How to Use Technology to Overcome Procrastination

Procrastination is not just a bad habit, it’s a way of life that some people have spent years trying to break. Everyone wants to be more productive, but it’s not easy. Technology can help you solve this problem, however.

Table of Contents

• Understanding the causes of procrastination 
• Turn technology into a productivity tool
  • Time management tools
  • Apps to increase concentration
  • Reinforce positivity with technology
• Build better habits with technology

Understanding the causes of procrastination

Before you can solve your procrastination problem, you first need to understand what's going on. The triggers that cause people to procrastinate are often the same, starting with being overwhelmed by the number of tasks that need to be completed.

If there is too much to do, people tend to get lazy and instead switch to something like watching Netflix instead of tackling even one item on their to-do list. There are so many distractions. Between Youtube, TikTok, Netflix, and more, staying focused is no easy task.

Of course, technology has played a role in this whole mess. There are algorithms that constantly deliver entertaining content when you should be productive, and our dependence on devices has turned into a cycle of endless scrolling. So instead of blaming our gadgets, why not recruit them to fight our procrastination habits?

Turn technology into a productivity tool

Technology is one of the biggest contributors to procrastination, but when used properly, it can also be a useful productivity tool. But you have to figure out which tools to use and how to use them.

Time management tools

Time management is a weakness for many people, but tools like Google Calendar, Trello , and Notion can be lifesavers in keeping things organized. Google Calendar helps keep track of everything from deadlines to downtime, so no task feels overwhelming or too vague. Trello helps keep your “work-related” projects on track by allowing you to break them down into smaller, more manageable, actionable steps.

And finally, Notion, which provides an all-in-one workspace where you plan for your larger, longer-term goals. By keeping everything in these three places, you can create a system that’s tight enough to make procrastination harder than it is to get things done.

Apps to increase concentration

While getting organized is the first step to turning procrastination into productivity, actually staying focused is another matter entirely. This is where apps like Forest , Freedom , and Pomodoro come in handy.

For example, Forest helps you focus. When you focus on a task, you plant a digital tree — if you lose that focus, the tree dies. There's also Freedom, which blocks distracting websites and apps for a period of time you set.

And then there's the Pomodoro technique , a productivity hack that combines short bursts of focused work (usually around 25 minutes) with short breaks. Simply combine this method with a timer, and voila — you can train yourself to be productive by knowing that your break is only a few minutes away. These tools not only help you stay focused, but they also make things more fun, which is great for fighting procrastination.

Reinforce positivity with technology

An unexpected help in your productivity journey are habit tracking apps like Habitica . Habitica turns daily tasks or goals into a cute little RPG where completing different tasks earns you rewards for your virtual avatar.

Admittedly, that’s pretty motivating. Plus, Habitica is free, meaning you don’t actually have to pay anything to get the rewards.

And these little benefits add up quickly. You can get new outfits and items for your character, which helps you visualize not only your goals but also where you are on the journey. Seeing progress over time is a game changer, especially when you can see how things are progressing.

Build better habits with technology

Over time, these tools will not only help you complete tasks, but will actually change your habits. You will rarely dread sitting down to work because the connected technology tools will help eliminate decision fatigue and distraction.

Tasks run through your day like clockwork, and because everything happens at a perfect pace, you won’t feel rushed or overwhelmed like you used to. Plus, you’ll notice a shift in your mindset. Instead of viewing technology as a sinful habit, see it as a powerful tool for good. With tools that encourage you to start small and focus on progress over perfection, you’ll learn to prioritize motivation over perfectionism.

The truth is, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Turning the same technology that has been causing you to procrastinate into a productivity tool can change things for the better. Sure, things may go wrong sometimes, but with these tools, you’re always just a click away from getting back on track.