Tackle tough tasks first for productivity

As we go about our daily routine, there are always some tasks that we find challenging to undertake. These tasks may seem intimidating, requiring much effort and time. As a result, we often find ourselves avoiding them or postponing until the last minute. However, tackling tough tasks first can bring numerous benefits such as increased productivity and efficiency. In this article, we will discuss why we tend to avoid tough tasks, why tackling them first is essential and the benefits it brings, as well as how to train our minds to handle them.

Why We Tend to Avoid Tough Tasks

There are several reasons why we tend to avoid tough tasks, including:

1. Fear of Failure: One of the primary reasons why we avoid tough tasks is the fear of failing. We tend to avoid situations where we believe we might not succeed, such as a crucial presentation at work, a difficult exam, or a challenging workout.
2. Overwhelmed by the Task’s Complexity: We may feel overwhelmed by the complexity of tough tasks, requiring a lot of time, energy, resources, or skills. We may feel unprepared or that we lack the necessary knowledge, experience, or expertise to handle these tasks.
3. Procrastination and Lack of Motivation: Procrastination is a common phenomenon where we put off doing things even when we know we need to do them. When it comes to tough tasks, procrastination can be even more pronounced. We may lack the motivation or a sense of urgency to tackle these tasks, especially when we have other more enjoyable tasks to do.

Why Tackling Tough Tasks First is Important

Although it may seem counterintuitive, tackling tough tasks first can bring numerous benefits, including:

1. Increased Productivity: When we tackle tough tasks first, we get them out of the way, allowing us to focus on other activities without the guilt or stress of procrastination. As a result, we increase our productivity and free up more time and energy for other tasks.
2. Increased Confidence and Sense of Accomplishment: By tackling tough tasks, we gain a sense of accomplishment, confidence, and self-esteem. This sense of accomplishment can be highly motivating and can help us maintain a positive attitude towards work and life.
3. Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Procrastination can lead to stress and anxiety, especially when we know that we have important tasks that need to be completed. However, when we tackle tough tasks first, we reduce the stress and anxiety associated with procrastination, enabling us to relax and enjoy our free time without worrying about the tasks we have put off.
4. Improved Focus and Concentration: When we tackle tough tasks first, we can focus and concentrate better on other activities, leading to improved efficiency and better quality work. We can avoid the distractions and interruptions associated with the knowledge of uncompleted, difficult tasks.

How to Train Your Mind to Tackle Tough Tasks First

For most people, tackling tough tasks first is not a natural tendency; however, we can train our minds to handle these tasks by adopting the following strategies:

1. Prioritize Tasks: Prioritizing tasks is a great way to ensure that we tackle the most important and challenging tasks first. We can use tools such as to-do lists, calendars, and project management software to create a list of tasks and prioritize them based on their importance and urgency.
2. Break Down Tasks: Breaking down complex tasks into smaller, more manageable pieces can make them less overwhelming and more accessible. We can identify the key steps involved in completing the task and work on each step individually, crossing them off once completed.
3. Visualize Success: Visualizing success can be a powerful motivator when tackling tough tasks. We can imagine ourselves successfully completing the task and enjoying the sense of accomplishment that comes with it. This visualization can help boost our confidence and self-esteem.
4. Use Time-Blocking Technique: Time-blocking is a technique that involves blocking out a specific period to work on a task without any interruptions. We can use this technique to concentrate on challenging tasks and complete them without distractions.
5. Reward Yourself: Rewarding ourselves after completing challenging tasks can motivate us to tackle even tougher tasks in the future. We can treat ourselves to something we enjoy, such as watching our favorite show, going for a walk, or eating our favorite food.

Conclusion

Although tackling tough tasks first can be challenging, it brings substantial benefits to our productivity, efficiency, and well-being. By training our minds to handle challenging tasks, we can achieve more, grow, and feel a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem that can last a lifetime.