I've struggled with procrastination for years, and a few months ago started using Jerry Seinfeld's "Don't Break the Chain" method[1]. This works for me:
- Prep: Define my chain goals in a spreadsheet (like "work on project A at least one hour per day") with a row for each day to track the chain.
- Execution: As soon as I sit down at the computer, start up a timer to track my work that is visible running right there below my screen, put on my headphones, and listen to Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" on continuous loop.
- Wrapup: Whenever I'm done working, log the time in my spreadsheet and mark the X to keep the chain going.
Something about the timer running and the song playing just kicks me into gear. Usually after the first ten minutes or so, I'm in the zone pretty solidly and can even switch playlists if I'm so inclined (don't usually bother though because I'm usually just focused on the task at that point).
The key is just starting and then the positive inertia takes over. So even if I only need to do 30 minutes to satisfy the chain, it usually lasts at least a couple hours once I'm on a roll.
- Prep: Define my chain goals in a spreadsheet (like "work on project A at least one hour per day") with a row for each day to track the chain.
- Execution: As soon as I sit down at the computer, start up a timer to track my work that is visible running right there below my screen, put on my headphones, and listen to Fleetwood Mac's "The Chain" on continuous loop.
- Wrapup: Whenever I'm done working, log the time in my spreadsheet and mark the X to keep the chain going.
Something about the timer running and the song playing just kicks me into gear. Usually after the first ten minutes or so, I'm in the zone pretty solidly and can even switch playlists if I'm so inclined (don't usually bother though because I'm usually just focused on the task at that point).
The key is just starting and then the positive inertia takes over. So even if I only need to do 30 minutes to satisfy the chain, it usually lasts at least a couple hours once I'm on a roll.
[1]http://lifehacker.com/281626/jerry-seinfelds-productivity-se...