Procrastination is a symptom, not the root cause. You need to learn the signs of procrastination and find out the drivers of why you procrastinate. Is it the stress, lack of motivation, poor organization, fear of failure, or perfectionism? Find out the root cause of your procrastination and develop your targeted anti-procrastination strategies. Here are some common strategies to overcome procrastination:
- Forgive yourself for the history of procrastination. Have a positive self talk and do the best you can.
- Change the self talk phrases from “I need to” to “I get to”, which will empower you to feel in control of your task.
- The 5 second rule by Mel Robioson. Count out loud backward from 5 to 1 to turn ideas to actions. Start with a small task.
- Reward yourself. If you complete a challenging task on time, reward yourself with a treat.
- Set a SMART goal. Having a specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and time bount goal with help you focus on your task, use your time efficiently and increase productivity.
- Keep a to-do list and prioritize your list.
- Have an accountability buddy to check up on you.
- Minimize the distractions by limiting time spent on email, phone, social media, etc.
- Complete the tasks that you find most challenging first thing in the morning. According to Brian Tracy in Eat the Frog!, if you finish the most difficult thing in the morning, you will feel satisfied knowing you have done the worse thing for the day.
Resources:
https:/www.mindtools.com/pages/article/newHTE_96.htm
https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/smart-goals.htm
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CFu_58AnT0g
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdI2rZRrGQE
