How To Stop Procrastinating: Seven Practical Strategies For Remote Workers

• Despite its numerous benefits, remote work also presents challenges, including procrastination — the intentional delay of tasks or responsibilities, which often leads to adverse outcomes such as self-criticism, stress, and anxiety.
• Addressing procrastination is not only essential for personal productivity and wellbeing but also has a significant impact on how organizations perform.
• The most effective approach to tackling procrastination in remote work settings involves self-discipline, realistic goal-setting, efficient time management and establishing accountability.

Without the structure of an office environment, remote workers are more susceptible to distractions and procrastination. 

For instance, rather than focusing on work-related tasks, remote workers might engage in activities such as reorganizing their desks, rearranging furniture, or performing unnecessary cleaning tasks. 

No matter what the distraction may be, it’s a harmful habit — not just as a detriment to productivity and career growth, but it’s also bad for your health. 

The Procrastination Predicament

Procrastination is not the result of laziness; it often originates from deeper-rooted psychological issues. 

Several psychological factors can contribute to procrastination in remote work settings — including anxiety, stress and feelings of loneliness and isolation. 

Additionally, remote workers might procrastinate due to job-related boredom, a lack of accountability or blurred boundaries between their work and personal lives.

Perfectionism often plagues procrastinators, alongside an inadequate ability to handle stress, making them inclined to postpone tasks perceived as difficult or unpleasant. This self-defeating behavior typically stems from negative perceptions, including fear of judgment. 

Left unaddressed, procrastination can escalate stress levels, contribute to health issues, and hinder performance. Procrastinators frequently suffer from sleep disturbances and profound regret, further compromising their well-being. 

Moreover, chronic procrastination can erode self-esteem, triggering emotions of guilt, shame, or self-criticism. 

The statistics speak for themselves — 94% of people indicated that procrastination has a “negative effect” on their happiness, and 18% indicated that this effect is “extremely negative.”

In an Allwork.Space podcast, Ali Schiller and Marissa Boisvert, coaches and co-founders at Accountability Works, discussed four distinct types of procrastinators:

• Type one thrives under pressure due to perfectionism but struggles to initiate tasks.
• Type two, known as “the self-deprecator,” is excessively demanding of themselves.
• Type three, referred to as “the over-booker,” is busy and driven yet struggles with time management.
• Type four, the “novelty seeker,” is creative and brimming with ideas but struggles to complete tasks.

Each type is associated with unique obstacles requiring tailored strategies to overcome procrastination. Identifying one’s type can thus be highly beneficial in combating procrastination.

Why Fighting Procrastination Matters to the Future of Work

As workplaces evolve with the advent of new technologies, remote and hybrid work models, and changing expectations, tackling procrastination becomes fundamental in shaping the future of work. 

Here are the key areas where procrastination presents significant challenges for the workforce:

Remote Work Dynamics: With the proliferation of remote work, employees face increased susceptibility to procrastination due to reduced supervision and distractions at home, potentially impacting focus and motivation.

Flexible Work Arrangements: While flexible schedules promote work-life balance, they may tempt employees to procrastinate by deferring tasks until the last minute, particularly with perceived “flexible” deadlines.

Digital Distractions: Constant connectivity and digital devices contribute to procrastination tendencies, diverting attention from crucial tasks and resulting in missed deadlines.

Task Automation: While automation streamlines repetitive tasks, it can foster procrastination in acquiring new skills or adapting to evolving job requirements.

Gig Economy Challenges: In the gig economy, procrastination can severely disrupt project timelines, affecting multiple projects and income streams.

Impact on Creativity and Innovation: While strategic procrastination can foster creativity, delaying problem-solving or idea exploration can hinder breakthroughs and growth opportunities.

Leadership and Management: Procrastination among leaders and managers can dampen team productivity and morale, creating uncertainty and demotivation.

Seven Strategies to Beat Procrastination

In the constantly changing realm of remote work, conquering procrastination has emerged as critical for productivity, wellbeing and personal job satisfaction. Here are seven essential strategies to effectively tackle procrastination:

1. Understand Your Procrastination Patterns: Identify psychological factors contributing to procrastination, such as a lack of accountability and blurred work-life boundaries. Disconnect from non-work-related activities during remote work hours to maintain focus.
2. Establish a Productive Workspace: Create a dedicated workspace conducive to focus and productivity. It is recommended that noise-canceling headphones are used to work remotely and soothing sounds can be played to minimize distractions and maintain concentration.
3. Master Time Management: Employ effective time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique and utilize task prioritization tools. Adopt strategies such as the 80/20 Rule and the ABCDE Method to maximize productivity and focus on high-impact tasks.
4. Cultivate Self-Discipline and Positive Mindset: Set realistic expectations, practice self-care, and celebrate small victories to maintain motivation. Reframe negative self-talk and let go of perfectionism to overcome procrastination tendencies.
5. Leverage Accountability: Seek accountability partners or join virtual accountability groups to stay on track. Regular check-ins with managers and peer support networks can provide additional accountability and encouragement.
6. Practice Mindfulness and Stress Management: Incorporate mindfulness practices, such as meditation and deep breathing exercises, to reduce stress and enhance focus. Develop self-awareness to identify triggers for procrastination and implement effective coping strategies.
7. Become a Coworker: Joining a coworking center can significantly mitigate procrastination and foster greater productivity and accountability. Surrounding oneself with motivated individuals reduces distractions and provides the inspiration required to maintain focus. 

Adopting effective strategies and cultivating a positive outlook can significantly enhance productivity and satisfaction in remote work settings. 

By implementing practical techniques for time management, self-discipline, and stress reduction, individuals can boost performance, streamline scheduling, and achieve a healthier work-life balance. 

This empowerment enables workers to realize their full potential in remote work environments. Moreover, showcasing a dedication to punctuality and delivering high-quality work can elevate an employee’s standing within their team or organization.