Beating the Deadline
Procrastination is most prevalent when we have a big deadline to beat. We only become “more productive” when this deadline is approaching. We’re lucky enough if we did a good job and finished it on time. But what happens most is not being able to finish our task. Most of the times we may finish it but the quality of our work might be in question.
Though some people prefer to do their job a day or hours before the big deadline, it is still not safe to assume that it is better that way. By doing that, you are taking a risk. If that task is related to your work, then you are taking risk of your job. If you are working with a team, you are not only taking risk for yourself but for your teammates as well. That would also risk your working and professional relationship with them.
A good way to avoid procrastinating over your task is to set up your own series of mini-deadlines. First, divide your tasks into smaller ones. Then for each part of your tasks, set a deadline. By dividing your tasks, it will be easier for you to do each small part which will be more motivating to work on. Doing smaller tasks will not lure you to procrastinate. Instead, you’ll be able to finish your whole task just before the big deadline comes.
Just be sure to beat your mini-deadlines though. There is no reason for you not to beat your mini-deadlines because your tasks have been divided into smaller parts already. Then, always put an allowance in setting your mini-deadlines. You should be able to finish the last part days before the big deadline. With lesser chances of procrastination, you should be able to finish your task early, giving you an extra time to do other things even those that are not related to your work without any worries of some unfinished task.