5月30日将迎来我国首个“全国科技工作者日”

What if the real reason you’re procrastinating isn’t laziness—but emotion? Not all procrastination is bad. In fact, positive procrastination can be useful—like when you schedule a task for a time when you can really focus. But negative procrastination? That’s the silent thief of productivity. It’s when you’ve scheduled the task—or know it needs to happen—but keep pushing it off. Why does this happen??Usually, it’s emotion-driven rather than "being lazy." Fear. Discomfort. Resistance to change. Your brain is trying to protect you, but sometimes, that protection becomes a barrier. Here are three strategies I use to overcome it: 1. Ignore the emotion right before the task. It’s rarely accurate. Just start, even if you don’t feel like it. 2. Commit to just the first minute. Open the file. Draft the email. Start with something so easy it feels silly. It works. 3. Write down your “why.” Remind yourself why this task matters. It gives the effort a sense of purpose. Consistency with these small actions builds momentum—and that momentum beats procrastination every time. What’s one task you’ve been avoiding that you could take the first minute on today? #productivity #focus #success #davecrenshaw

Procrastination isn't about time. It's about emotions. You're not lazy. Your brain is protecting you from difficult feelings. Fear. Anxiety. Self-doubt. I've seen it steal dreams. Maybe you have too. Here are 8 powerful ways to break free: 1. Create Space Between Trigger and Response ?? "The moment I face a big task, I grab my phone." ? Pause for 30 seconds when avoidance hits ? Take three deep breaths ? Ask: "What tiny step can I take now?" ?? Viktor Frankl: Our power lies in the space between trigger and response. Try: Set a 30-second timer next time you feel the urge to avoid. 2. Face Your Fears Head-On ?? "I keep delaying because what if everything goes wrong?" ? Write down your worst-case scenarios ? Rate how likely each one is ? List one action to prevent each fear ?? Named fears lose their emotional grip. Try: Write down your biggest fear about your delayed project. 3. Build Instant Rewards ?? "Important tasks feel painful. Netflix feels good." ? Pair tough tasks with immediate pleasures ? Create small celebrations for completion ? Track your wins visually ?? Your brain craves instant gratification. Use it to your advantage. Try: Choose one small reward for your next completed task. 4. Design Your Environment ?? "My workspace doesn't inspire action." ? Place visual reminders of your goals ? Set out tools needed for tomorrow ? Remove distracting triggers ?? Your environment shapes your behavior more than willpower. Try: Put one inspiring image where you'll see it tomorrow. 5. Use Social Power ?? "I keep my goals private so I can't fail publicly." ? Tell someone your deadline ? Share progress updates ? Set public consequences ?? Social pressure creates positive emotional urgency. Try: Text one friend about your next deadline. 6. Reset Your State ?? "Bad moods make me avoid everything." ? Take a 2-minute meditation break ? Step outside briefly ? Do 5 jumping jacks ?? Physical state changes create emotional shifts. Try: Stand up and stretch right now for 30 seconds. 7. Create When-Then Plans ?? "I have good intentions but never follow through." ? Write specific action triggers ? Link habits to existing routines ? Remove decision points ?? Clear plans bypass emotional resistance. Try: Write one "When X happens, I will do Y" statement. 8. Track Visible Progress ?? "It feels like I'm getting nowhere." ? Use a progress calendar ? Mark daily wins ? Share your journey ?? Seeing progress builds emotional momentum. Try: Draw a simple progress bar for your current project. Your dreams are waiting. Your emotions shouldn't stop you. Pick one strategy. Start now. Which one will you try first? ?? Repost if this resonated with you! ?? Follow me Suren Samarchyan for more.

I get asked a lot by people, "Ryan, how do you manage all these different projects?" It isn't?easy and I am not perfect at it, but you can climb the highest mountain by taking one step at a time. 10 Tips for Mastering Multi-Tasking Like a Pro ?? 1?? Prioritize Your Tasks ?? Start with high-impact tasks first. Use the Eisenhower Matrix (urgent vs. important) to decide what needs immediate attention. 2?? Use Time Blocking ? Dedicate specific time slots for different tasks. Avoid context-switching by grouping similar activities together. 3?? Leverage Technology ?? Use productivity tools like Trello, Asana, or Notion to organize tasks and track progress efficiently. 4?? Set Clear Deadlines ? Give yourself a time limit for each task. Parkinson’s Law states that work expands to fill the time available—keep deadlines tight! 5?? Master the 2-Minute Rule ? If a task takes less than 2 minutes to complete, do it immediately instead of adding it to your to-do list. 6?? Limit Distractions ???? Silence notifications, close unnecessary tabs, and use focus apps like Freedom or Forest to stay in the zone. 7?? Batch Similar Tasks Together ?? Answer emails in one go, make all phone calls at once, and schedule social media updates in bulk instead of spreading them throughout the day. 8?? Use the Pomodoro Technique ?? Work in focused 25-minute intervals followed by short breaks. This helps maintain energy and prevents burnout. 9?? Learn to Delegate ?? If someone else can handle a task better or faster, delegate it. Free up time for high-value work. ?? Take Breaks & Recharge ?? Multi-tasking can drain mental energy. Step away, stretch, hydrate, or take a walk to refresh your mind before diving back in. ? Bonus Tip: Focus on progress over perfection—multi-tasking isn’t about doing everything at once but managing tasks efficiently without sacrificing quality! #Productivity #TimeManagement #Efficiency #WorkSmarter #Multitasking

