Ahh, how to beat procrastination? I meant to write this post weeks ago! Over the years, I have been the queen of procrastination. I do love a shiny object or two. But I’m getting to the point now where I’m able to focus and just get stuff done! I wanted to share what I’ve learned with you wonderful people!
Disclosure: If you purchase anything from links in this post or any other, I may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, I only ever mention products I love and would recommend whether I was being compensated or not. You can read my full disclaimer here.
We have all found ourselves falling into the procrastination trap at some time or other. I’ll look at 1000 gifs then I’ll… I’ll check Twitter… OoO shiny… Facebook… Game… Doodling… Crap, I need to write a presentation… Funny cat videos! You get the idea, right?!
The problem occurs when procrastination becomes our “go to” mode of life. Nothing gets done, and we become disorganised. Which is fine, if you enjoy moseying along doing whatcha do. But, I warn you, if it is success you’re after (whatever success means to you), procrastination doesn’t tend to be the key.
Accomplishing your goals requires slightly more focus. We need to beat procrastination, or at least limit it, to get the job done.
Success is rarely achieved out of the blue. It comes via an orderly, purposeful course of deciding. Deciding what you want to do with your life, what you will do after you get there, and what steps you need to be taking.
What people don’t realise is that procrastination is often a self-defeating behaviour. It develops, in part, to low self-esteem and apprehension of disappointment. It’s kinda like saying, “if I avoid it and don’t do it, I cannot fail”.
I don’t know you or what distracts you (if anything), so it would be hard to come up with solid tips that you absolutely must do. But I thought I’d share a few things that have helped me.
How to beat procrastination
Break stuff down:
Many small jobs done over time are much more controllable that one big task with no end in sight. Got a big goal? Hack it up into small tasks, with each task taking no more than 25 minutes. You’ll be so much more motivated when you start being able to tick things off super fast. This is by far my number one way to beat procrastination!
Tidy up:
Exercise self-discipline in your environment as well as your behaviours. You’ll will accomplish your goals in a far shorter time-period if your workspace is tidy. After all, tidy home (or office) tidy mind.
Be stubborn:
You will get much further, a lot faster. By refusing to let others (or yourself) change the path you have selected. Overcoming procrastination and staying motivated is not easy. But it is the way to success and happiness.
What if someone doesn’t like your goal? Well, it’s not their goal, so *shrug* move on…
One thing for a set period:
It will amaze you how much you can get done if you focus on one thing at a time. One task, instead of cluttering your mind with multiple tasks. I recently read Pomodoro Technique by Staffan Noteberg, and his method has helped me pull my socks up! 25 minutes on a task (or group of micro-tasks) and a then a 5-minute break. Try it. But it’s essential you are strict with it.
Rewards:
No matter what is happening around you, keep your mind focused. Do this by reminding yourself of the reward you’ll receive by reaching your goals. In fact, reward yourself all the time. Every time you tick a job off, bonus! Five minutes on Twitter or reading a book is so much better when you’ve earned it.
Review daily:
Review your habits and method of thinking on a daily basis. If your actions do not guide you in the course of accomplishing your goals, then you must change them. Note: this does not mean failure, this means trying something new.
Take note of the time you waste:
If all else fails, do this! Start looking at the clock when you’re procrastinating. Start noticing how much time you are spending on useless activities! It’ll shock you into gear… At least that’s what it did for me! Refusing to waste as much time as you are will beat procrastination to the ground, for sure!
Disclosure: If you purchase anything from links in this post or any other, I may receive some kind of affiliate commission. However, I only ever mention products I love and would recommend whether I was being compensated or not. You can read my full disclaimer here.
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