Procrastination. It’s the dreaded enemy of productivity and were guilty of procrastination from time to time. Especially me. Whether it’s cleaning out the closet (read here), filing documents, or writing a blog post, there’s usually something that we have decided to leave to another day. Why do many of us struggle with procrastination? Sure the simple, tedious things can be set aside, but all too often it’s the difficult tasks that cause us to procrastinate the most. Many of us have developed a habit of procrastinating when things are too hard, too time-consuming or filled with uncertainty. There is a way that you can break a procrastination habit. Here are five simple tips that will help you combat procrastination.
Face Your Fears
Procrastination is often a result of fear. We tend to make excuses and procrastinate when we’re afraid of the outcome of our actions. We allow fear to cloak itself as laziness and we put off achieving our goals by procrastinating. You must learn to face your fears and accept that there are certain things that can’t be changed.
Make Goals
Setting goals is an excellent way to combat procrastination. Start out by making a list of all the things you want to accomplish. Next, sort that list into short and long-term goals. The most important part of goal setting is establishing deadlines. Go through your list and come up with a realistic, yet achievable deadline for each item.
Start Small
If you look at your list of goals and become a bit apprehensive, don’t worry. That is fear and doubt that can lead to procrastination. You can overcome these negative emotions by starting small. Try not to look at your goal as a whole, but as tiny pieces to a much larger puzzle.
Remain Positive
Having a positive mindset is one of the best ways to break the habit of procrastination. Even if you failed to reach a goal or deadline, you must try to remain positive. If you allow negative thoughts to enter, you’ll surely begin delaying the steps needed to reach your goal.
Be Accountable
No deadline or goal will ever be reached if you fail to hold yourself accountable for your actions. It can be extremely difficult to police yourself, so get support from outside sources if you must. Contact a friend or family member and let them know about your goal. Give them the task of holding you accountable for your actions. Also, be sure to reward yourself if you’ve remained on track with your goal. Every decision that you make is a step in the right direction, no matter the outcome.
Do you suffer from procrastination? If so, what are some of the ways you overcome it? Tell me in the comments below.
I’m working on my procrastination issues. It gets especially difficult if it’s something I’ve tried to tackle before and failed to check it off the list. I find that if here’s a bigger intention behind the goal, I won’t procrastinate as much getting it done.
I got so into making goals or I should say being aware of what I wanted to do, that I bought a big ass whiteboard to see what mission I was suppose to be on. It makes all the difference! Cool breakdown.
I low key needed to read this!! Thanks!!!
Procrastination has always been a battle of mine. It’s one of many things that lead me to falling into a deep depression. Though I am aware that I have to fight my thoughts so I won’t procrastinate or detour my way from what I want to do, I will say it’s not so easy…so I battle on.
Great post. Every reminder helps.
Procrastination gets me every time! Thanks for the valuable tips !
I really needed this. Goals are needed.