The Best Productivity Tips from “From Delay to Done”

The Best Productivity Tips from “From Delay to Done”

Introduction: Why Productivity Matters

Have you ever sat down to work on something important, only to find yourself endlessly scrolling through social media or binge-watching your favorite series? You tell yourself, Just five more minutes, but before you know it, hours have passed, and the task remains untouched. If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone! Procrastination is a common struggle, but the good news is that it can be managed.

In my book, From Delay to Done, I dive deep into why we procrastinate and how to overcome it using practical, science-backed strategies. In this blog post, I’ll share the best productivity tips from the book, helping you stop procrastination, manage procrastination, and beat procrastination for good. Let’s break the cycle of delay and start achieving our goals today!

1. The “2-Minute Rule” – Trick Your Brain into Starting

One of the best productivity tips to stop procrastination is the 2-Minute Rule. This rule states that if a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. But there’s a twist—if the task is bigger, start it for just two minutes.

Why It Works:

Procrastination often happens because a task feels overwhelming. The hardest part of any task is simply getting started. By committing to just two minutes, you trick your brain into action, and before you know it, you’re already in the flow.

Example:

Imagine you need to write a report for work. Instead of thinking, I have to write the whole report today, tell yourself, I’ll just open my laptop and type the first sentence. Once you start, you’ll likely continue.

✔ Actionable Tip: Next time you feel stuck, tell yourself you’ll just do it for two minutes. Chances are, you’ll end up doing much more!

2. The “ABCDE Method” – Prioritize Like a Pro

One major reason people struggle to manage procrastination is poor prioritization. From Delay to Done introduces the ABCDE Method, a technique to organize your tasks based on their urgency and importance.

How It Works:

• A: Most important tasks – Must be done today
• B: Important tasks – Should be done today
• C: Nice-to-do tasks – Can be done later
• D: Delegate tasks – Someone else can do it
• E: Eliminate tasks – Unnecessary distractions

Example:

Say you have the following tasks for the day:
✅ Submit a client proposal (A)
✅ Respond to emails (B)
✅ Research for an upcoming meeting (C)
✅ Assign data entry to an assistant (D)
✅ Watch a trending YouTube video (E)

Now, focus on completing the A tasks first before moving to the others.

✔ Actionable Tip: Start each morning by categorizing your tasks using the ABCDE method. This way, you focus on what truly matters instead of wasting time on distractions.

3. The “Pomodoro Technique” – Work with Laser Focus

Have you ever tried working for hours only to feel exhausted but unproductive? That’s because long work sessions lead to mental fatigue. Instead, use the Pomodoro Technique, one of the best productivity tips from From Delay to Done!

How It Works:

1️⃣ Work for 25 minutes
2️⃣ Take a 5-minute break
3️⃣ Repeat this cycle 4 times
4️⃣ After four cycles, take a 15–30-minute break

Why It Works:

Short work sessions keep your brain fresh and prevent burnout.

Example:

Imagine you need to study for an exam. Instead of forcing yourself to study for three hours straight, break it into four Pomodoro sessions with breaks in between. You’ll retain more information and feel less tired.

✔ Actionable Tip: Download a Pomodoro timer app and try this method for a day. You’ll be amazed at how much you get done!

4. The “5-Second Rule” – Beat the Hesitation Trap

Sometimes, we know exactly what we need to do but still hesitate. That’s where the 5-Second Rule by Mel Robbins (and featured in From Delay to Done) comes in handy.

How It Works:

When you feel the urge to procrastinate, count 5-4-3-2-1 and immediately take action before your brain talks you out of it.

Example:

You’re lying in bed, thinking about going to the gym, but your mind says, Just five more minutes. Instead, count down from 5 to 1 and force yourself to get up. Once you move, your motivation will follow.

✔ Actionable Tip: Next time you feel like delaying something, count down from five and take action instantly!

5. The “Accountability Partner” – Stay on Track

One of the easiest ways to stop procrastination is to have someone hold you accountable. When we know someone is checking on our progress, we are more likely to follow through.

Example:

A friend and I once committed to writing 500 words daily for our books. Every night, we checked in with each other. The result? We both finished our drafts faster than expected!

✔ Actionable Tip: Find an accountability buddy and share your goals with them. You’ll be surprised how much it helps!

6. The “Visual Progress Tracker” – Make Success Visible

When you visually track progress, you stay motivated. One method from From Delay to Done is the “Don’t Break the Chain” method, where you mark each successful day on a calendar.

Example:

Want to develop a daily reading habit? Each day you read, mark an “X” on the calendar. The goal is not to break the chain!

✔ Actionable Tip: Use a wall calendar or a habit-tracking app to monitor your progress. The longer your streak, the more motivated you’ll be to continue.

7. The “Reward System” – Train Your Brain for Success

Your brain loves rewards! When you reward yourself for completing tasks, you create a positive association with productivity.

Example:

Promise yourself a treat—like your favorite coffee—only after you finish a difficult task. Over time, this trains your brain to associate hard work with pleasure.

✔ Actionable Tip: Set small rewards for completing big tasks to make work feel more enjoyable.

Final Thoughts: Take Action Today!

Procrastination is not a personality flaw—it’s a habit. But just like any habit, it can be changed. From Delay to Done is packed with the best productivity tips to help you stop procrastination, manage procrastination, and beat procrastination effectively.

Start small—pick just one of these techniques and apply it today. Once you see the results, you’ll be motivated to do more!

💬 Which of these strategies are you excited to try first? Let me know in the comments!

✅ Want to dive deeper into these productivity hacks? Get your copy of From Delay to Done today! 🚀