6 Steps to Help Manage Your Procrastination
Your goals aren’t going to achieve themselves.
If you’re reading this and procrastinating from doing something important, stop it! You know who you are. If you think note is for you, then it probably is.
This note is written with the most caring and understanding intention; I’m a huge procrastinator myself. I understand what it’s like to put things off until the last minute, feel the adrenaline rush of an impending deadline, and the high of getting it done right on time. It’s like being a daredevil with deadlines.
I also know the feeling of putting things off until “tomorrow.” By saying that, it helps us be mindful of what is directly in front of our eyes. On the other hand, it creates the possibility that we could forget what we needed to do “tomorrow.” Sometimes what we planned to do tomorrow turns into “next week,” “next month,” “next year,” or the ever dreadful “one of these days.”
But fear not my friend, we’re in this together. I want you to reach your goals and build the life you dream of. Here are some tips to help you combat procrastination:
#1: Break down the task to lessen the sense of being overwhelmed (especially when it seems impossible).
If the task makes you feel overwhelmed, it probably is overwhelming. To help ease your anxiety, break the task into two, three, or four smaller tasks. You can even break them down into 100 smaller tasks so you don’t feel anxious. The key is to break them down into sections small enough where they are practical. If you feel like it’s doable, then you won’t be stuck in mental paralysis.
#2: Create a detailed timeline with specific deadlines. (Writing it down works best.)
When you create deadlines, you create time limits that you choose to abide to. For these deadlines to work, you have to adhere to them, whether you created them yourself or with other people. As you meet each deadline, you build a sense of progress.
#3: Visualize the future you want. (Imagine what it would be like after you succeeded.)
People get inspired by the thought of achieving what they want (like a prize) or avoiding what they don’t want (such as a punishment). Since you’re working towards a goal of something you do want, envision what your life would be like right after you accomplished your goal. How would it feel? How would your life change? Hold onto that for motivation.
#4: Eliminate the temptation to do something else. (ex: Facebook, TV, Instagram, snacking).
Distractions are everywhere. It’s hard to fully eliminate them (you do need a break once in a while), so try to reduce them as much as possible. You can put your phone in the next room, disconnect your laptop from the internet while you’re working, or even delete your social media apps from your phone (for now). The less time you are distracted, the more time you have to be working on achieving your goal.
#5: Build accountability. (Get a buddy or tell others about your goals.)
It’s not enough to just have a plan, you have to stick to it. You need to be able to hold yourself accountable. If you’re having trouble doing it yourself, reach out to a friend or someone who will support you. You need to check in with these people to make sure you’re on your way to meeting your goal’s deadlines. If you’re on track, they can cheer you on. If you’re off track, they can give you some honest feedback and encourage you to get back on track. They can’t do the work for you, but they can support you along the way.
#6: Get a grip and just do it (now)!
Getting started is arguably the hardest part. Once you do that, everything gets easier (but not 100% easy). After you get started, you can adjust your strategy along the way. If you make mistakes, you’ll learn from them. Everything you do along your journey is what you need to do in order to get to your goal.
Go. Life rewards action, not inaction. Good luck!
