Did you know September 6th is Fight Procrastination Day? Though this is an unofficial holiday, it’s a great reason to find some techniques that help you avoid procrastinating and help get your work done. If you’re not sure where to start, we’ve gathered some tips and tricks that can help keep you focused and on task!

Lists, lists, lists

Make a list each day of what you need to get done. Seeing what you have to do can help keep you on track and prioritize what should be done first. Having an organized list of what you need to accomplish can help motivate you throughout the day. Plus, who doesn’t love crossing something off a to-do list once it is done?

Schedules

As larger projects or cases emerge, make timelines and goals. Sticking to these will keep you on track. You can prioritize more important tasks over others by giving yourself an earlier deadline. If you have a set schedule, it can be easier to prioritize tasks as court dates emerge. Then, you can move less time-sensitive tasks around last minute hearings. Without a schedule, you may find yourself scrambling last minute.

Rewards

As silly as this one sounds, rewarding yourself after completing a more difficult task will help you make sure you complete things in a timely manner. Finished sending out your retainer packets for new clients? Time to run out and grab a coffee from your favorite coffee shop.

Don’t Stop Midway

Once you begin something, don’t stop midway. It’s okay to tell someone you can help him or her after you finish rather than taking a break. Starting and stopping can ruin your concentration and make it harder for you to start back up again.

Cut Down Distractions

Minimize your email and put away your phone while you’re working. If you’re at home, make sure TV is off. Cutting down on these small distractions will keep you from getting distracted and off-task.

Don’t Stress

Did a hearing date just get moved up? Don’t stress or make a huge deal out of the work that needs to be done. The more stressed you become, the harder it will be to accomplish your tasks in time. Instead, stay calm and get to work. The less you work yourself up, the faster you’ll get everything done.

Start Big

Try prioritizing you bigger projects to be done first. You’ll feel accomplished once they’re done and you’ll have the motivation to keep going and work on crossing off the other items on your to-do list.

Use Reminders

Don’t be afraid to add calendar reminders for yourself. These can help jog your memory and keep you on pace. You can set email reminders to be sent for your different calendar events. You’ll never miss a due date this way.

Switch It Up

At your firm’s office but can’t get anything done? Try moving to a new location. Whether it’s just going down the hall to a conference room or sitting at a coffee shop, sometimes we just need to change our scenery to get work done.