How to Overcome Procrastination and Why Is It So Difficult?

We’ve all been there….You sit down to work on a project, only to find yourself scrolling through social media or reorganizing your desk for the hundredth time. Before you know it, hours have passed and you’ve accomplished nothing.

Sound familiar? If so, you’re not alone.

Procrastination is a common problem that many people struggle with, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent part of your life. With the right strategies and techniques, you can overcome procrastination and boost your productivity.

How To Stop Procrastinating

Here’s how to beat procrastination once and for all:

1. Identify the root cause: Procrastination is often fear or overwhelm in disguise. Before you can tackle the problem, you need to figure out what’s really going on. Are you feeling unmotivated or unsure of how to start? Do you lack the resources or confidence to get things done? Take some time to think about the underlying causes of your procrastination and address them directly.
2. Set SMART goals: One of the biggest causes of procrastination is not having clear, specific goals to work towards. Make sure you know exactly what you want to accomplish and how you’ll measure success. Use the SMART criteria – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound – to help you set goals that are achievable and motivating.
3. Break down goals into small tasks: Big goals can be intimidating, but breaking them down into smaller, more manageable tasks can make them feel much more achievable. For example, if you want to get 100 newsletter subscribers, aim to attract 4 per day and you’ll reach your goal in a month.
4. Create a schedule (and stick to it): Figure out when you’re most productive and schedule your tasks for those times. Use a planner or calendar to stay organized and avoid getting overwhelmed. And remember, a schedule is only effective if you follow it. So do your best to stick to it and avoid distractions as much as possible.
5. Eliminate distractions: Your phone, computer, and social media notifications can be major productivity killers. Put your devices on Do Not Disturb mode and close all unnecessary tabs to minimize distractions. Shut the door to your office, put on some headphones, and get to work. This is your Zen time.
6. Get organized: A cluttered workspace can be a major distraction. Take some time to tidy up your desk and get rid of unnecessary piles of junk, snacks, or messy papers. With a clean, minimal workspace, you’ll be able to focus on your tasks without getting sidetracked.
7. Use time-management techniques: A Pomodoro timer or other time-management technique can help you stay on track and avoid getting bogged down by one task for too long. Aim for 25 minutes of deep task completion followed by a 5-minute break.
8. Find accountability: Having someone to hold you accountable can be a powerful way to stay motivated and avoid procrastination. Consider joining a study or accountability group, or finding a mentor or coach to help you stay on track.
9. Change your environment: Sometimes a change of scenery can be just the thing you need to get in the right mindset for tackling tasks. Consider working from a different location, such as a coffee shop or library, or rearranging your workspace to create a more inspiring and productive environment.
10. Use positive reinforcement: Reward yourself when you complete tasks or reach milestones to keep yourself motivated. This could be something small, like taking a short break or treating yourself to your favorite snack, or something bigger, like a day off or a fun outing.
11. Get enough sleep: Lack of sleep can lead to decreased productivity and increased procrastination. Make sure you’re getting enough rest and prioritize your sleep to help you feel more energized and focused during the day.
12. Take breaks: While it’s important to focus on your tasks, it’s also important to take breaks to rest and recharge. Step away from your work every so often to take a walk, do some stretching, or engage in a different activity.

Final Thoughts

By implementing these strategies, you can overcome procrastination and boost your productivity. Remember it might not be all plain sailing and that it takes time and practice to develop new habits and overcome challenges, so be patient with yourself and keep working at it.

And remember, you don’t have to resolve procrastination all at once. Take it one day at a time, and before you know it, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a productivity ninja.