Summer often brings a more relaxed pace at work, with fewer urgent deadlines and a more laid-back atmosphere. While this can be a welcome change, it can also lead to increased procrastination.
Many people I talk to confess they “work better under stress”. In most cases, the deadline stress helps them focus; it is as if they don’t have time to overthink. While this can be true, working under stress is not healthy in the long term, as your body can only work effectively under stress for a limited period of time, and then, it gets burned out. As adrenaline kicks in, people feel like they are enjoying the moment, but the reality is that working under stress doesn’t get people to enjoy what they are doing; they are simply trying to get it out of their way. Procrastination is a way to avoid dealing with stressful situations, but in the end, it’s only delaying it.
However, with some tweaks to your routine, you can make the most of this time and even get ahead and overcome procrastination, no matter how easy or complicated the task ahead. Here are some effective strategies to help you stay productive during the summer.
1. Plan Your Day
A well-structured day is the cornerstone of productivity. Start by outlining your key tasks and goals for the day. Prioritize tasks based on their importance and deadlines and add those blocks of time to your calendar. If there is not so much to do, make a conscious decision to either work on tasks that are due next month to balance your workload, use the time to review your processes and think strategically, or simply take longer breaks. No need to be ashamed of slowing down if nothing is left undone!
Set no more than 3 specific goals for each day, such as completing a project draft or reaching out to a certain number of clients. This provides clear direction and a sense of accomplishment as you tick off tasks.
2. Add Purpose To Each Task
When faced with a challenging task that seems overwhelming or monotonous, procrastination often creeps in. To overcome this tendency, it’s essential to break the task into more manageable blocks of time, ideally no longer than an hour. By doing so, you can set a specific purpose for each task, making it less daunting. For instance, instead of aiming to call 50 clients to meet a quota, which may seem intimidating, focus on calling just five clients in 30-minute chunks. This approach makes the task appear more achievable and less overwhelming.
Perfectionism often goes hand in hand with procrastination. The fear of not being able to execute a task perfectly can lead to hesitation and avoidance. To combat this, shift your focus away from the desired outcome and instead concentrate on the purpose of the task and the steps needed to complete it. In the case of calling clients, your goal is to meet a quota and strive to become the top salesperson of the month. Rather than worrying about the specific outcome of each call, focus on engaging with each client individually and taking the necessary steps to encourage them to say yes. Remember that the result is not entirely within your control, but the process is.
3. Schedule Breaks for Lunch and Exercise
Regular breaks are essential for maintaining focus and preventing burnout. Schedule specific times for lunch and exercise to give your brain a rest and keep your energy levels up.
Step away from your desk to enjoy your meal or incorporate physical activity into your day. Whether it’s a quick walk, a yoga session, or a workout at the gym. Exercise boosts your mood, increases energy levels, improves cognitive function, and enhances productivity.
4. Identify your ideal time unit
To make planning easier, define your ideal block of time. You could use 25 minutes, 45 minutes, 2 hours, or whatever unit feels comfortable to stay focused. This is a way of getting your brain used to staying focused for some time. I use 45 minutes because most meetings are 45 minutes, so my breaks are more consistent. Use a timer like the Promodoro or other in-app timers to help you track time.
If you have ADHD or difficulty concentrating, start with 25 minutes and see if you can increase it over time.
5. Define the End of Your Day in Advance
It can be tempting to let work hours extend indefinitely when working remotely or with a flexible schedule. However, setting a precise end time for your workday helps maintain work-life balance and gives you time to relax and recharge.
Decide on a specific time to wrap up your workday. Use the last 15 minutes of your day to review your accomplishments, update your to-do list for the next day, and tidy up your workspace. This routine signals the end of the workday and helps you transition into personal time.
6. Keep a To-Do List
Notifications, emails and literally anything can distract you when you are not motivated or in “summer mode.” Instead of jumping from one thing to another, keep a to-do list with the tasks you need to complete to free your mind while you are focusing on something else, and then you can add them the next day to your calendar by timeboxing.
Tip: Create a dedicated to-do list that is easy to access and update from your phone, tablet and your laptop. Get your Sunsama Timeboxing app here for free for 30 days.
Schedule regular check-ins with coach Lucy Paulise to discuss your progress and make adjustments as needed. This helps you stay accountable and focused on your long-term objectives.
Summer doesn’t have to be a time of decreased productivity. You can stay productive and even get ahead by planning your day, scheduling regular breaks, defining the end of your workday, minimizing distractions, leveraging the summer vibe, and reflecting on your progress. Embrace the relaxed pace as an opportunity to work smarter and set yourself up for success in the coming months.
