Are you someone who struggles to get stuff done on time? Are you sick of constantly procrastinating? Maybe you see how much you could accomplish, but just don’t know where to start? Today we are unpacking the tips that will help you to manage your time better. So say no to that next Netflix episode and read up on these tips.

1. Buy A Planner/Agenda

I might be slightly biased because I love all things that have stationary, flowery print, and bright colors. But I also would say that I would be lost without my planner. I can write in my best friends’ birthdays, my schedule for a day of work and what I want to accomplish, and my weekend plans. It can help to keep you on track when you want to go off track. You can plan out your whole day on your planner and then follow it to a tee. If you do plan on putting more in your planner, I would recommend getting an 8.5 x 11 size planner instead of a smaller one.

2. Set Goals

For each month, take some time to write down three or four goals you want to accomplish in that four weeks. Take the time to think through how you could reach those goals.

3. Say No

For some reason, no is such a dreaded word by our culture. We don’t like to let people down or say that we aren’t equipped to help out even when we are swamped. It’s ok to say no to someone or something because you want to invest your best into something else. It’s ok to cut activities out of your life so that you can breathe a little bit better. So practice saying no when you need too, and don’t be afraid to look at your schedule this coming year and see where you might need to cut back.

4. Cut Out Distractions

This can mean different things to different people. For some, a distraction might be the music you listen to at work; it could be the tendency to be on Facebook for two hours every night, or the temptation to watch another episode of The Office on Netflix. It could even be people if they are constantly talking to you when you are trying to get something done for work or around the house. Don’t be afraid to download apps that keep you from using social media for a set period, or find instrumental music you can listen to when you really need to focus at work. If you don’t get distracted, you won’t procrastinate, and thus will stop wasting time.

5.  Don’t Be Afraid To Ask For Help

Once again, we don’t like to be viewed as needy in our culture. We like to pretend that we have everything perfectly together, even when we are falling apart at the seams. So don’t be afraid to ask someone in your office for help working/managing that big project you were assigned, ask your husband for help cleaning or cooking around the house, and ask friends for tips on cooking if you are stuck. It’s not weak; it’s actually helping us to become stronger. 

6. Set A Priority List For Each Day

In our fast-paced culture, many of us are running from work to the gym, to home, to back to work at night every day. We can’t possibly do everything in 24 hours, so instead of racing the clock, try to set a list of priorities for each day. These could be three to five things that absolutely must get done today. This will help you to slowly chip away at bigger projects or take small steps to improve things around your house.

7. Actually Sleep

And I’m not talking sleep for five hours every night and wake yourself up with a cold shower every morning. I am saying that you should get between 7-9 hours of sleep each night. I know that might seem impossible now, but take the steps that are listed above to slowly organize your day more so that you have the opportunity to get to bed a little earlier. It’s important to make sure that you are taking the time each night to be properly refreshed so that you can wake up and take on the day tomorrow.

8. Have A Chill Day

Have one day, preferably on the weekends, where you just leave everything to the wind. Where you allow yourself to be distracted by technology, Netflix, and Instagram. A day where you order take-out instead of making dinner and the thought of the gym only makes you laugh out loud. Take a day just to do nothing, so that you are better equipped to do something the other six days of the week. And if you can’t spare the whole day, try to save a couple of hours in the morning, night, or afternoon.

I hope that these tips can help you as you start to eliminate procrastination from your life. Let us know if you have found any other helpful tips in the comments below!

For tips on eliminating stressful habits, check out the article here.