How not to be lazy: 7 step guide to ending procrastination

We all know that feeling. The absolute dread when we take a look at our to-do list and see all the tasks that we have to accomplish. It can be easy to put off those tasks, but it can also be incredibly detrimental to our success. Thankfully, there are some proven strategies for overcoming procrastination and getting back on track. Here are 7 tips to help you get motivated and get moving now.

Causes of Procrastination

Before we can tackle procrastination, we need to understand the causes. There are a few common causes of procrastination that you should be aware of.

The first is perfectionism. If you're a perfectionist, you may be prone to procrastination because you're trying to make sure everything is perfect before you move forward. This can lead to an endless cycle of reworking tasks, which can lead to procrastination.

Another common cause of procrastination is fear of failure. If you're afraid of failing, you may find yourself putting off tasks until the last minute. You may also find yourself getting distracted by other tasks that don't really need to be done.

Finally, procrastination can be caused by a lack of motivation. If you don't feel motivated to do something, it can be easy to put it off and hope that you'll feel more motivated later.

Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination

Now that we understand the causes of procrastination, let's look at some strategies for overcoming it. Here are 7 tips to help you get motivated and start getting things done.

Tip 1: Set Realistic Goals

The first step to overcoming procrastination is to set realistic goals. Don't try to do too much at once, or set goals that are too lofty. Break your tasks into manageable chunks and set realistic expectations for yourself. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to complete the task, and don't forget to factor in time for breaks.

Tip 2: Break Tasks into Manageable Pieces

Once you have your goals set, it's important to break them down into manageable pieces. This will help you focus on one task at a time and make it easier to stay motivated. For example, if you have a large project, break it down into smaller tasks that you can tackle one by one.

Tip 3: Create a Positive Environment

Creating a positive environment is key to overcoming procrastination. Make sure to create a space that is comfortable and conducive to productivity. This could mean setting up an office in your home, creating a designated workspace, or even just finding a quiet place to work.

Tip 4: Develop Self-Discipline

Self-discipline is essential for overcoming procrastination. Make sure to set boundaries for yourself and stick to them. This could mean setting a timer for yourself and committing to stay focused until it goes off. It could also mean taking regular breaks to stay motivated and productive.

Tip 5: Use an app

There are great apps like Ellie that help you structure your day and use techniques like time blocking (check out this comprehensive guide to time blocking). Using an app like this will help keep you accountable and give you an edge.

Tip 6: Take Breaks

Taking regular breaks is essential for staying motivated and productive. Don't feel guilty about taking a break when you need one. Instead, use it as an opportunity to refresh your mind and come back to your tasks with a renewed sense of focus and motivation.

Tip 7: Reward Yourself

Finally, don't forget to reward yourself for a job well done. This could mean a treat after completing a task, or even just taking a few minutes to relax and enjoy yourself. Rewards are a great way to stay motivated and remind yourself that you can accomplish your goals.

Conclusion

Procrastination can be a real problem, but it doesn't have to be. By following these 7 tips, you can start to overcome procrastination and get back on track. Set realistic goals, break tasks down into manageable pieces, create a positive environment, develop self-discipline, develop a support system, take breaks, and reward yourself for a job well done. With a little bit of focus and motivation, you can start to end procrastination and get moving now.

So what are you waiting for? You know what to do.