Don’t know the reasons why you procrastinate? Or you don’t know the tips to avoid procrastination? Let me help you to get “unstuck”. Keep reading to know the ways to overcome procrastination.
If you have goals and procrastination you have nothing. If you have goals and you take action, you will have anything you want.
Thomas J. Vilord
Why do you procrastinate?
Willpower is often thought to be the leading reason for procrastination. But it is mainly your intrinsic motivation that helps you to get rid of the habit of putting things off on daily basis. The following can be the reasons why you procrastinate:
- Low self-confidence
- Ignoring the value of time
- Lack of self-discipline
- Decision paralysis
- Fear of failure
- Lack of understanding
- Trouble concentrating
- Perfectionism
- Low energy levels
- Poor organization skills
Why overcome procrastination?
“Waiting is a trap. There will always be reasons to wait – The truth is, there are only two things in life, reasons and results, and reasons simply don’t count.”
Robert Anthony
Procrastination is one of the main challenges that is blocking you from getting up. You won’t be able to make the right decisions and live the ideal life you’ve thought of.
Recent research has shown that if you regret more the things you haven’t done than the things you have done, you can become mentally tired. Plus, feelings of regret and guilt can tend to stay with you much longer. Sometimes all your opportunities seem to be close to you, but you can’t seem to reach them.
You waste time that you could invest in something meaningful while you procrastinate. When you avoid procrastination, you will be able to accomplish more. You will be able to utilize your potential in a better way than life has to offer.
Now everyone knows that the world today is conducive to procrastinating. You must learn the ways to overcome procrastination, therefore, it is one of the most important skills you should learn right now.
Related: Overthinking Will Kill Your Happiness
How to Overcome Procrastination?
Do you like to put things off? These ways to avoid procrastination will have you ready to take action now.
1. Awareness
First, you need to reflect on the reasons why you procrastinate, and the habits that lead you to procrastinate. Without understanding the root of the problem you can’t come up with an effective solution.
Self-knowledge is the key to figuring out how to stop procrastinating. You may acquire this insight into how procrastination protects you from feeling like you are not able enough. You may also keep this in mind when you are tempted to fall into familiar and procrastinating habits. There goes a long way to solve your problem. But, when you understand the hidden roots of procrastination, you will definitely seem to weaken them. Just know your true reasons for procrastination. You’ll feel easier to stop it.
Related: The Way People Think!
2. Finish Your Day Before It Starts
This tip starts where the way #1 leaves off. The best decision you can make towards avoiding procrastination is to finish your day before it starts. Plan your days in advance to be active mentally and enjoy a better piece of mind.
Instead of figuring out frantically what you’ll perform on any given day, approach your day by taking a few minutes at the end of each day. This will quickly map out the next day of yours.
For example, you can do this every night, before bed to write down your plans for the next day. It can include your one big thing that needs to get done that day. This can be a big project, a goal, or a task you need to make progress on. “Your no matter what” — these can be your non-negotiable daily habits. Maybe your exercise plan, your nature walk/daily meditation, reading schedule, mastery-related work, or even the time spent with the people you love!
Whatever else you need to be done the following day, plan it before. By doing this, your most important goals and projects will be given ample time to be done. You won’t procrastinate more!
3. Stay Motivated
Don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today because if you enjoy it today, you can do it again tomorrow.
James A. Michener
When you stay active to be engaged, you are less likely to procrastinate. This is one of the simplest ways to overcome procrastination. Try to stay actively engaged in your classes or workplaces.
If you are a passive worker, you’re probably not “getting into” the end of your work and lose its importance. This can weaken your motivation. What’s more? If you are not active, you can never make as much sense out of your work as you could. Confusion is not engaging; in fact, it will make you boring and frustrating very soon.
We don’t often like doing work that is boring or frustrating, right? Prevent it by understanding the purpose of your work. Do not prefer memorizing it or just getting through it. Rather than, try seeking out what you’re interested in or what is more relevant. Set your own purpose for every work project or class session. Ask yourself questions about what you are seeking from it.
4. Adjust Your Environment
Are you are an alcoholic? Don’t you keep booze in your house and avoid visiting bars? Do you see people who don’t respect your decision to lay off the whiskey? In a similar way, the next way to avoid procrastinating all over yourself is to get rid of the cues that are triggering your procrastination habits in the first place.
Because of the constant movement and noise, you can’t work in public places. You should find a quiet place to sit down and concentrate on your work. To avoid procrastinating, focus on what you’ve decided to work on. Remove every possible distraction from your surroundings—both physical and digital.
Switch your phone to ‘Do Not Disturb’ and put it on the desk while you work. But the desire to check it led you towards the path of procrastination more often than the track of productivity.
5. Break Down Tasks
If your task is complex, try breaking it down into smaller or intermediate steps. This will make your work look easier and more manageable. Give yourself mini-deadlines for such smaller or intermediate steps. For example, if you have a task like applying for a job, consider breaking it down into smaller steps might. You can consider your interests, skill set, and what you want in your job. Go for a little research for potential jobs online or in newspapers. Make a resume and ask your mentor for advice to improve your resume. Now, send your resume to employers.
When you alter your perspective and start looking at a big task in terms of smaller pieces, it will make it less intimidating. Just think what’s appealing about. Look for what you want to get out of a task beyond just the grade.
Related: Achieve your goals through positive thinking strategies
