Most people procrastinate for various reasons, some valid while others are just excuses. Whether we give excuses or not for procrastinating, the consequences always remain with us, which, most of the time, are not always palatable, hence the need to learn new habits that will help you overcome procrastinating.
Piers Steel, a distinguished research chair at the University of Calgary, characterizes procrastination as the voluntary postponement of an intended course of action, even when anticipating negative consequences from the delay.
Harold Taylor, a Philosopher of education, college president, and social activist, defines procrastination as the deliberate and recurrent delay of a crucial task that one should carry out at a specific time.
16 Practical steps for overcoming procrastination
To avoid the habit of procrastinating, one has to cultivate proactive habits. However, it will not happen within a few days like magic; if patience, discipline, and determination are in place with time, you will be free from procrastination. Below are practical steps you can take:
1. Admit that you’re procrastinating
Awareness and acceptance of your state is the first step to overcoming procrastination. Most people do not think anything is wrong with procrastinating; hence, they do not take steps to improve even when others point out this fault to them. It is only sick people that look for drugs. Admitting that you are procrastinating will make you more open to seeking solutions and learning new habits.
2. Evaluate your procrastination
After acknowledging that you procrastinate, carefully evaluate your procrastination level and why. Ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I procrastinate because I’m tired?
- Do I procrastinate because I don’t have enough time?
- What do I do with my time?
- Do I make the main thing the main thing?
- How can I effectively manage and own my time?
3. Forgive yourself for procrastinating in the past
Forgiving yourself can help you feel more positive about yourself, make you more committed to getting things done, and avoid procrastination. If there is one thing unforgiveness does to you, it keeps you in a spot of self-pity and self-criticism, so you must forgive and stop being angry at yourself.
4. Resound to yourself that some tasks will be challenging, but you have to do them anyway
Most of the time, your body always wants to go soft, do the easy tasks first, and keep postponing the hard ones until you feel good enough to take them on. Remember that you can handle challenging tasks even if you don’t feel like it. Doing this helps you stay alert and ready to take on tasks instead of postponing them because of the difficulty.
5. Finish things
Only have a few half-done tasks around; ensure you finish things. Look around for tasks that you started and left halfway, take them one at a time, and ensure you finish them.
6. Pick a suitable work location
Working in a good location would help you work without distractions. While working, remove anything that can easily distract you from the scene. One of the causes of procrastination is distraction, as you get to use your strength on stuff irrelevant to your set goals and end up postponing when you get tired.
6. Get accountability partners
Accountability partners help you stay accountable and monitor your activities as they get to know everything happening and how far you have gone with your work list.
7. Reward yourself
Humans are usually motivated by rewards. Set goals, and decide to reward yourself with a drink, a new dress, a launch, etc., as soon as you carry out your task as it is due. This also means you can only have those things if you finish your task.
8. Take a break
While trying to finish your task for the day, remember to take breaks at intervals to get refreshed and ready to take on the remaining tasks. You can take a walk, go for launch, or stand up for a few-minute stretch.
9. Set your goals a day before
Before going to bed, plan your day; this gives you a picture of what the next day will look like and prepares your mind for the task ahead. Starting the day without a plan makes you unproductive as you spend much of the day figuring out what activity you would like to carry out.
10. Nothing at all alternative
This is the strategy whereby you only permit yourself to carry out any other activity if you are done with the first, no matter how stressful or strenuous the activity could be.
11. Set specific and realistic goals
It is crucial always to set clear and tangible goals. Do not set vague goals; if you have never read five chapters daily, do not set goals to read ten chapters daily. Let your goals be clear enough. This helps you set your focus right.
12. Tackle the most complex tasks first
When working, ensure you handle the most challenging task first, especially when you still have enough strength; doing this will give you the morale to tackle other little tasks.
13. Be patient with yourself
No one ever gets to the end of their to-do list! Give your best to meet up with your deadlines, and ensure you celebrate your successes. Do not be too hard on yourself when you have to roll over a task into the next day.
14. Act as you go
Handle tasks immediately if they come in, if possible. Do not pile up tasks; attending to these tasks immediately helps you eradicate procrastination.
15. Set yourself time-bound goals
Giving yourself specific deadlines to complete tasks will keep you focused on achieving your goals, which means that your time becomes precious, and you have no time for procrastination!
16. Use task- and time-management apps
Numerous apps are in place to help you stay focused and on track. E.g., Todayistheday app.
Conclusion
Procrastination is a thief of time and opportunities. In his book Discipline is Destiny, Ryan Holiday said, “Now is the moment to take action. Initiate the process right away. Begin with the challenging part, the aspect you least desire to do. Approach it not reluctantly, but promptly and enthusiastically, equipped with a body accustomed to hard work and a sharp, focused mind.” Make a firm decision to own your time; do it now.