How do you overcome procrastination in leadership?

1 Identify the root causes

The first step to overcome procrastination is to understand why you are doing it. There are different reasons why leaders may procrastinate, such as fear of failure, perfectionism, lack of motivation, low self-confidence, or poor time management. By identifying the root causes of your procrastination, you can address them more specifically and find solutions that work for you.

2 Set SMART goals

One of the best ways to overcome procrastination is to set clear and realistic goals that motivate you to take action. A useful framework for goal setting is the SMART acronym, which stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. By using this criteria, you can define what you want to achieve, how you will measure your progress, whether it is feasible, why it matters, and when you will complete it.

3 Break down large tasks

Another effective strategy to overcome procrastination is to break down large or complex tasks into smaller and manageable subtasks. This can help you reduce the overwhelm and anxiety that often accompany big projects, and increase your sense of accomplishment and momentum as you complete each subtask. You can also prioritize your subtasks according to their urgency and importance, and focus on the most critical ones first.

4 Create a realistic schedule

Once you have defined your goals and subtasks, you need to create a realistic schedule that helps you plan and execute your actions. A good schedule should balance your workload, allocate enough time for each task, and include some buffer time for unexpected delays or interruptions. You can also use a calendar, a planner, or a digital tool to track your deadlines and reminders, and review your schedule regularly to make adjustments as needed.

5 Reward yourself

Another way to overcome procrastination is to reward yourself for your efforts and achievements. Rewards can be anything that makes you feel good, such as a break, a treat, a compliment, or a celebration. Rewards can help you reinforce your motivation, boost your morale, and acknowledge your progress. However, make sure that your rewards are proportional to your tasks, and that they do not interfere with your goals or productivity.

6 Seek support

The final strategy to overcome procrastination is to seek support from others who can help you stay on track and accountable. Support can come from different sources, such as a mentor, a coach, a peer, a friend, or a family member. Support can provide you with feedback, guidance, encouragement, or assistance when you face challenges or setbacks. You can also share your goals and plans with your supporters, and ask them to check in with you regularly or hold you accountable for your actions.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?