To ask for your tips to prevent procrastination?

[TracyLords]

I’m struggling really badly with concentrating and just doing my job. I’m WFH and have been for 18 months, but honestly I think this was a problem before then.

The amount of times I am just not getting on with work is awful. I have anxiety (diagnosed by a psychologist before I get shot down) and get really stressed about everything at work before I start on it and I think I faff instead of getting on with it.

Can I ask you all to share your tips?

I don't wfh but I am by nature a procrastinator.

A few things that helped:

1. Reading this article on the Wait But Why site. It's funny too!
2. Rewarding myself for getting stuff done
3. Pomodoro technique (essentially, setting a timer for shortish amounts of time, working solidly during that time, then stopping for a set amount of break time).
4. An app called 'Now Do This' (it's a simple to-do list where each item flashes up on the screen when you finish the previous one, but for some reason it gives me a sense of urgency to get things done!)

How about scheduling a task you don’t mind or is easy on the brain for the first 30 mins - sometimes that is just enough time to “settle” me and absorb me into work mode

There’s a really good book called how to be a productivity ninja that is really good too

I’ve tried the pomodoro but end up distracted within less than 10 minutes in! It’s awful. I’m not sure how I’ve managed to stay in employment to be honest: only saving grace is that for years I worked in a different location from my manager. Other colleagues comment on it though: “are you off for another wander then Tracy” “why do you keep leaving your desk”. Sometimes I find myself wandering away from my desk without even being aware that I’m doing it!