Kiran Athar
Procrastination is a monster that haunts many of us, preventing us from reaching our full potential.
It’s a constant battle between the urge to delay tasks and the desire to accomplish our goals.
If you’re sick and tired of feeling guilty for not accomplishing much with your days, this article is for you!
Today, we’ll explore 14 powerful ways to kick procrastination to the curb and get sh*t done!
1) Break tasks into smaller pieces
Feeling overwhelmed by a huge task is a common reason for procrastination.
So, what can you do to combat this feeling?
The key is to break it down into smaller, more manageable parts. This will make the task seem less daunting and more achievable.
Try this:
Start by listing all the steps required to complete the task.
Then, tackle one small step at a time. As you cross each step off your list, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment, which will motivate you to keep going!
2) Set realistic deadlines
Deadlines can be a double-edged sword.
On one hand, they push us to get things done, but on the other, they can create stress and anxiety.
To avoid the pitfalls of deadlines, set realistic ones that give you enough time to complete your tasks without feeling overwhelmed.
Try this:
When setting deadlines, consider factors like other commitments, potential obstacles, and the time needed for each task.
If you know you’ll be busy during the week with your kid’s doctor’s appointment or taking your pet to the vet, factor this in.
The point is:
Having a clear deadline in place will help you stay focused and prevent you from falling into the procrastination trap.
3) Create a daily to-do list
Creating a daily to-do list is a simple yet powerful way to overcome procrastination.
By organizing your tasks and setting priorities, you’ll have a clear roadmap for the day – just make sure it’s written somewhere that you can easily refer back to.
I, for example, write out my checklist and keep it next to my laptop as I’m working as a form of motivation.
Try this:
Every morning, make a list of the tasks you need to complete that day.
Arrange them in order of priority, with the most important tasks at the top. This way, you’ll tackle your most pressing responsibilities first, ensuring they get done.
4) Find your motivation
I mentioned motivation in the last point, and the truth is, without it, it’s virtually impossible to overcome procrastination!
You see, understanding why you want to achieve a specific goal can help you stay committed to it.
Take some time to reflect on what drives you, whether it’s personal growth, financial stability, or something else entirely.
Try this:
Once you’ve identified your motivation, keep it at the forefront of your mind as you work on your tasks. This will help you push through any obstacles and stay focused on your end goal.
You might even want to write or draw it out and stick it up somewhere that you can see it while you’re working.
5) Eliminate distractions
Our modern world is full of distractions, from:
- Smartphones/tablets/TVs
- Social media
- Coworkers (or if WFH – family, and pets)
To overcome procrastination, you need to create an environment that encourages productivity – all of the above can derail us within seconds and cause us to lose focus.
Try this:
Identify the distractions that most commonly sidetrack you and take steps to eliminate them.
This might mean turning off notifications on your phone, blocking certain websites, or finding a quiet place to work.
6) Use the Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is a time management method that involves breaking your work into short, focused intervals (usually 25 minutes) followed by a brief break.
This technique can help you maintain your concentration and prevent burnout.
Try this:
To get started, set a timer for 25 minutes and work on your task without interruption.
When the timer goes off, take a five-minute break. After completing four Pomodoro sessions, take a longer break (15-30 minutes) to recharge.
7) Focus on one task at a time
Another way to overcome procrastination is to only give your attention to one task at a time.
Here’s the thing:
Multitasking might seem like a great way to get more done, but it often leads to decreased productivity and increased stress.
Instead of juggling multiple tasks at once, focus on one task at a time. This will help you maintain your concentration and work more efficiently.
Try this:
To help you stay focused, create a designated workspace where you can complete your tasks without distractions.
When you’re working on a task, give it your undivided attention, and resist the urge to check your email or social media.
8) Reward yourself
Now for my favorite way to overcome procrastination!
Rewards can be a powerful motivator. By treating yourself after completing a task or reaching a milestone, you’ll create a positive association with getting things done.
Try this:
Choose rewards that are meaningful to you, like taking a relaxing bath, enjoying your favorite snack, or watching an episode of your favorite show.
I personally reward myself by allowing myself 10 minutes to play with my cats or enjoy an ice cream in the garden. It’s a great way to disconnect for a few minutes and recharge the batteries.
Just make sure the reward doesn’t interfere with your productivity or create new distractions!
9) Set up a routine
Developing a daily routine can help you build momentum and create habits that support productivity.
You see, by allocating specific times for tasks, you’ll be more likely to complete them on time and avoid procrastination.
Try this:
Start by identifying the times of day when you’re most productive and schedule your most important tasks during these periods.
For example, I realized I work best in the afternoon and evening since I enjoy taking the morning to get errands done and set myself up for the day.
Establishing a routine will help you develop consistency and make it easier to stay on track with your goals.
10) Hold yourself accountable
Accountability is key when it comes to overcoming procrastination.
We all have days where we feel guilty for not doing enough, and that’s why having a support buddy in place could help.
You see, by sharing your goals with someone else, you’ll be more likely to follow through on your commitments.
Try this:
Find an accountability partner, like a friend or family member, who can help you stay on track.
Regularly update them on your progress and discuss any challenges you encounter along the way.
Trust me, their support and encouragement can make all the difference!
11) Change your mindset
The truth is, our mindset can be the biggest obstacle to productivity.
Negative thoughts like “I can’t do this” or “I’ll never finish this” can sabotage our efforts and fuel procrastination.
I know how strong the voice of negativity can be, but that’s why it’s even more important to work on changing that voice into one of positivity!
Try this:
To combat these unhelpful thoughts, practice positive self-talk and remind yourself of your strengths and accomplishments.
Visualize yourself successfully completing your tasks and achieving your goals. By fostering a positive mindset, you’ll be more motivated to take action.
12) Forgive yourself for past procrastination
We’ve all fallen victim to procrastination at some point, and it’s important to forgive ourselves for those moments – remember, you’re not alone!
Dwelling on past failures will only hold you back and make it more difficult to move forward.
Try this:
Instead of beating yourself up, learn from your past experiences and use them to improve your time management skills.
Acknowledge that overcoming procrastination is a journey and that you’re making progress with each step you take.
13) Use visualization techniques
Visualizing yourself completing tasks and achieving your goals can have a significant impact on your motivation and productivity.
In fact, research has shown that mental rehearsal can improve performance and help you stay focused on your objectives.
Try this:
Set aside a few minutes each day to visualize yourself successfully completing your tasks, overcoming challenges, and reaching your goals.
This practice can help you feel more confident in your abilities and more motivated to take action.
And if that fails?
Try to visualize what you could do with the time you’d have available if you worked efficiently. I like to visualize going for a nice long walk or binge-watching my favorite series (guilt-free) when I’ve completed all my tasks.
14) Practice self-compassion
And finally, it’s essential to be kind to yourself when dealing with procrastination.
Self-criticism and negative self-talk can be counterproductive, often leading to even more procrastination.
Instead, practice self-compassion, acknowledging that everyone struggles with procrastination from time to time.
Try this:
When you notice yourself slipping into procrastination, take a step back and remind yourself that it’s okay to struggle.
Instead of getting down on yourself, focus on finding ways to get back on track and move forward with your tasks.
Remember, the key to overcoming procrastination is to consistently apply these strategies, so keep working on your goals and staying committed to your progress.
With time and effort, you can break free from the grip of procrastination and achieve your full potential!
