6 tips to deal with procrastination
6 tips to deal with procrastination.
Procrastination is a common challenge that many people face when it comes to getting things done. Whether it's work-related tasks, household chores, or personal goals, procrastination can be a significant roadblock to productivity and success.
Explore what is at the heart of your procrastination
If we procrastinate doing something it is normally because there is something that about a task or action that we don’t want to do. For example, if we say we want to clear out the garage but when we have time to clear out the garage we don’t do it - why? Sometimes it is about us feeling uncomfortable with a task such as the overwhelm of decluttering a garage.
What are you procrastinating about and why do you think you are?
2. Break the task down into smaller steps
Breaking a task down into smaller steps can help us do little towards the task and feel a sense of accomplishment. This may help motivate us to do a little more.
For example, if you want to declutter your kitchen, pick one of the easiest spots in the kitchen to declutter and start there. Getting a small win can help motivate us.
3. Borrow motivation
Let’s face it - sometimes we just aren’t feeling like doing some of the tasks that we need to get done. Sometimes tasks can be made easier if we borrow some motivation. For example, playing a song that is upbeat or listening to a podcast while doing the task. I love Danger Zone by Kenny Loggins to get me into the zone to start say a cleaning task I’m procrastinating about. What’s a song that might be a go to encourage you to start a task?
Another way of borrowing motivation is to set up accountability pact with a friend. Give them permission to ask you how you are going and to perhaps to hold a small reward for you once a task is done.
When I was decluttering our kitchen, I found watching YouTube kitchen decluttering videos very inspiring.
Sometimes when we are not feeling the desire to do something - borrowing motivation from other sources is a great strategy.
6 tips to help deal with procrastination.
4. Use time management techniques that suit you
Time management techniques like Pomodoro method which involves working in short bursts or time blocking or scheduling time for a task might help reduce the risk of procrastination.
If possible, use a technique that you know works for you. When you think about past similar projects - what methods did you find helpful in helping you achieve the task?
5. Do the tasks in your peak productivity times
Most of us have times of the week where we get things done. If there is a task you are procrastinating about, try scheduling it when you normally get a lot done.
6. Celebrate achievement and reward yourself for key steps
Set up a system of rewards for completing tasks. Knowing that a treat or a break awaits you after completing a task can be a powerful motivator.
If it is a big project, make sure you celebrate your successes - even small ones and have regular rewards for completion. Rewards don’t have to be expensive; they could be:
coffee with a girlfriend
a new lipstick
a book
a long bath.
For example, if your goal is to declutter your garage, if you go int there for 10 minutes and come out with a rubbish bag of trash - celebrate your achievement - tell yourself well done!
Don’t let others undermine your thoughts on your progress. So what if the neighbor tidied their garage in one sitting - we are all different. Some of us tick away at things until they are done and others are the ‘all at once kind’. Choose a method that suits you - not other people.
Most of us have tasks that we procrastinate about. I was avoiding tidying the spice cabinet. I thought it would be complicated and I hate throwing out unused spices that have expired - it feels wasteful. But I decided to do it as it annoyed me so much that I started to not use spices in the cupboard.
In the end it took 15 minutes when I finally tackled it. I also had to get some new spices when I was at the grocery store doing the weekly shop. Not very hard which made me think - why did I not do it sooner!
Whatever it is that you are procrastinating about - ask yourself:
Why am I procrastinating?
What is the first small task that I can do to work towards achieving the task?
Would it help if I had an accountability partner to encourage me?
In the past what similar projects have you done and what techniques (e.g. like time blocking) did you find useful?
What will be my rewards and celebrations?
Procrastination is a challenge that everyone faces at some point, but with the right approach that works for you, it can be overcome.
