Let’s face it; we’ve all had those moments of procrastination when we really should be doing work in the studio. Why do we procrastinate, though? Maybe, we are afraid of messing up or are overwhelmed with the amount of work we need to get done. Whatever the reason may be, know it’s very normal and that it can be managed! Here are some amazing tips that the ArchiHacks team uses to stay proactive and avoid procrastination before or during the busy week(s).
Although these tips can help you be more productive, please keep in mind your mental health when working. It’s okay asking for help or setting boundaries so that you can function at your best capacity.
Big Picture 🖼️
It may be difficult to predict the length or amount of time, but creating an overall timeline of a project from start to end will keep you accountable! Markdown major deadlines and presentations to keep you informed of what needs to be finished. Break down each of your projects this way to achieve the overall picture! The more you do this, the better you will understand how long it “should” take you to complete different stages of your projects.
It is easy to imagine a project in a professional setting can be difficult to manage. This is why firms, typically, break down a project by grouping tasks or objectives within a deliverable. It’s never too soon to practice and develop that work methodology during your studies!
Breaking down the "Big Picture" + Make a Task List ✔️
After creating a WBS, break each stage down into smaller tasks to make your project more manageable and less intimidating. For example, at the site analysis stage, you may have tasks such as contextual research, a site visit, and developing goals and programming. Then you can turn these tasks into a daily to-do list.
Have you heard of the story of why the military instructs all cadets to make their beds each morning? If not, the reason behind this action is to complete a micro-task that instills a sense of achievement that sets the tone for the day. The feeling of accomplishment felt after doing a task is actually your brain releasing a chemical called, Dopamine, which affects your motivation levels, attention, mood, and other behaviors.
I’m sure many can relate when I say that I used to sit in the studio for hours doing a task when I know I can complete it in two. This is why making a list of objectives to complete before taking a step into the studio or work will help you get over the procrastination hump. Even the act of making a list is a micro-task that you can complete to start your day.
Pomodoro Technique ⏲️
Like making a task list, working in periods will help optimize your time by working with focused-attention for one hour versus two or more hours with unfocused attention. This is my favorite tip for procrastination because I can be more efficient when I work and still enjoy surfing through social media. This technique is widely known as the Pomodoro Technique, where you work in defined time blocks with small breaks in between. The most common time block is 25 minutes of focused work with 5-minute intervals, repeat for 2 or 3 hours, and take a more extended break after. Different amounts of time will work better for various tasks, so adjust accordingly; make sure to actually stick to the timer. There are many available online, or you can just use the timer on your phone!
You can go further by rotating the tasks between each other. For instance, if your eyes are strained after working on your digital model for two hours, then you can turn to work on a hand drawing for an hour before returning. The constant rotation optimizes your time and allows your brain to rest from a specific task. For example, I work in Revit for a three hour period before switching over to writing; once I’ve exhausted writing, then back to modeling.
Try this and let us know how that goes!
Accountability Partner 👨🎓🤦♂️
If you find yourself struggling with accountability with yourself, find a friend that will encourage you! Sharing your goals and tasks you’d like to get done with a friend and asking them to hold you accountable can motivate both parties to stop procrastination! Make sure to cheer each other on, support one another when struggling to finish tasks, and “kindly” kick each other’s butts into gear when someone is slipping.
Just Start! 🏁
Honestly, starting is the most challenging part!! As we mentioned in our previous article about improving your hand sketching, ideas are messy. Getting some pencil to paper action while seeing all of your ideas in front of you is both a therapeutic “mind dump” and a starting point for your project. Once you get into the zone, your anxieties will quiet down, and motivation will rise!
We hope these tips help you get over that procrastination hump that we all inevitably face! Sharing is caring! How do you stay proactive and beat procrastination? Please share your tips with us in the comments below. We hope to provide you with valuable insights and share them with someone who might find this useful. Make sure to follow our Youtube and Instagram for more content!
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