5 situations where we procrastinate but don't know it

It seems to us that procrastination is about playing on the computer, watching meaningless videos on YouTube and endlessly hanging on social networks. But sometimes we are sure that we are spending time with benefit, but in fact we are only wasting it and distracted from something really important. Here are a few similar situations.

1. Reading literature for self-development

Russian publishers say Non-fiction is ahead of all that non-fiction sales are growing rapidly. And a significant share in non-fiction literature is occupied by books on business, psychology and self-development. Among them there are worthwhile publications - with interesting scientific data and understandable working methods.

But more often it happens that the content of 400 pages can be retelled in three sentences, and everything else falls on the watery reasoning and inspiring stories of the author's acquaintances.

It seems to us that by absorbing near-psychological books, we develop ourselves and approach our goal. But in fact, we remain in place.

If you are looking for knowledge, and not light entertaining reading, try to look through reviews and choose books written by specialists with proven work experience. You can also use services that publish extracts from non-fiction books - so you can find out if it is worth spending time on the full version.

2. Hanging in services for productivity

The App Store and Google Play are bursting with productivity and planning apps. Diaries, checklists, organizers, habit trackers. There are so many of them that eyes widen. I would like to download a dozen or more applications, and then, of course, configure and test them - to see which is the best.

The catch is that while we are ticking the boxes, making lists, earning points and achievements, we are not doing really important things.

So what's the difference between another habit tracker and hitting balls in a bubble shooter?

It's worth assessing how much time you spend on organizers and productivity apps. And it is possible to choose more convenient and concise options: simple lists, notes, traditional diaries.

3. Tidying up the workplace

Before you sit down to work, you need to put things in order on the table. Arrange the books alphabetically. Checkout a new render board. Then, at the same time, you can do the wardrobe and arrange the clothes according to the Konmari method. Go through all the papers in the drawers. Wipe the laptop screen, sort the icons on the desktop … How, five hours have passed ?!

Keeping the workplace in order is correct. The main thing is to understand in time why you are laying out things. To make it easier to work or to delay the execution of important tasks?

But cleaning can be perfectly alternated with the main work. It helps to distract from intense thoughts, take a break from sitting in front of a computer screen. Start a timer and try the Pomodoro Technique, working in cycles: 25 minutes for basic tasks and 5-10 minutes for organizing papers or throwing trash from desk drawers.

4. Long preparation

Before starting a new business, you definitely need to prepare. Download interesting books and courses and choose suitable ones, subscribe to thematic channels, chat in groups and chats.

All this creates the illusion of vigorous activity, but almost does not bring you closer to the goal.

This situation even has an ironic name - rocking chair syndrome. Because we seem to swing from side to side, but do not budge and do not go to our goal. Change it: try to have at least one real action for every preparatory action. And if you've already spent a couple of hours looking for the perfect drawing course, be sure to watch at least one lesson and make a couple of sketches. Etc.

5. Helping others

You don't want to start a new project at all, and then some of your colleagues very opportunely asks for help: find lost documents, deal with new software, pull out the paper that he chewed from the printer. And everything seems to be right, you need to help others - but not to the detriment of your own affairs. And not when you use this help as an excuse not to work.