8 Tips To Crush Procrastination
How do you define procrastination?
Wiki defines procrastination as "the action of unnecessarily and voluntarily delaying or postponing something despite knowing that there will be negative consequences for doing so." Webster further defines it as "to put off intentionally and habitually."
This begs the question, "Why?" Why do we procrastinate? Addressing the why can help us move forward and accomplish the task at hand. Feeling overwhelmed, not knowing where to begin, or the need to be perfect might be a few ideas that come to mind. First, we need to address the intention behind the behavior. Sometimes this involves the idea that the task we are procrastinating will create stress or anxiety that we want to avoid.
What are some techniques that you've used to crush procrastination? Understanding your "why" can be key in helping you overcome procrastination.
I've always been told I'm fast. I like to get things done and off my plate. It's that sense of accomplishment that makes my day. Although I am a perfectionist, I believe in "Done beats perfectionism." That is always why I love deadlines. When I was in college, I would be the one rewriting my paper until the moment I had to turn it in. It wasn't perfect enough. I knew I could make it better. But, eventually, I had to turn my homework in. That was helpful for me.
What are the tools that you use to beat procrastination? Do you know your why? Your motivation? Your intention?
When I coach my clients, I ask them: "Who is your support group?" Who's your cheerleader or accountability partner? It's important that we have someone is our corner or if possible more than one person. People that care for us and want the best for us. Who are those people in your life? Your parents, family members, friends? They matter because they encourage you and push you when you want to give up.
This was especially true for me. I remember when I went back to college to finish my education. At one point I thought, "What am I doing?" I shared my feelings with one of my coworkers at the time. Her encouraging words inspired me to stay the course. I will never forget her words of wisdom that help me walk on graduation day.
So, as you process the why you procrastinate, think about the excuses you give yourself, such as, I'll do it later or I don't have time, the skills, or the resources that I need to get it done. Who is that person cheering you on that is telling you: "You can do it." You got this." "You can ... lose the weight ... go back to college ... write your first book ... get your dream job ... Fix your mind on the positive and believe in yourself.
8 Tips To Crush Procrastination:
When I have to do something I don't want to do, I schedule it at a time when I know I will be most energized and I can do it with full attention and quickly, like tearing the band-aide off quickly, so it doesn't hurt. For me, this would be first thing in the morning,
In addition to scheduling it at a certain day and time, it gives me an opportunity to mentally psych myself up for the task, so I feel better prepared. This technique also works if you need to have a difficult conversation with someone. Giving yourself time to think about what you want to say and asking God to give you the right words to communicate in love will help you prepare both mentally and emotionally for the difficult conversation.
I set my "3" for the day. Three things I "need" to do today to help me feel productive are ... ? That way I feel great at the end of the day.
I schedule everything, that way it's on my calendar. If it's scheduled, it gets done!
I don't think about it. I know that sounds weird. What I mean is, I do things right away so that I don't give myself the opportunity to dread the thing I'd prefer not to do.
Make it fun! I sing and dance while I do my chores.
Make my bed. I make my bed almost every morning. This way, I've already accomplished one thing first thing in the morning before I even leave my bedroom. Getting one thing accomplished first thing in the morning sets my day and intentions and motivates me to get more done.
I have an accountability partner, which helps me stay active.
It is important that you are aware that procrastination is a choice. Take responsibility toward having the right mindset that will drive you to complete the task.
What task are you avoiding?
Why are you avoiding it
What are the consequences if you don't do it?
What are the benefits to accomplishing the task?
What are the techniques you can put in place to help you crush procrastination?
If you've been procrastinating and really want to accomplish a goal, schedule it, start right now, tell a friend and have them hold you accountable. Remember to reward yourself as you accomplish milestones along the way. My reward is the satisfaction of a productive day. What about you?
I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint. Jeremiah 31:25