Dear Professionals, Is productivity overrated? Oh, not at all. But you can’t wish it away. You need proven strategies to improve your productivity in the coming year! Before diving into that, let me share a little story. During my undergraduate days, I always multitasked. I combined a part-time home schooling initiative with my academics. In the evenings, I would go to various homes to teach secondary school students compulsory subjects (English, Maths, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology). In no time, more parents showed interest, and to maintain the quality of service, I had to involve other intelligent colleagues. We prepared many of these students for their final exams, and they achieved great success. I was also involved in student politics and had to lead delegations to the vice-chancellor and government for various causes that required advocacy and high-level interventions. Amidst all these activities, I raised funds and organized several health outreaches to underserved communities. I built leadership, organizational, research, and time management skills that helped me succeed as a student. These skills have not only helped me as a professional but have also opened doors and unlocked many opportunities too numerous to mention. But here’s the thing: you need to put systems in place because systems are drivers of productivity. Some systems have worked for me. Have a go at them: 1. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout your day. This helps maintain focus and prevents multitasking, which can reduce productivity. Use tools like Google Calendar to schedule these blocks and stick to them. For instance, dedicate mornings to deep work and afternoons to meetings and emails. 2. The 2-Minute Rule: If a task will take less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. This prevents small tasks from piling up and cluttering your to-do list. This hack is particularly useful for quick emails, small administrative tasks, or filing documents. 3. Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix: Organize your tasks based on urgency and importance using the Eisenhower Matrix. - Quadrant 1: Urgent and Important (Do immediately) - Quadrant 2: Not Urgent but Important (Schedule for later) - Quadrant 3: Urgent but Not Important (Delegate if possible) - Quadrant 4: Neither Urgent nor Important (Eliminate if possible) By focusing on what truly matters and eliminating unnecessary tasks, you can significantly boost your productivity and efficiency. I see you winning in the coming year, 2025. What strategies do you employ to be productive? Feel free to share; iron sharpens iron. A lighted candle doesn’t lose anything by lighting another. Till we all win!

I've tried every productivity hack in the book. Pomodoro method. Phone lock box. Grayscale. You name it. But I'm a worldclass procrastinator, so I've made mincemeat of these worthy challengers. Until recently... I finally met my match and my productivity is through the roof. It's stupid simple but it works for me. Peer Accountability. So damn simple. Here's how it works: 1) I set 3-7 SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, time-bound goals) For example: - Sweat before 9am 6 days per week - Keep screentime below 3 hours per day on weekdays - 3 hours of golf practice per week 2) I find an accountability buddy for each goal. The requirements: - they have a goal in the same category (work, wellness, play, family) - they are committed to holding me accountable & being held accountable 3) I create text convos for each buddy/goal and ask a few important questions: - What is your 1 SMART goal i'm holding you accountable to? - What style of accountability do you prefer? Drill sergeant, curious, empathetic, etc - Why is hitting this goal important to you? (good to know to refocus partner after they've gotten off-track) 4) Pin each accountability convo to the top of my messages & check-in daily/weekly depending on the frequency of my goal & my partner's goal.

You don’t really have to do the tasks you HATE. We often think we have to do EVERYTHING—hustle, grind, and get it done no matter what. But there’s a better way. A way to work smarter, not harder. There’s an effective tool for this from Gino Wickman’s Entrepreneurial Operating System: Delegate and Elevate. ?? Here’s how you do it: Make four lists: 1. Love It & Great At It → These are your strengths. Focus here! 2. Like It & Good At It → You can do these, but consider delegating to free up time for your "Love It" tasks. 3. Don't Like It & Good At It → Delegate these energy-draining tasks, even if you're good at them. 4. Don't Like It & Not Good At It → Delegate these ASAP! They're better handled by someone with the skills and passion for them. Now, you can delegate and elevate based on your lists! I used to spend 80% of my time on things I hated doing, just because I was good at them. Now, I delegate those tasks to people who love doing them. And I’m focused on work that I love and that drives our company’s growth. Remember: Focus on what you do best and enjoy—and delegate the rest. #leadership #entrepreneurship #worklifebalance

