How to Overcome Procrastination When Working Remotely

What if the real reason you’re procrastinating isn’t laziness—but emotion? Not all procrastination is bad. In fact, positive procrastination can be useful—like when you schedule a task for a time when you can really focus. But negative procrastination? That’s the silent thief of productivity. It’s when you’ve scheduled the task—or know it needs to happen—but keep pushing it off. Why does this happen? Usually, it’s emotion-driven rather than "being lazy." Fear. Discomfort. Resistance to change. Your brain is trying to protect you, but sometimes, that protection becomes a barrier. Here are three strategies I use to overcome it: 1. Ignore the emotion right before the task. It’s rarely accurate. Just start, even if you don’t feel like it. 2. Commit to just the first minute. Open the file. Draft the email. Start with something so easy it feels silly. It works. 3. Write down your “why.” Remind yourself why this task matters. It gives the effort a sense of purpose. Consistency with these small actions builds momentum—and that momentum beats procrastination every time. What’s one task you’ve been avoiding that you could take the first minute on today? #productivity #focus #success #davecrenshaw

Here are 3 strategies that keep my productivity flowing while working from home (in a fully remote role): 🌱 I start with a roadmap, not a to-do list! Every Friday afternoon or Sunday, I set aside 30-40 minutes to map out my priorities for the week. It’s not just about listing tasks — it’s also about aligning everything so I don’t accidentally block someone else’s progress. This ritual for me is like laying out all the Lego pieces in order before building. Once everything is in place, I’m set to dive in with clarity and speed on Monday! 🌱 I don't default to meetings! Instead of defaulting to meetings, I ask myself: “Can this be done asynchronously? Is there a doc somewhere that covers this? Could it fit into an existing meeting’s agenda?” Meetings can be like quicksand — before you know it, they’ve eaten up the day. Protecting my deep work time has been a game-changer for my focus and energy. 🌱 I practice strategic procrastination! On days when motivation’s low, I switch things up. Either I start with a task I enjoy to get momentum going, OR I tackle the most dreaded task first in short, intense bursts. Sometimes I mix it up, but I remind myself of the pure satisfaction of ticking things off the list — nothing quite matches that feeling, and it fuels my drive to keep going. 🔥 So, stack your blocks wisely friends. And if you've got more to add to the mix, please have a party in comments! :)

Procrastination isn't about time. It's about emotions. You're not lazy. Your brain is protecting you from difficult feelings. Fear. Anxiety. Self-doubt. I've seen it steal dreams. Maybe you have too. Here are 8 powerful ways to break free: 1. Create Space Between Trigger and Response 💬 "The moment I face a big task, I grab my phone." ➟ Pause for 30 seconds when avoidance hits ➟ Take three deep breaths ➟ Ask: "What tiny step can I take now?" 💡 Viktor Frankl: Our power lies in the space between trigger and response. Try: Set a 30-second timer next time you feel the urge to avoid. 2. Face Your Fears Head-On 💬 "I keep delaying because what if everything goes wrong?" ➟ Write down your worst-case scenarios ➟ Rate how likely each one is ➟ List one action to prevent each fear 💡 Named fears lose their emotional grip. Try: Write down your biggest fear about your delayed project. 3. Build Instant Rewards 💬 "Important tasks feel painful. Netflix feels good." ➟ Pair tough tasks with immediate pleasures ➟ Create small celebrations for completion ➟ Track your wins visually 💡 Your brain craves instant gratification. Use it to your advantage. Try: Choose one small reward for your next completed task. 4. Design Your Environment 💬 "My workspace doesn't inspire action." ➟ Place visual reminders of your goals ➟ Set out tools needed for tomorrow ➟ Remove distracting triggers 💡 Your environment shapes your behavior more than willpower. Try: Put one inspiring image where you'll see it tomorrow. 5. Use Social Power 💬 "I keep my goals private so I can't fail publicly." ➟ Tell someone your deadline ➟ Share progress updates ➟ Set public consequences 💡 Social pressure creates positive emotional urgency. Try: Text one friend about your next deadline. 6. Reset Your State 💬 "Bad moods make me avoid everything." ➟ Take a 2-minute meditation break ➟ Step outside briefly ➟ Do 5 jumping jacks 💡 Physical state changes create emotional shifts. Try: Stand up and stretch right now for 30 seconds. 7. Create When-Then Plans 💬 "I have good intentions but never follow through." ➟ Write specific action triggers ➟ Link habits to existing routines ➟ Remove decision points 💡 Clear plans bypass emotional resistance. Try: Write one "When X happens, I will do Y" statement. 8. Track Visible Progress 💬 "It feels like I'm getting nowhere." ➟ Use a progress calendar ➟ Mark daily wins ➟ Share your journey 💡 Seeing progress builds emotional momentum. Try: Draw a simple progress bar for your current project. Your dreams are waiting. Your emotions shouldn't stop you. Pick one strategy. Start now. Which one will you try first? ♻️ Repost if this resonated with you! 🔖 Follow me Suren Samarchyan for more.

