Beat Procrastination Today - Effective Tips To Get Things Done

Procrastination is the act or habit of putting off something that we were meant to do, including things we want to do - such as signing up for a training course, getting fit, and so on.

The problems with procrastination are manifold. Not only is it a drag on productivity, it is also deflating when you're unable to keep commitments to self.

Considering you're reading this; I'd like to believe that there's something about procrastination that frustrates you. Perhaps you're wondering how much more effective you'd be if you were able to master your mind and do things you plan to do! Or perhaps you've left some things to a point of regret, and it isn't something you want to repeat. Maybe you've come to realise that what got you here won't take you there.

While most of us procrastinate to some degree, the good news is that you can overcome it.

But first, let's look at why we procrastinate?

Why We Procrastinate?

Though we procrastinate different things for different reasons, these are some common ones.

1. We underestimate the effort involved

This is one of the more common types of procrastination. Several times we believe there's plenty of time and put things off until we're out of time!

2. We avoid key decisions

Many times, we want to put off decisions that signal discomfort, such as a relationship breakups, difficult conversations, resignations, and so on. Therefore, we procrastinate all actions that take us closer to the need to make such a decision.

3. We seek perfection

Some of us want to do a thing to perfection, or not do it at all. Not only do we avoid shipping, but we also avoid shaping.

4. We fear failure

'What if I fail?' Many people procrastinate because they're so worried about failure, that they never try. You can't fail at something you don't try!

Tips To Beat Procrastination

Now that you understand more about procrastination and underlying reasons, it's time for action. Try these ideas to get started.

1. Tailor your self-talk

Negative self-talk can be very damaging because subconsciously, we work to make it true. Instead of saying you always procrastinate, practice saying that you're taking small steps.

2. Start somewhere, anywhere

Procrastination is a habit - the habit of putting things off until later. Try to replace it with another habit such as the habit to take one action a day.

3. Set small goals

Once you feel more confident, set small, hyper-specific short-term goals. This will help you build momentum.

4. Avoid distractions

Switching between tasks is not just detrimental for productivity, it gives us a fake sense of busy-ness and an easy way to abandon difficult work, without admitting this. Try creating distraction free zones specific to your work.

4. Create urgency

For things that don't feel urgent, yet are important, consider setting fake goals to create urgency. For example, if you've been wanting to open that investment account since a few years, set a deadline to open the account - even if you don't fund it on day one.

5. Make the task enjoyable

It's no surprise that we gravitate towards things we enjoy doing as opposed to things we should do. So try to make the task enjoyable by creating an ecosystem that makes it inviting or attaching rewards.

6. Lower the bar

If your passion for perfection stops you from starting, allow for forgiveness. For example, if you're single and have been seeking the courage to start dating again, and worry the date could be disastrous, allow yourself three disastrous dates to begin with!

7. Think two degrees ahead

Many times, the thought of pain stops us from progressing. Instead of feeding the painful vision, feed the vision of how things will be after you go through the pain.

Summary

Our reasons for procrastination are unique to us and vary based on the type of work we're putting off. Some reasons are more related to us, while others are related to the task itself.

For example, in some cases, our response is more psychological, and we could see it as a habit we've formed, while at other times, we could be driven as people, yet lack motivation for specific task types.

Yet, through careful thought, and micro-actions, you can break the pattern and begin to get things done.

About me:

I’m a?senior leader in the financial services industry with over 25 years of corporate experience and have held substantial leadership roles in prestigious firms such as HSBC , Barclays , BSkyB , and NatWest . I’m also an accredited coach, a published author, global speaker, Udemy instructor and a marathon finisher. Click here to contact me for engagements.