay over small tasks that don’t take much time.

How does the 'five-minute rule' work, and why is it effective?

The five-minute rule suggests that when tackling big, overwhelming tasks, starting with just five minutes of focused work makes it easier to continue. By focusing on small, manageable input-based goals rather than overwhelming outcome-based ones, it reduces the fear and difficulty of starting.

What role does changing scenery play in overcoming procrastination?

Changing scenery can help break a stuck mindset. The speaker mentions that different environments can stimulate creativity or focus, making it easier to get back on track, especially when working on creative or logical tasks.

Why does the speaker leave slightly valuable objects in public places?

The speaker leaves objects like a fidget toy in public places to encourage themselves to return to their working environment. This strategy helps avoid procrastination by creating a motivation to go back and continue working.

How can reframing a task make it more enjoyable and reduce procrastination?

By reframing tasks to focus on the aspects that are enjoyable, such as learning new things or making an impact, the speaker finds it easier to stay motivated and avoid procrastination.

What is the benefit of taking a walk to combat procrastination?

Taking a walk or engaging in light physical activity helps reset the mind, especially when stuck in a procrastination loop. It provides a mental break, which can make it easier to return to tasks with a fresh perspective.