My patients are often at risk of losing their jobs or withdrawing from school due to procrastinating. Here are the tips that saved them: 1: Chunk Tasks Take your tasks and break them down into the smallest parts possible. Start with a difficult or important task first to get the largest ROI. 2: Create Rituals Create a consistent schedule to do a specific task. Develop a short routine to kickstart momentum: It can be as simple as preparing a cup of coffee or completing a skincare routine. Stick to your routine daily until it becomes a habit. 3: Be imperfect Set realistic expectations and just get started. Ditch the "all or nothing" attitude and commit to progress over perfection. Review your work, adjust your expectations, and keep going. 4: Positive Reinforcements Decide on a reward before starting a task - a treat, break, or anything you enjoy. Only allow yourself to enjoy it once the task is completed and give yourself a limit. Positive reinforcements build stronger work habits. 5: Minimize Distractions Identify your biggest distractions. This could be alerts, social media, excessive noise, etc. Use tools to eliminate these interruptions - turn off notifications during work time, use noise-cancelling headphones, and clean your workspace. Practice mindfulness and train yourself to stay focused on the task at hand. 6. Practical procrastination Procrastinate on the things that aren't absolutely necessary at the time. This may be tasks such as responding to emails, scheduling/attending meetings, scrolling social media, or answering phone calls. These are the tasks you should delegate or stop if possible. 7. Consider the Consequences Always think about the potential outcomes of completing or not completing a task. This can often provide the motivation needed to start or continue. What would you add?

I've been working remote full time for over a decade. I had to learn how to be effective as a remote employee the hard way. I watched people struggle with this over the last 4 years as they got thrown into a fully remote role without being prepared. Here's the tips I shared with them. 1. Set a Dedicated Workspace: Create a specific area in your home solely for work. This helps establish boundaries between work and personal life, ensuring better focus and productivity. 2. Establish a Routine: Maintain a consistent daily schedule. Start and end your workday at the same time every day to create a sense of normalcy and structure. 3. Dress for Success: Even though you're at home, dressing up as if you're going to the office can boost your mood and readiness for work. 4. Take Regular Breaks: Follow the Pomodoro Technique or similar methods to ensure you take short breaks throughout the day. This prevents burnout and keeps your mind fresh. 5. Communicate Effectively: Use tools like Slack, Teams, or Zoom to stay connected with your team. Regular check-ins and updates can help maintain team cohesion and ensure everyone is on the same page. 6. Set Clear Goals: Outline your daily tasks and set achievable goals. This keeps you focused and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task. 7. Prioritize Self-Care: Incorporate activities like exercise, meditation, or hobbies into your daily routine. Taking care of your physical and mental health is crucial for sustained productivity. 8. Limit Distractions: Identify common distractions and find ways to minimize them. This could include setting boundaries with family members or using noise-canceling headphones. 9. Stay Organized: Use tools like Trello, or a simple to-do list to keep track of your tasks and deadlines. An organized workspace leads to an organized mind. 10. Maintain Social Connections: Combat isolation by scheduling virtual coffee breaks or team-building activities. Regular social interactions, even if virtual, can improve morale and teamwork. 11. Invest in Good Equipment: Ensure you have a reliable computer, high-speed internet, and ergonomic furniture. The right tools can significantly enhance your remote working experience. 12. Keep Learning: Use the extra time saved from commuting to take online courses or attend webinars. Continuous learning can boost your skills and career growth. Working remotely comes with its own set of challenges, but with the right strategies, you can turn it into a productive and enjoyable experience. What else would you add? #RemoteWork #WorkFromHome #WFH #Productivity #RemoteWorking #WorkLifeBalance #RemoteWorkTips #RemoteJobs #RemoteLife #RemoteWorkLife #RemoteSuccess

