Overcoming Procrastination

If you are reading this then I am guessing you, or someone you know, may be procrastinating and stuck in a rut right now. You are not alone as up to 95% of the population procrastinate to some degree, and it is a rather unhelpful coping strategy when we are feeling anxious.

Maybe you are distracted by life and even though you have a task or goal that is important, you just don’t know where or how to start?

Possibly you feel overwhelmed at the thought of starting something new?

If you are similar to how I used to be, I would leave it to the last possible minute and then have to pull off a few all-nighters to meet a deadline …..

It was exhausting!

I used to come up with all the excuses I could think of, to avoid doing “it” ….

Proper time management is a key factor in boosting our personal productivity and overcoming procrastination.

One effective strategy, known as the Covey Time Management Matrix, is designed to focus on tasks crucial to both our personal and professional growth.

 

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You can download the Productivity Quadrant here.

The Covey Time Management Matrix

The Covey Time Management Matrix, developed by the author Steven Covey, who wrote “The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People”, serves as a framework for optimising efficiency and productivity by prioritising tasks.

His system uses four-quadrants based on urgency and importance.

The Four Quadrants

Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important

Tasks in this quadrant demand our immediate attention, often associated with impending deadlines or time-sensitive goals, and is likely to include the very things we are most afraid of doing.

Recognising and categorising these tasks is crucial for allocating the necessary time and effort.

Quadrant 2: Not Urgent but Important

Focusing on activities that build discipline and commitment, and allow us to take back an element of control, this quadrant includes tasks directly related to overall goals.

Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important

Tasks in this quadrant are urgent but lack long-term significance. These tasks can be distractions that interrupt productivity and can possibly be reduced or removed from this quadrant.

Quadrant 4: Not Urgent and Not Important

Tasks in this quadrant are of the lowest priority and can be reduced or eliminated.

Recognising and classifying these tasks helps in streamlining our focus on what truly matters.

The Benefits of Implementing the Productivity Matrix

Increased Productivity

This method can help us decide what to prioritise most in life and enhances efficiency, allowing us to focus on vital tasks and complete more within the same timeframe.

Understand Habits

Identifying which quadrants we are currently prioritising enable us to understand our own behaviour and develop new and improved habits that help us avoid procrastination.

Work-Life Balance

Improved efficiency enables us to find more time for personal pursuits outside of work.

Enhanced Planning

Prioritising tasks assists in setting clear short-term goals, aiding in project and long-term goal planning.

How to Apply the Productivity Matrix

Applying this matrix to our daily life and routine involves self-assessment of our current ways.

Here are some steps that will help you use it:

•  List all the tasks you need to complete clearly, including deadlines to determine urgency

• Identify urgency by determining the most urgent tasks based on upcoming deadlines 

• Organise the tasks according to their importance and their significance 

• Enter tasks into the respective quadrants based on their urgency and importance 

• Regularly evaluate your tasks (daily, weekly or monthly), and reflect on your increased productivity. Update your matrix as needed, for optimal efficiency and anxiety management.

If You Need Further Support with Your Mental Wellbeing and Anxiety

If you need more support with your Mental Health, a trained Anxiety Specialist can prescribe you a personalised plan and help you develop coping strategies that are focused around your individual needs.

Taking care of your mental health is an essential part of your overall well-being. Left unresolved, anxiety can spiral out of control and have a significant impact on relationships, work, school and family life.

It is my belief that no one needs to struggle with anxiety, we just need the tools and techniques to overcome it.

So if you want to take the next steps to have a happier life where your fears no longer hold you back, click the link below and book a free no obligation consultation call.

 

Other Resources

Understand What is Anxiety? 

Read How To Overcome Procrastination

Discover How To Reduce Anxiety Right Now

Learn How To Manage Workplace Stress and Anxiety

Watch some Breathing Techniques to Reduce Anxiety

Read Can Journalling Help With Anxiety

Read What Is Burnout and How To Overcome It