7 Ways to Overcome Procrastination Forever

by Samara

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Do you feel that?

That gnawing feeling in the pit of your stomach.

You just started working on that thing that you’ve been putting off all month, but it needed to be done yesterday. The thoughts running through your head seem to keep saying “why didn’t you get it done earlier?” or “you can’t ever get anything done on time”. Sounds familiar?

The pain and stress that comes with leaving things to the last minute are just enough to make you sick and overwhelmed not only because you feel like a failure, but because you know what you’re capable of. You’re just having trouble getting started!

But lucky for you, there are a couple of things you can do to conquer the beast called procrastination once and for all.

Here are 7 Ways To Overcome Procrastination

ways to overcome procrastination

1. Start a goal-smashing list (even if you don’t feel like it)

Make a list of all the tasks you need to accomplish —  even the tiny ones that may only take two minutes to complete. 

Try to put this list on paper, even if you normally use your phone for grocery lists or reminders. You will find that writing tasks down helps you to visualize how or when you will tackle each task. 

Tip: Writing everything down ensures that you won’t forget or miss something important.

2. Prioritize and organize ( focus on what matters first)

Maybe everything doesn’t need to be done right away. Organizing tasks in order from most important to least urgent may give you some extra breathing room that is well needed.

You won’t feel rushed since you know what needs your attention right away and what you can spend a little more time on before getting around to something else.

Tip: Use a planner to schedule tasks in time blocks or decide what days to complete a task of your choosing.

3. Beat the clock (deadlines will keep you motivated)

Deadlines can add either a bit of excitement or anxiety depending on how behind you already are. 

Either way, the adrenaline rush and the thought of a looming deadline can be exactly what you need to give you the drive to put more energy into completing tasks on time. 

Tip: Scheduling reminders on your phone to alert you at various times before the deadline will keep you on task since it will always be on your radar.

4. Break up tasks into smaller ones (work smarter not harder)

Thinking about getting through an entire month’s worth of tasks might be enough to make you feel sick to your stomach (not kidding).

Instead, try to break up tasks that would be time-consuming or difficult into small tasks that can be done quickly. That way, your brain registers these tiny achievements as quick wins that will motivate you to keep going. 

Tip: If tasks still seem overwhelming even after breaking them down, break them down even further till its so simple there’s no way you can’t get it done. 

5. Stay away from distractions (one less thing to worry about)

A different environment can have an effect on your productivity. 

Do you normally work at the dining room table with the tv nearby? It might be worth looking into moving to a different room or getting out of the house altogether. 

Tip: Find somewhere that inspires you or is relaxing enough so you can focus. Or create a separate workspace at the house where you won’t be disturbed.

6. Find a side-kick (because friends make everything better)

Ever notice how things don’t seem as hard or overwhelming when you’ve got someone to do it with?

Having a friend to hold you accountable or to motivate you when you’re slipping makes all the difference in the world. And if your friend is also a procrastinator your words of motivation will echo right back at you and also give you the push that you need.

Tip: Check-in with your friend from time-to-time to see how they’re doing with their tasks and give each other updates.

7. Treat yourself! (you’re a goal-crushing machine!)

Congrats! You completed your goal now you’re wondering what to do with yourself. Give yourself a pat on the back for pushing through.

It’s time to celebrate with one of your favorite things — it could be a nice meal or a fun activity with friends that you’ve been putting off. Whatever it is, the reward should justify all the hard work you’ve put in.

Tip: Try to celebrate small successes along the way and not wait until the end. A reward system will keep you motivated to stay on task. 

You Got This!

So, you want to overcome procrastination?

You definitely can.

It won’t be easy. It will take some practice and I guarantee you’ll want to give up. But keep pushing. Even if it takes you twice as long, you still would have completed it. 

Don’t be too hard on yourself. After all, the fact that you’re reading this blog post is the first step to progress. 

Go crush it. 

Read More: 5 Habits of Highly Successful People

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1 comment

Hollee R Archibald November 17, 2019 - 1:49 pm

Love these tips! I am terrible when it comes to prioritizing! Love the tip about holding yourself accountable with a friend! Thanks!

Reply

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