Ever felt like you’re dodging work? It’s not the workload, it’s the emotions it stirs. Read on. Understanding this can transform your productivity. You're avoiding tasks that make you feel: → Frustrated → Confused → Bored → Anxious → Overwhelmed The truth is, a lot of procrastination is deeply rooted in fear. That little voice in your head whispering, "I don't think I can do this." And suddenly, you find a thousand other things that need your attention. Here's the kicker: By understanding this emotional underpinning, we can start to tackle procrastination faster. So, how can we move forward? 1.) Acknowledge your feelings ↳ Recognize that your reluctance comes from emotion, not laziness. 2.) Break tasks down ↳ Large projects can be intimidating. Divide them into smaller, manageable steps. 3.) Create a positive environment ↳ Set up your workspace to minimize distractions and maximize comfort. 4.) Practice self-compassion ↳ Be kind to yourself. Perfectionism often fuels procrastination. 5.) Use the "5-minute rule" ↳ Commit to working on the task for just 5 minutes. Often, you'll find momentum and continue. Remember, productivity isn't about being busy all the time. It's about managing your emotional state to tackle what truly matters. Have you found any effective tricks to overcome procrastination? I'd love for you to share them with others below.

🛠️How I Destroy Procrastination🛠️ I recently had a conversation💬 with a student who owns an AI Automation business💻. He shared his struggles with ADHD and how it often prevented him from taking action🚫. He brought this up to me knowing I've struggled with extreme adhd / procrastination my entire life🤯. Here's a simplified version of my advice to him, sans the colorful language some of you know I occasionally use. (LinkedIn, I'm still not sure what you think of my humor😅 lol) "Dude, you just have to go take action🚀, make calls📱, send messages 📩, and spend hours researching and reaching out to clients in a personal way💼. Go research your clients for HOURS⏳. Do the *stuff* that everyone else isn't willing to do Truth be told, It is a daily struggle for me🏋️♂️. Something I constantly battle. But these are some of the tools🔧 that I use on the daily: 1. Prioritize tasks using the Eisenhower matrix📝: *Urgent/Important - Do now *Not urgent / Important - Do Later / Schedule *Urgent/ Not Important - Delegate *Not urgent / Not Important - Send it to the trash🗑️! 2. Break down each substantial task into smaller tasks. If needed, split those smaller tasks even further. Small victories🎉 motivate me to keep going, often leading to a state of flow, unless I get distracted! 3. Set aside 15 minutes post-meetings to unwind and jot down notes🗒️. This strategy is crucial for me. Without reviewing notes or replaying conversations in my mind, there's a high chance I might forget details. Tools like Read.ai and Loom have been instrumental in recapping meetings or swiftly recording thoughts for future reference🎥. 4. Delegate tasks to others when possible✔️. Build an accountability system by committing to tasks with someone you trust🤝. 5. Exercise / Sleep / Hydration💧. These have been crucial for me. A Standing desk keeps my body moving all day🕺. One thing I've implemented recently if I am having a conversation that doesn't require me to be at the computer, I will walk to the weight machine and work out during a call if it is not too distracting. Usually, it isn't an issue. What strategies have you found effective in overcoming procrastination? Share your experiences in the comments below! #Productivity #Procrastination #TimeManagement #ADHD #TakeAction