Procrastination is one of the most common productivity challenges that many of us face daily. It often stems from feeling overwhelmed by large, daunting tasks. so how to beat Procrastination? The solution is to break those tasks down into manageable, bite-sized pieces, or what we call discrete assignments. This method can help you regain control over your to-do list, make progress, and boost productivity without feeling overwhelmed.
In this post, we’ll walk you through why procrastination happens, how discrete assignments can help, and give you practical steps to implement this technique in your daily routine.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
At its core, procrastination is a way of avoiding tasks that seem too big, too hard, or too time-consuming. We often avoid these tasks because:
They lack immediate reward.
We fear failure or don’t know where to start.
They seem too overwhelming or complex.
Procrastination doesn’t only lead to uncompleted tasks, but also leaves you feeling stressed, anxious, and guilty. The more we avoid tasks, the harder they seem to get started on.
The Power of Discrete Assignments
The method of breaking tasks down into discrete assignments addresses these issues directly. Instead of looking at your large project as one overwhelming task, you turn it into small, manageable steps. Each step moves you closer to completion while avoiding the emotional burden that typically leads to procrastination.
Here’s why this method works:
Reduces overwhelm : Smaller tasks seem less intimidating.
Creates a sense of progress : Checking off small steps provides motivation and a sense of accomplishment.
Improves focus : Focusing on one task at a time minimizes distractions.
Increases motivation : With every completed small task, you build momentum.
The Science Behind Discrete Assignments
This method ties into behavioral science and how our brains handle tasks. When we perceive something as too difficult, our brains release stress hormones, causing us to delay. By breaking tasks down, we trick our brain into perceiving each step as easy, which reduces procrastination.
This technique also plays into dopamine release, a neurotransmitter associated with reward. Each small achievement releases dopamine, giving you a sense of satisfaction and motivation to continue.
Interestingly, while this approach enhances focus on one task at a time, multitasking has the opposite effect, fragmenting attention and reducing productivity.
The Myth of multitasking and why it’s hurting your productivity
How to Break Tasks into Discrete Assignments
Now that we know why this approach works, here’s how you can implement it:
Identify the Big Task Start by defining the big task or project you’ve been putting off. Let’s say, for example, you need to write a report for work.
Break It Down Once you’ve identified the big task, break it into smaller pieces that can each be completed in a short time. Instead of “write a report,” try:
Research the main topic for 30 minutes.
Write the introduction.
Draft the first section.
Edit the introduction.
Time-Box Each Assignment Assign a specific time frame for each step. This will help prevent the feeling that the task is never-ending. You could plan to research for 30 minutes, then take a break.
Prioritize Your Steps Order the tasks logically. For example, research comes before writing. By creating a natural flow of small steps, you can build momentum as you go.
Track Your Progress Make a checklist or use a task manager to track your progress. Seeing how much you’ve completed motivates you to keep going.
Example: Overcoming a Daunting Project with Discrete Assignments
Let’s say you’ve been procrastinating on organizing your finances, and the sheer thought of it overwhelms you. Here’s how you could break it down:
Gather all recent bank statements.
Create a simple spreadsheet to track expenses.
Record transactions for the last month.
Review any discrepancies and categorize expenses.
Identify areas where you can save money.
Now, instead of “organizing your finances” being one huge task that you dread, it’s a series of manageable steps. Each step can be completed in 10–30 minutes, making the task far less overwhelming.
Mousetrap Actions: Small Steps to Get the Ball Rolling
Mousetrap actions are small, straightforward tasks that act as “easy wins” to kickstart a larger assignment. These initial steps are designed to be so simple and actionable that lower the barrier to getting started. Once the mousetrap action is completed, it’s much easier to flow into the next step of the task.
The beauty of mousetrap actions is that they build momentum. Instead of staring at the entire task, you focus on a bite-sized action that gives you a quick success, increasing motivation to keep going.
Here’s how you can use mousetrap actions in your daily life:
Example: Clean Up the House (20 minutes)
Mousetrap Action: Put on your silicone cleaning gloves.
Take out the trash.
Do the dishes.
Sweep and mop the floors.
Wipe down the dinner table.
Notice how the first step—putting on the gloves—is a trivial action. It takes minimal effort but is essential for getting you into “cleaning mode.” Once you’ve done that, it’s much easier to transition into taking out the trash, then doing the dishes, and so on.
You can apply this technique to other tasks as well:
Write a blog post:
Mousetrap Action: Open your document and write the title.
Draft the introduction.
Write one paragraph at a time.
Study for an exam:
Mousetrap Action: Set up your study materials on your desk.
Review your notes for 5 minutes.
Do one practice question.
The key is to make the first step so small and actionable that you cannot help but begin the task. Once you’ve started, it’s easier to gain momentum and continue working.
How to Stay Consistent
Once you start breaking your tasks into smaller pieces, it’s essential to stay consistent. Here’s how:
Use the 2-minute rule: If a task can be done in under 2 minutes, do it now. It helps you overcome inertia.
User mousetrap actions ; always start by simple and actionable tasks that lower the barrier to getting started and build momentum.
Reward yourself: After completing each small task, give yourself a break or a small reward. This will reinforce the habit of working steadily.
Hold yourself accountable: Use tools like accountability partners or apps that remind you to stay on track.
By setting these small, manageable traps, you make it harder to procrastinate on your discrete assignments and easier to take action consistently.
Watch our video that dive deep into the discrete assignments technique !
Conclusion
Procrastination doesn’t have to rule your day. By breaking down big, overwhelming tasks into smaller, manageable assignments, you can take back control, reduce stress, and finally get things done.
To dive deeper into mastering your habits and productivity, be sure to check out our blog post that explores the four fundamental laws of behavior change, inspired by James Clear’s “Atomic Habits.” In this video, we discuss how making tasks easy, obvious, attractive, and satisfying can help you build better habits and improve your productivity.
