I should not be here when there are so many other tasks demanding my attention, like a show to produce, an opening ceremony for an expo I am taking part with a video poetry, a bunch of paper work and house chores.

And yet, here I am, grappling with the allure of procrastination. It is ironic, isn’t it? You might also find yourself in a similar predicament, torn between meaningful responsibilities and the temptation to procrastinate.

The struggle is real, and it raises the fundamental question: why do we procrastinate?

Perhaps it is a coping mechanism, a response to pressure, or simply the allure of immediate gratification. Whatever the reason, it is a phenomenon that many of us grapple with on a daily basis. But I have a little trick that you might find helpful. Drumroll, please: whenever I gotta do stuff, but do not feel like doing stuff, I… do other stuff!

Take a look at your to-do list and check which tasks you could do sequentially. It is not multitasking, but a sequential movement (o, back-and-forth, if you prefer). It is all about prioritizing the tasks that require similar resources or skills, as this can help minimize the time spent transitioning between different activities.

This approach not only helps to shift the focus away from the initial task, allowing for a mental break and a chance to reset, it also proveidesr a sense of accomplishment as you steadily work through your list.

By engaging in activities that bring a sense of enjoyment or accomplishment, the mind can recharge and return to the original task with renewed energy and motivation. It enables a fresh perspective and renewed determination to tackle the tasks at hand.

Focusing on related tasks allows you to maintain a higher level of concentration and productivity, as your mind stays in a similar context, reducing the cognitive load of constantly switching between disparate tasks (what I call the “Where was I?” syndrome), and leading to a more seamless and focused working experience.

Sure, it is great when we complete a chore at the first try, without interruptions, but most of us face a different scenario. Usually, a “typical day” means a lot of small interruptions to deal with “urgencies” that must be addressed: preparing the meals, answering messages and phone calls, you know, life.

This constant juggling of responsibilities can often lead to a feeling of mental fatigue, making it even more important to find ways to streamline and consolidate tasks in order to maintain a sense of balance and focus throughout the day. Creating designated time blocks for specific types of obligations can help establish a more predictable routine, offering a sense of control amidst the inherent unpredictability of the day.

In addition to enhancing the quality of your work, this approach can also help in managing your energy levels more effectively throughout the day, preventing burnout and promoting sustained productivity. Understanding and leveraging your peak productivity periods can significantly enhance your overall task management and performance.

For instance, if you (like me) are most alert and focused in the morning, tackling complex projects during this time may yield better results.

When talking about routines, I know it is hard to find a “sweet spot”, that is, a reasonable, yet doable schedule, but identifying your most productive hours and aligning them with the most demanding or crucial tasks on your list can be a good start.

So, what do you say: let us get stuff done?

Be seeing you!

G.F.