How To Reduce Procrastination As An Online Freelance Worker

One major benefit of being an online freelance worker is that we own our time. This is particularly true among freelancers who do not have a particular schedule to follow as long as they submit their work on time. While this may be advantageous to people who are not keen on working with someone breathing down their neck, so to say, it may also work against them. Owning our time makes it easy for us to put off work at a later time. It makes it easy for us to procrastinate.

How To Reduce While Working Online

Some people can be considered as chronic procrastinators or they constantly put off work they can do today. De Paul University Professor Joseph Ferrari said chronic procrastinators make up 20 percent of the entire population. He said that these people normally postpone work until the last few hours before the deadline. Ferrari also said there are also some people who can be considered as decisional procrastinators who consciously delay making decisions. 

If you are one of those who typically put off work for a later time, there are steps for you to remedy this situation. Ferrari gave some suggestions to deal with procrastination.

1. Focus on the small things you need to accomplish

There are times when we would look at the big picture and find the task too daunting. Ferrari said people may focus too much on the forest and “forget that it’s made of trees.” Due to this, they have the tendency to think that are not capable of completing their work. 

Focus On The Small Tasks

One way to deal with this situation is to break down the project into doable tasks. You can write down the steps in completing the project and create a schedule in completing each step. You can focus on tasks that seem appealing and easy for you to do. Concentrate on completing each individual task until the entire project is finished. 

2. Reward yourself after each achievement

Back when I was still a teacher, there were instances when I would give rewards to my students for accomplishing a certain task. This gives the students motivation in working on these tasks. The reward becomes a positive reinforcement in completing the task. You can do the same with your project. You can create a reward system for the project you need to complete. 

Reward Yourself After Completing A Task

For instance, if you face a task that you are not keen on doing, you can link it to something you like to do. The reward can be something simple like watching your favorite show on television for ten minutes or something as grand as a meal at your favorite restaurant. But make sure it is cost-effective. We would not want you to spend more than the value of the entire project.

You should also celebrate your achievements, no matter how small it is. For instance, you can pat yourself on the back if you get to complete a good part of the project.

3. Be accountable for your actions

There are times when we would procrastinate since no one is there to watch what we are doing. Since online freelance workers work at their own pace, no one really monitors them unless the deadline is just a few hours away. Since people have the tendency to avoid slacking when someone is looking, you may want someone to check if you are able to accomplish a task or not. 

Have Someone Check On Your Progress

You can post the things you need to accomplish and whether you were able to finish it or not on your social media account. In this situation, your friends can monitor your progress. If you are collaborating with a team, your teammates can check your tasks. There are a number of online tools you can use if you are in different locations.

4. Remove all distractions from work

When we start working, we would normally continue working until the project is complete. To maintain your momentum, you can select the easiest task to do and start with it. You should also take out everything that may distract you from accomplishing your task. You can close unnecessary tabs on the browser, like your social media accounts or YouTube, so you can concentrate on the task at hand.

Close Unnecessary Tabs Like Facebook

You will have a better chance of maintaining your momentum until the project is done if there are no distractions at work. If you are working at a coffee shop, you can choose a spot away from the window. If you are at a co-working space, look for a table facing the wall. I normally listen to music when I work since it drowns out everything in my surroundings. While this may not work for everyone, you can find a way to disconnect yourself from your environment until you complete your task. 

Procrastination has always been the number one enemy of freelancers. It causes them to postpone the things they need to do until a few hours before the deadline. There are even instances when they would not meet the deadline and have to negotiate with their client for additional time to complete the project. I hope these suggestions will help you fight off procrastination and make it easy for you to complete your project long before the deadline comes.