Control the Difficulty of Tasks

Difficult tasks often trigger procrastination. You can reduce task difficulty with the following techniques:

  • Break the task down into tiny steps.
  • Write it out.
    • We often find tasks difficult because of our feelings towards the task or the surrounding circumstances rather than the challenge inherent in the task itself. Writing down your feelings about the task and the difficulties you face can help you let go of those feelings and find new ways to overcome them.
  • Get help.
    • A problem shared is a problem halved. Ask for advice or assistance with difficult tasks. Even when the person you talk to doesn’t have advanced knowledge of the issue, the act of talking through a problem can relieve uncertainty and help you see problems from a different perspective.
  • Deal with stress.
  • Plan how to overcome the task.
  • Use mindfulness to identify and address the difficulty.
  • Manage your expectations.

Outsmart Procrastination