Ditch Procrastination: Pre-crastinate in 2025

We all know the feeling. You look at a task, tell yourself “I’ll do it later,” and suddenly, later turns into days or even weeks. But what if later was no longer the default? What if we made 2025 the year of pre-crastination?

Are you like me - postponing tasks even though you know it might have negative consequences? You’re not alone. Research shows that procrastination has increased from 5% to 20%. And while this might not be true for everyone, I believe that in our fast-paced society, our brains just can't keep up. The result? We procrastinate more often as a way to cope with the overwhelming speed of life.

Procrastination and stress go hand in hand. While it may feel good to push things off and take a mental breather, excessive procrastination only leads to unnecessary stress, making the situation worse in the long run.

What if 2025 could be the year we focus on “pre-crastination” instead?

Imagine identifying the tasks you tend to postpone now, understanding when they tend to be put off, and creating a mental plan to tackle them before they become overwhelming. Think of it as building habits for pre-crastination - taking action before the stress sets in.

I’m far from having it all figured out, but here are a few strategies that have worked for me - and I’d love to hear your tips too!

1. Leverage the Eisenhower Matrix

One of my favorite tools for productivity is the Eisenhower Matrix - a simple but powerful way to categorize tasks as urgent vs. important. By doing this, I can quickly identify what truly matters. In any given week, there are often several tasks that fall into the urgent and important category, but I always ask myself: Which of these will get me closer to my bigger vision or goal? Focusing on what matters most helps me avoid unnecessary stress.

2. Prioritize Tasks That Require Cognitive Effort

Once I’ve identified the most important tasks, I look at which ones will require the most cognitive capacity. These are often the hardest tasks to start, but they’re the ones that ultimately make the biggest difference. That’s why I tackle these first. Sure, it’s tough to dive into those big, hairy tasks, but that’s where timing, environment, and sprints make all the difference.

3. Timing is Everything

When do you feel most energized? For me, it’s between 10:00-12:00 and after 19:00. I schedule my hardest tasks during these energy peaks. Knowing your own energy rhythms is key to tackling those tough, mentally demanding tasks. Aligning tasks with your natural focus times helps you get the most done with the least effort.

4. Find Your Ideal Workspace

Where you work can be just as important as when you work. I personally need a space with a view where I can rest my eyes on something other than my screen. I also need enough room to spread out my notes, books, and materials. Noise doesn’t bother me (thanks to years in busy offices), but for others, a quiet, calm environment might be ideal. The key is to find a space that enhances your focus and creativity.

5. Work in Sprints, Not Marathons

I find that working in focused bursts of 25 or 45 minutes helps me stay productive. This approach, called “working in sprints,” helps me get into the zone while keeping distractions at bay. Of course, taking short breaks is critical - whether it’s a walk, some fresh air, or a quick play session with my dog (who’s always great at reminding me to take a break). These breaks re-energize me and help me stay on track.

6. Eliminate, Don’t Just Postpone

Let’s be clear: there’s a difference between postponing and eliminating. We can’t do everything at once, so be bold and make conscious decisions to eliminate things that are no longer aligned with your goals. Stop procrastinating over tasks that don’t matter, and free yourself up for what truly does.

What Are Your Tips for Pre-Crastination?

I’m excited to hear your strategies for making 2025 the year of pre-crastination! Let’s share our best tips and help each other break free from the cycle of procrastination. Together, we can turn procrastination into proactive action and elevate our productivity to new heights.