Procrastination is one of the most horrific problems people face. Procrastination can cost you tremendously, it suddenly leaves you hopeless for the future. How can you wake up every morning with no goals to direct you through the day?
Here are 13 tips to stop procrastination right now:
1. Analyze Your “Should”
When we feel compelled by someone else we may feel blocked for action. Change your “should” with “want” and then take responsibility for completing a certain job. Rather than saying, “I should make this phone call,” say: “I want to call my partner in Phoenix.”
2. Examine Your Excuses Consciously
Actually, create a list with all the excuses you use that keep you from getting a job done. Then dwell upon each excuse and write beside it a more realistic thought. For example, “I’m not in the mood for this” can be switched to “Mood doesn’t get the job done.”
3. Use Affirmations
The way we define a task can dramatically change our motivation to complete it. Many people keep repeating positive affirmations in their mind, or even put notes in visible places, which serve to keep them going. Use affirmations like “The sooner I finish this job, the sooner I’m out of here,” or “There’s no better time like the present.”
4. Make Up A “To-Do“ List
Create a list of things you need to do – today, this week or this month – and then cross them off the list, one by one, as they are completed. This list helps you see exactly what must be accomplished and you can get a great sense of fulfillment as the list gradually shortens.
5. Set Priorities Straight
On your “To-Do“, rank the tasks that must be completed in order of their importance. Then all you have to do is focus on one thing at a time.
6. Break The Job Down Into Smaller Chunks
This is one of the most effective ways to overcome procrastination. Write down all the steps required for completing the job and see each step as doable with little or no effort. Even if we’re not exactly thrilled about certain tasks, we can find ways to handle them if they last only for a short time.
7. Take A Stand On Your Success
Write yourself an agreement to complete a task and then sign it. Or tell a close friend that you’re planning to complete a job by a certain date. Making your project public and not keeping it to yourself will help you gain the support of others when you feel down.
8. Organize Your Workspace
Make sure you have a clean desk and everything you need stands in front of you. Eliminate distractions like the TV running in the background if you must focus. Let others know that you will be unavailable during certain hours of the day.
9. Manage Your Stress
There are many techniques you can use to eliminate stress – deep breathing, meditation, visualization, physical exercise, comedy movies and relaxation music.
10. Get Started!
You don’t have to wait until you get inspired by a sparkling idea to write that speech. Just write whatever comes to your mind and you can polish it later. All journeys begin with one small step.
11. Reward Yourself When Achieving A Small Goal
Rather than procrastinating an entire evening by calling friends, call a supportive friend only when you have written a page of your report as a way of rewarding yourself.
12. Examine All You Have Accomplished
Rather than blaming yourself for not having done enough, apply the most positive approach of looking at everything that you have done. What do you see? The glass half empty or half full?
13. Celebrate The Completion Of Your Task
Think of a specific reward for yourself when your project is done. Go out for a fancy dinner. Go see a movie. Take a weekend off and just go somewhere nice. Throw a party. The celebration should be just as big as your task was.
There are thousands, perhaps even millions of excuses you may give to procrastinate on whatever job you have to do. It’s definitely to your personal drawback, as excuses will always be there. Get started now! And you can save your future, your spouse, your children, your job, your health, your life!
Do you have your own tips on how to stop procrastination?
Leave a comment below.
