Why New Yorkers Get Stuck in Work Slumps

Have you ever caught yourself putting off important work tasks until the very last minute? You're not alone.

The New York Times chatted with productivity experts and discovered four reasons why New Yorkers tend to procrastinate, and some of the reasons were pretty eye-opening.

Overwhelmed? Join the Club

With the recent wave of layoffs, many of us are left with an overwhelming amount of work to handle. Balancing creativity and efficiency can be downright paralyzing. It's no wonder we find ourselves procrastinating, right?

Fear of Judgment

Sometimes, the job is just plain tough. And if we avoid finishing a challenging project, we shield ourselves from potential criticism. Some of us believe it's better to be seen as lacking effort or time management skills, rather than lacking ability.

The Distraction Struggle

Raise your hand if you've ever found yourself lost in the world of social media or personal emails during work hours. Studies show that the average employee admits to wasting up to two precious hours a day on non-work tasks.

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Terrified of Success

Here's a paradox - if we excel at a task, our boss might raise the bar for the next one. Deep down, the fear of not being able to meet those heightened expectations can lead to procrastination on our current responsibilities.

Now that we've unpacked the reasons behind our procrastination tendencies at work, how about we explore some ways to fight back against procrastination?

Break It Down

Feeling overwhelmed by the sheer scale of a project? Break it down into smaller, more manageable tasks. By tackling one step at a time, you'll not only reduce feelings of being overwhelmed, but also build momentum as you progress.

Set Clear Goals

Setting clear and specific goals can help provide a roadmap to follow, making it easier to stay on track and resist the temptation to procrastinate.

Accountability Partner

Find a colleague or friend who can help hold you accountable for completing tasks. Sharing your goals and progress with someone else can provide the motivation and support needed to stay on top of your responsibilities.

Minimize Distractions

Try minimizing distractions by allocating specific time slots for focused work without interruptions. Turn off notifications for non-essential apps and create an environment that allows you to concentrate.

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Practice Self-Compassion

It's important to be kind to yourself. Acknowledge that everybody procrastinates at times, and don't be too hard on yourself, but don't let it become a habit.