You may think I am always motivated. The reality? There are many days when I wake up, instead of feeling ready to take on the day, I feel low, unmotivated, and unproductive. This experience is familiar to many of us, and I am no exception. When left unchecked, this pattern can create a vicious cycle that negatively impacts our personal and professional growth. You might brush it off as just a 'bad day' but when this becomes a pattern, it takes a toll on how you show up for your loved ones, your team, and your overall productivity. To tackle this issue, I reached out to my friend Dr. Srinidhi Desikan, a Ph.D. holder in Cognitive and Behavioral Neuroscience and an integrated mindset & decision Coach. Here is what she has to say: Motivation is an ever-changing force. It is not an innate trait but a transient sensation that accompanies our human experience. It ebbs and flows and cannot be relied upon consistently. But here's the fascinating part: our actions and physical state profoundly impact our brains and the feelings we experience. When facing low motivation and unproductive days, here are four tips that you can implement to boost your motivation and productivity: 1. Start a 'Tech-Free Morning': Avoid your mobile for at least the first hour of your day to let your mind complete its restorative sleep cycle. ??? 2. Mood-Boosting Activities: Physical exercise or listening to some foot-tapping music releases mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. ??? 3. Mood Intentions and Process-Oriented Goals: Begin each day by setting positive mood intentions and focusing on the steps needed for task completion rather than solely on outcomes. This activates intrinsic motivation, leading to progress and satisfaction. ??? 4. Fuel your day with nourishing foods: Consuming a balanced meal can optimize brain function for the day. Include brain-friendly foods like fatty fish, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits like avocados and blueberries. Shaking off sluggish days might feel daunting, but it's certainly doable. PS: Self-compassion on low days is just as important as the actions you take to regain motivation. ? Repost if you found this helpful. Image Credit: Justin Thomas Miller --- Follow me, tap the (??) Omar Halabieh for daily Leadership and Career posts.

Recharge to Achieve More Happy Tuesday, high achievers! Today, let's take a look at a powerful productivity hack – taking strategic breaks. As a high-performance health coach, I often see busy executives and entrepreneurs overlook the importance of breaks. But here's the twist: to achieve more, sometimes you need to step back. ?? Why Breaks Matter: Your brain isn't designed to focus for long hours without a break. Prolonged concentration drains your mental energy, leading to decreased productivity and potential burnout. Research published in the journal Cognition finds that brief diversions from a task can dramatically improve one's ability to focus on that task for prolonged periods. ?? The Pomodoro Technique: One effective way to structure your breaks is the Pomodoro Technique. Here’s how it works: Focus on a task for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break. Every four cycles, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes. This method, backed by psychology, helps maintain high levels of focus while preventing mental fatigue. ??? Mindful Breathing Breaks: During your short breaks, try mindful breathing exercises. Just a few minutes of deep, intentional breathing can reset your mind, reducing stress and anxiety. This practice can enhance your cognitive flexibility, as suggested by a study in Frontiers in Psychology, making you better at switching between tasks and coming up with innovative solutions. ?? Nature Breaks: If possible, step outside. A change of scenery, especially one that involves nature, can be incredibly rejuvenating. According to a study from the University of Michigan, walking in nature or even just viewing pictures of the natural world can enhance attention and memory performance. ?? Customize Your Break Strategy: Remember, there's no one-size-fits-all approach. Some may prefer a 5-minute walk, while others might benefit from a quick meditation or listening to music. The key is to disconnect briefly from work and give your brain a chance to refresh. ?? The Outcome: By incorporating regular, mindful breaks into your workday, you’re not losing time; you’re investing in sustained productivity and mental sharpness. You'll find that you can make decisions more effectively, approach tasks with renewed energy, and ultimately, achieve your goals with greater ease. Try implementing strategic breaks into your routine this week, and share your experiences. What kind of breaks work best for you? #StrategicBreaks #SustainedProductivity #Build4Life #B4L #OWNit #EARNit #Focus

Tackling Procrastination: A Personal Journey to Productivity Today, I'm not talking AI or data analytics; instead, I'm getting real about procrastination. We've all been there, and I'm no exception. Here's how I tackle it, with a personal twist: 1. Small Goals, Big Wins: Remember my first big project at Intel? Overwhelmed, I learned to break tasks into bite-sized goals. It's like assembling a complex circuit – focus on one component at a time. 2. Pomodoro to the Rescue: This was a game-changer during my Ph.D. at Michigan State. Working in short bursts kept my mind sharp and ideas fresh, especially when coding or writing research papers. 3. Accountability Partners: Back in Sabanci University, my study group kept me on track. Now, I share my goals with colleagues or students at Portland State University. Speaking your goals aloud makes them real. 4. Organize Like a Pro: Fun fact – I'm a bit of a neat freak. Whether it's my desk in Hillsboro or my digital folders, I keep things tidy. It's like setting the stage for success. 5. Mindful Moments: The biggest lesson from my yoga practice? Be present. Whether it's a complex algorithm or planning my next course, staying present keeps procrastination at bay. So, there you have it, my personal toolkit against the procrastination gremlin. What are your strategies? #Procrastination #Productivity #PersonalGrowth #AI #EngineeringLife #Mindfulness