Effective Ways to Overcome Procrastination
Procrastination is a hurdle that many individuals face, but overcoming it can lead to significant personal and professional growth. There are different strategies one can use to surpass this negative habit of delaying essential tasks.
Understanding Procrastination
Procrastination is a voluntary delay of an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse-off for the delay. People often procrastinate due to fear of failure, lack of motivation, feeling overwhelmed, or simply not knowing where to start. To overcome it, you need to understand why you're procrastinating. Recognise your triggers to forestall them in the future and develop healthier patterns.
Break Your Goals Into Small Tasks
Large tasks can seem overwhelming, and this feeling may lead to procrastination. Breaking down tasks into smaller, manageable parts can make it considerably easier to begin. Focusing on one piece at a time will make it feel less daunting and more attainable.
Use The "Two-Minute Rule"
Productivity expert David Allen proposed this rule: “If it takes less than two minutes, do it now.†This strategy is a remedy to procrastination by urging immediacy. This rule can also serve as a launching pad to start larger tasks.
Eliminate Distractions
Modern life is full of distractions that can make procrastination too easy. Clearing your workspace, turning off notifications, or using website and application blockers can help maintain your focus on the task at hand.
Create a Timeline/Schedule
Creating a timeline or a schedule helps lend deadlines and accountability to tasks, even if the only person you're accountable to is yourself. In your schedule, allocate a specified amount of time for each task.
Increase Motivation
You can increase your motivation to complete tasks by making the benefits of completing them more immediate. Rewarding yourself after completing tasks is a good way to achieve this. Also, reminding yourself of the negative outcomes of not doing the work can be a strong motivator.
Seeking Support
Lastly, if procrastination has become a chronic issue that's impacting your quality of life, consider seeking professional help. Psychologists or professional coaches often have tools and insights that you may find beneficial.
