How To Overcome Procrastination: Here are 4 Tips to Break the Habit
We are not going to talk about natural remedies for today but a very nice topic that I know many people are culprits of and that is PROCRASTINATION.
Do you often make empty promises to yourself?
Do you catch yourself making comments like “I’ll do it tomorrow” but “tomorrow” usually ends up being at the very last possible minute?
If so, you might want to consider adding “overcome procrastination” to your list of new year’s resolutions.
Studies show that 95% of college students procrastinate to some degree, and 50% admitted to procrastinating constantly in a problematic way. But it's not just college students who could benefit from examining their relationship to procrastination. Many adults engage in the very same behaviors.
25% of adults also admit that procrastination is a part of their routine behavior. Thankfully there are some ways to combat this all-too-common habit.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your procrastination under control:
1. Make achievable goals
A common mistake people make when setting goals for themselves is to create a big goal without any clear plan for achieving it. Most people work better when they have a plan of attack, and it's often easier to make progress if you can chip away at that big goal gradually. By writing down a list of smaller tasks you need to take to achieve your big goal and then setting deadlines for them, you can find the whole thing a lot easier to accomplish, without getting stuck worrying about the size of the task in front of you. Consider checking out how to create a SMART goal that will help you make headway on your new resolutions.
Everyone procrastinates at times, but if it’s becoming a real problem for you, there are some helpful tricks to stay motivated.
Do you often make empty promises to yourself?
Do you catch yourself making comments like “I’ll do it tomorrow” but “tomorrow” usually ends up being at the very last possible minute?
If so, you might want to consider adding “overcome procrastination” to your list of new year’s resolutions.
Studies show that 95% of college students procrastinate to some degree, and 50% admitted to procrastinating constantly in a problematic way. But it's not just college students who could benefit from examining their relationship to procrastination. Many adults engage in the very same behaviors.
25% of adults also admit that procrastination is a part of their routine behavior. Thankfully there are some ways to combat this all-too-common habit.
Here are a few tips to help you keep your procrastination under control:
How To Overcome Procrastination
1. Make achievable goals
A common mistake people make when setting goals for themselves is to create a big goal without any clear plan for achieving it. Most people work better when they have a plan of attack, and it's often easier to make progress if you can chip away at that big goal gradually. By writing down a list of smaller tasks you need to take to achieve your big goal and then setting deadlines for them, you can find the whole thing a lot easier to accomplish, without getting stuck worrying about the size of the task in front of you. Consider checking out how to create a SMART goal that will help you make headway on your new resolutions.
SEE ALSO:HOW FEAR AFFECTS YOUR IMMUNE SYSTEM
2. Remember it’s OK to make mistakes
Sometimes we can be guilty of letting perfect become the enemy of good enough. While we all want to do our best, for some of us, the desire to get a project exactly right can prevent us from starting at all. Many people are anxious about the quality of their work, but we shouldn't let that stop us from getting the task done. Part of overcoming this anxiety is understanding that nobody is perfect, and every project will always have room left for improvement. If you recognize that you experience anxiety over getting that project just perfect, there are many resources available to help you ease the burden of your perfectionist streak.
3. Make things easier for yourself
Distractions are the procrastinator’s worst enemy. So, make things easier for yourself by removing distractions, or even leaving environments that you know will prevent you from adequately working on a task. For example, if you are often glued to scrolling social media when you should be finishing a task at work, put your phone in another room. If you are in a noisy environment while working at home, take your to-do list elsewhere, or slip on a pair of noise-canceling headphones to get in the zone. If your coworkers often distract you with the scintillating conversation at your desk, don’t be afraid to put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the back of your chair when you’re trying to meet a deadline. Consider your boundaries and stick to them to help you meet your goals.
2. Remember it’s OK to make mistakes
Sometimes we can be guilty of letting perfect become the enemy of good enough. While we all want to do our best, for some of us, the desire to get a project exactly right can prevent us from starting at all. Many people are anxious about the quality of their work, but we shouldn't let that stop us from getting the task done. Part of overcoming this anxiety is understanding that nobody is perfect, and every project will always have room left for improvement. If you recognize that you experience anxiety over getting that project just perfect, there are many resources available to help you ease the burden of your perfectionist streak.
3. Make things easier for yourself
Distractions are the procrastinator’s worst enemy. So, make things easier for yourself by removing distractions, or even leaving environments that you know will prevent you from adequately working on a task. For example, if you are often glued to scrolling social media when you should be finishing a task at work, put your phone in another room. If you are in a noisy environment while working at home, take your to-do list elsewhere, or slip on a pair of noise-canceling headphones to get in the zone. If your coworkers often distract you with the scintillating conversation at your desk, don’t be afraid to put up a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the back of your chair when you’re trying to meet a deadline. Consider your boundaries and stick to them to help you meet your goals.
SEE MORE: How to Use Bay Leaves to Relieve Stress Anxiety Instantly
4. Reward yourself
Everyone loves to be validated and appreciated when they’ve done something great! So make a promise of a reward for yourself that you can indulge in once you’ve finished a project or checked a box on your to-dos. A reward could be as simple as indulging in a snack or watching an episode of your favorite show before getting back to work. This doesn’t mean rewarding yourself every single time you get something done—but putting small rewards in place throughout your day will help you stay motivated to stay on task instead of putting things off!
4. Reward yourself
Everyone loves to be validated and appreciated when they’ve done something great! So make a promise of a reward for yourself that you can indulge in once you’ve finished a project or checked a box on your to-dos. A reward could be as simple as indulging in a snack or watching an episode of your favorite show before getting back to work. This doesn’t mean rewarding yourself every single time you get something done—but putting small rewards in place throughout your day will help you stay motivated to stay on task instead of putting things off!
There are numerous effective methods for overcoming procrastination because it affects so many people. Severe procrastination that is impairing your life significantly, though, may occasionally be a sign of a mental health condition. Don't be reluctant to ask your doctor for assistance in recognizing and treating mental illness.
Just keep in mind that you don't have to be flawless on the first day. It takes a lot of patience and effort to break habits. And if you get started right now and don't give up, you might just achieve more this year than you ever imagined!
DR. APPIAH
Dr. Appiah is a Natural Health Therapist (Naturopath) who engages the natural healing agents given by God to save lives. EAT FOOD AS MEDICINE! EAT TO LIVE, DON'T LIVE TO EAT!! FOR BOOKINGS AND MORE: WANT TO ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCTS? WANT A PERSONAL(CERTIFIED) NATURAL MEDICINE PRACTITIONER? REACH ME DIRECTLY ON WHATSAPP +233245643615 appiahinok@gmail.com
