10 Tips to Stop Procrastinating
Here are some practical tips to overcome procrastination and make incredible things possible!
Why Do We Procrastinate?
One of the first things that we need to understand about procrastination is that it is not a defect, a sign of weakness, or a reflection of character. So, what is procrastination? To put it simply, procrastination is a coping skill. That might catch you off guard, it certainly did for me. Like most people, we are conditioned to believe that if we are not always multi-tasking that we are not being productive at all and many self-help gurus spread the idea that if only we have the right systems in place, we might be able to remain productive for the rest of our lives. Although we will talk about some tips to help with procrastination in this post, I first wish to encourage you to remember that you are allowed rest and it is important to restore. Procrastination comes up within us as a learned coping skill (whether it is considered maladaptive or not) and is our minds way of protecting us from pain while giving some relief/comfort. This skill can be helpful at times, but as with any form of avoidance, immediate relief often leads to long-term growth of the problem. It might feel like the best thing in the moment to step away and distract ourselves from the task, but what procrastination doesn't see is the impact we will receive when we beat ourselves up and also when we eventually do the thing we avoided in the first place. As with all things, find balance and discover what works best for you. Maybe at times, “Just Do It!!!!” is right for you, but maybe at other time, “I Really Could Use a Nap.” is the right path. Let’s say that you’ve separated between what is chasing productivity and what is avoidance and you’ve discovered that in this case procrastination is not serving you. Here are some tips that may help!
Ten Tips to Try Today
Set Clear Goals
Start by defining clear and achievable goals. Having a clear sense of what you want to accomplish provides motivation and purpose, making it easier to stay focused and avoid procrastination. Find your “Why?” and keep it in sight. Often when we lose sight of why we are motivated to receive the end result, we lose the motivation to complete the tasks it will take to get there.
Prioritize Tasks
Break your goals down into smaller, manageable tasks. Prioritize these tasks based on importance and deadlines. Tackling high-priority tasks first can help prevent procrastination. Not only does prioritizing tasks allow you to start building momentum, but it also helps you identify tasks that might not truly need to be done in the moment and can wait for another day.
Create a To-Do List
A to-do list can be a powerful tool to combat procrastination. It is helpful to have a guide on what needs to be done and it is certainly satisfying to put some checkmarks on your list. When you are struggling to build momentum, your to-do list can also be a reflection of things you have already done and remind you of your power to check off the next one, the next one, and the one after that.
Time Management
Utilize time management techniques like the Pomodoro Technique or time blocking. These methods encourage focused work for a set period followed by short breaks, helping you stay on track. Although there may be times that we can get in a flow state and just take off, having blocks set aside help ensure you have protected time to complete tasks and that you are not overworking yourself.
Eliminate Distractions
Identify and remove distractions from your workspace. Turn off notifications, silence your phone, and create a clutter-free environment to enhance concentration. Although I might think that I work well with a show playing in the background, there are plenty of times I get sucked into what the Simpsons latest shenanigans are. Consider setting upbeat instrumental music in the background to help keep you grooving along!
Use Positive Reinforcement
Reward yourself for completing tasks on time. Positive reinforcement, such as treating yourself to a favorite snack or activity, can motivate you to stay productive. Positive reinforcement is the most affective form of conditioning because it promotes the behavior you seek. Punishing yourself for not getting something done is not going to make it more likely that you feel better in the future, it just ensures that you feel sucky now.
Overcome Perfectionism
Perfectionism can lead to procrastination, and the fear of not doing something perfectly can be paralyzing. Perfection is not always attainable and is not always the best result. There is beauty in knowing when something is complete and there is pride in being able to say that you are content with what you are presenting.
Find Your Peak Productivity Times
Identify the times of day when you are most productive and alert. Schedule your most important tasks during these peak hours to maximize efficiency. Something impactful I heard in my journey that I’ve held onto is the power of doing something early in the morning, because no matter what happens the rest of your day, even if it is horrible, nothing can take away what you’ve already done.
Practice Self-Compassion
Be kind to yourself. If you do procrastinate occasionally, don't be too hard on yourself. Instead, learn from it and use it as motivation to improve your habits. Life is all about learning and growing. When you find something that isn’t working for you, get curious and find a new way of doing/being that does work best for you. You are unique and your solution to a problem will often be unique in nature as well.
Seek Accountability
Share your goals and progress with a friend, colleague, or mentor who can hold you accountable. Knowing that someone is aware of your goals can increase your commitment to completing them. I’ve mentioned in previous posts that having an Accountabilibuddy (Accountability Buddy) is a phenomenal tool for motivation. We do better together and you are not alone!
What Works Best for You?
Feel free to share some ideas that work well for you! Who knows? It just might help someone in meeting their goals!
