What do you do if you're a network engineer struggling with procrastination?

1 Identify Triggers

Understanding what causes your procrastination is crucial. As a network engineer, you might delay tasks that seem overwhelming or lack immediate deadlines. Start by breaking down complex projects into manageable parts. For example, instead of procrastinating on a large network redesign, begin with mapping out current network infrastructure or reviewing one segment of the configuration. This makes the task seem less daunting and helps you to start making progress.

2 Set Priorities

Effective time management is pivotal in network engineering. Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Tackle critical network issues first, such as security vulnerabilities or system outages, before moving on to less pressing tasks. Use tools like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize and order your workload, ensuring that you're always working on what matters most.

3 Time Blocking

Time blocking can be a powerful technique for you. Allocate specific blocks of time to different tasks, such as configuring a firewall or updating network documentation. During these blocks, focus solely on the task at hand without distractions. This method promotes deep work and can significantly improve your productivity and the quality of your network engineering tasks.

4 Minimize Distractions

In a field that requires constant vigilance, distractions can be the bane of your productivity. To combat this, create a work environment that minimizes interruptions. This could mean silencing non-essential notifications, organizing your workspace, or scheduling 'do not disturb' periods where you can work on network configurations or troubleshoot without interruptions.

5 Use Tools

Leverage technology to streamline your workflow. Automate routine network tasks using scripts or network automation tools, freeing up time for more complex projects. For example, use a script to automate the deployment of VLANs (Virtual Local Area Networks) across switches. This not only saves time but also reduces the likelihood of errors that can occur with manual configurations.

6 Reflect Daily

End your day by reflecting on what you've accomplished and what needs to be tackled next. This daily review helps keep your projects and tasks in perspective and can motivate you for the following day. As you track your progress, you'll likely find that your bouts of procrastination diminish, and your efficiency as a network engineer increases.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?