Why Procrastination Prevails And How To Beat It?

When was the last time you were absolutely dreading completing a task? Did you do it right away? Chances are, you put it off to do something easier or more enticing. In other words, you chose to procrastinate.

How Procrastination Takes The Lead?

Procrastination takes the lead because we tend to choose things that give us immediate pleasure or seem easier, even if they’re not as important. We might also delay tasks because we’re afraid we won’t do them perfectly or because we’re not sure where to start. Sometimes, feeling overwhelmed or not being motivated enough can also make us put things off. Plus, distractions like social media or TV can tempt us away from what we should be doing.

In short, Our mind always goes towards the easy option. You need to change it to choose the best option for yourself and not the easy one.

Let me also tell you a fun fact which might sum up the entire argument. Our brains are designed for survival, not for success. Definitely you don't need to toil 100 hours a week like Elon Musk for just surviving in this world. To achieve greater success in your professional life you need to rewire your brain, well anyways that's a different debate. But Procrastination is completely a natural habit, but its impact on our professional lives can be detrimental.

Here Are Six-Little Known, Actionable Steps To Eliminate Procrastination And Take Control Of Your Valuable Time

Photo by Christian Velitchkov on Unsplash

Important Note- Only actions can help you achieve your goals, nothing else. No one can help you achieve your goals. So start taking actions after reading this article.

1. Implement The Two-Minute Rule: This rule, popularized by productivity expert David Allen, states that if a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately. Often, procrastination stems from the inertia of starting tasks. By tackling small tasks promptly, you build momentum and overcome the tendency to delay.
2. Use Temptation Wrapping : This technique involves pairing a task you tend to procrastinate on with something you enjoy. For instance, only allowing yourself to listen to your favorite podcast while exercising or doing household chores. By associating enjoyable activities with less desirable tasks, you can motivate yourself to get started and maintain focus.
3. Practice Time Blocking with Breaks: Time blocking involves scheduling specific periods for focused work, Well this is also known as The Bimodal Philosophy Of Deep Work Scheduling where you prioritize your time for Deep or Focused Work. This Philosophy is mentioned in a book titled Deep Work by Carl Newport (I will also review this book in my another article in near future). But it’s essential to include breaks within these blocks. Research suggests that our attention spans operate in cycles, typically around 90 minutes. After each block, take a short break to recharge. This structured approach can combat procrastination by breaking tasks into manageable chunks and preventing burnout.
4. Visualize the ‘End State’: Instead of fixating on the daunting aspects of a task, visualize the satisfaction and relief you’ll feel upon completing it. This mental technique, known as “prospective hindsight,” helps override the discomfort associated with starting tasks and reinforces the benefits of taking action. Creating a clear mental image of the desired outcome can boost motivation and reduce procrastination.
5. Embrace Imperfect Action: Perfectionism often fuels procrastination, as individuals may delay starting a task out of fear of failure or criticism. To counteract this mindset, adopt a philosophy of “imperfect action.” Understand that starting imperfectly is better than not starting at all. By focusing on progress rather than perfection, you’ll develop resilience and momentum, ultimately overcoming procrastination.
6. Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Designate a specific workspace for focused work and remove distractions within that environment. By separating distractions from work, you will reduce the likelihood of procrastination.

Of course these are just my opinions and you can try different alternatives too.

Hi, I'm Gaurang. I write about personal growth, money, health, life philosophy, technology trends, entrepreneurial insights, captivating business case studies and invaluable book reviews. To catch my stories in your feed, consider giving me a follow and subscribe to my newsletter. https://medium.com/@gaurangsalunke0