Reading Comprehension – How to Stop Procrastinating

Do you put the “pro” in “procrastinate”? In case you’re not sure what this word means, here’s the definition:

To procrastinate – to be slow or late about doing something that should be done : to delay doing something until a later time because you do not want to do it, because you are lazy, etc.

It means postponing things that are important. For example, when you should be studying English but you are watching Game of Thrones instead. Most of us procrastinate sometimes, right? 

So today, we’re going to practice some English AND learn 5 tips to fight procrastination.

How to Stop Procrastination

1. Commit to doing daily 5-10 minute unprocrastination training sessions. Tell someone you’ll give them $100 (or do something embarrassing, maybe) if you miss a day.
2. Set a reminder for first thing in the morning, when you usually start work or study. Whenever you open your computer, basically. A big note near your computer is a good idea.
3. When you open your computer, before you do anything else, do your unprocrastination training session.
4. Here’s what you do: pick a task you’ve been procrastinating on, clear aside everything else, and do that task for 5-10 minutes. That’s it. You can stop after that.
5. Notice when you have the urge to switch tasks, to do something easier or more comfortable. Pause, watch the urge, let it go. Then return to the task. Don’t let yourself switch.

This post is from Zen Habits, if you’d like to read more of Leo’s articles.

Vocabulary

Commit –  to say that (someone or something) will definitely do something: to make (someone or something) obligated to do something.

Embarrassing – to make (someone) feel confused and foolish in front of other people.

Task – a piece of work that has been given to someone : a job for someone to do.

Aside – to or toward the side.

Notice – to become aware of (something or someone) by seeing, hearing, etc.

Urge – a strong need or desire to have or do something.

Switch – to make a change from one thing to another : to start doing or using something that is different.