Tackling procrastination: 5 tips on what public servants do to concentrate

“I like deadlines, I love the whooshing sound they make as they go past” — Douglas Adams

We all struggle with procrastination, but when it strikes it helps to know that there are tried and tested ways to tackle the mental block and get back to being productive.

Sometimes an easy fix, like setting yourself quick goals, can be all you need to get your motivation back. Other times you might need to revisit the way you structure your work — which may involve adopting a methodical approach.

Here are suggestions from our community of public servants on how they tackle procrastination when it hits.

If you’ve come across a tip for staying productive, let us know!

__1. Create incentives __

Find a way to motivate yourself — Even a small reward can prove to be a powerful tool to help you finish a task. Something as simple as a piece of chocolate can help you to stay on track!

__2. Break down the task __

Make a checklist — Breaking down a task into smaller chunks can help your work seem more manageable. Not only will this help you better estimate the length of your task but also means you get to tick off more items on a to-do list. Small wins are really important when you are trying to tackle procrastination.

3. Structure your workload

Set aside time to concentrate — Blocking out a short amount of time in your diary can help you to stay focused on your task. The 45/15 rule is a popular method for improving concentration on a task. This involves working for 45 minutes without distractions then giving yourself a 15 minute break before repeating.

4. Gain some perspective

Stepping away from a task can help you gain clarity — Taking a break when you are struggling to concentrate can help you to understand why you are having trouble completing a task. This much-needed clarity could help you understand if there is something stopping you from making progress and help to make a daunting task appear much more straightforward.

5. Breathe!

Reset your mind — Breathing, walking away and clearing your mind are all powerful tools to help you overcome procrastination. Being able to think clearly can help you come back to the task and tackle it head on.

Thanks to:

Participants on the Apolitical’s How to boost productivity in government course for sharing their top tips for staying productive when procrastination hits.