Fortunately, there are some ways to stop procrastinating and get more done. Learning where your trouble spots are and recognizing when you are more prone to postponing that to-do list will help you set better goals and prioritize with a purpose. Here are some tips for overcoming procrastination:
PROCRASTINATION TIP #1. Stop the guilt cycle.
If you tend to feel guilty about not getting something done, there’s a good chance you’ll avoid it entirely and procrastinate on a regular basis. You’re basically setting yourself up for failure; instead of putting yourself in ‘guilt mode’ for not completing a task, try and do half of it, or just a few steps of the task so that you can begin tackling it slowly.
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
PROCRASTINATION TIP #2. Be realistic about how much you can get done.
A jam-packed schedule may keep you excited and motivated, but only in the short-term. You’re much more likely to suffer from burnout and will soon start to dislike your tasks. Set realistic goals so that you can actually enjoy the moment, instead of setting yourself up for burnout.
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
PROCRASTINATION TIP #3. Be patient with yourself.
If you’re doing something especially challenging or trying something new, give yourself a little credit! It takes time to learn and succeed at a new task, so give yourself a pat on the back when you’ve completed some of it and build upon your success. Procrastination often rears its ugly head when you’re feeling overwhelmed by the project or activity; break it down into doable chunks instead and recognize how far you’ve come.
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
PROCRASTINATION TIP #4. Get some fresh air.
Sometimes a change of scenery or a refreshing workout is all it takes to get your creative juices flowing. If you’re heading into a particularly difficult assignment or project, go for a run, speedwalk around the block or just get some fresh air to clear up your head and focus your attention.
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
PROCRASTINATION TIP #5. Clear the clutter.
If you’re surrounded by clutter or a disorganized mess, you’ll block your creative energy and make it harder to concentrate. Take the time to live and work in a ‘clutter-free zone’ so you can actually enjoy your tasks. Make a habit of cleaning, organizing and collecting only the things that are really useful.
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
PROCRASTINATION TIP #6. Visualize a positive outcome.
Athletes use visualization techniques all the time, so what’s stopping you? Imagining your success and seeing past problems or hurdles in your way is a proven method for reaching your goals. Try it!
| - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - |
PROCRASTINATION TIP #7. Make your tasks more fun.
Turn your most difficult task into a game. Time yourself. Give yourself a reason to complete it with a small reward. Set your environment up for success (see Procrastination Tip #5). Making your tasks more enjoyable will make it less burdensome and keep you humming along with a positive mindset.
Read More
