Do you consider yourself a procrastinator? Procrastinating is done when we avoid what we need to get done by doing other things. This does not mean that procrastinators are lazy, but they avoid important tasks with other tasks. We tend to avoid important tasks by focusing on less important tasks. Do you know someone who has difficulty overcoming procrastination?
How can we strive to achieve goals if we are used to procrastinating? Procrastination is a habit, which can be overcome with a little bit of help and motivation. For many of us, procrastination is not about time management but for our anxiety. Avoiding our emotions towards important tasks can create other effects such as stress and anxiety. To overcome procrastination, we must first change our mindset and be willing to overcome bad habits. Stop letting your brain make excuses!
Procrastination can look like
- Completing only low priority tasks
- Waiting till the last minute to get important tasks done
- Start but do not finish important tasks
- Constantly waiting for the right time to accomplish tasks or goals
Methods to overcoming procrastination
- Identify why you are choosing to procrastinate
Are you choosing to procrastinate because you need procrastination to get things done? This is also known as active procrastination. Are you choosing to procrastinate to avoid specific tasks or situations? Identification is key to overcoming procrastination.
- Recognize your procrastination behaviors
Our behaviors can show us what is causing the procrastination. This helps us identify triggers and the stress or anxiety that certain situations are causing.
- Be realistic with tasks and your time
It can be hard to stay motivated when our goals and tasks seem unachievable. Be realistic with your goals and the amount of time you must accomplish important tasks. Realize that avoiding tasks may help anxiety now but will worsen the situation later.
- Stop needing everything to be perfect
For some of us procrastination has a lot to do with needing things to be perfect. If we cannot maintain this perfection, we tend to ignore important tasks till the last minute out of fear of not being or doing good enough.
- Use strategies to become more motivated, strategies can consist of:
- Holding yourself accountable for what needs to be done
- Create an environment free of distractions
- Create and stick to a schedule
- Create and write down your goals
- Accept imperfection
- Commit to all tasks one at a time
- Keep a to-do list
- Accomplish tasks at times you work the best or have the most energy
- Break tasks down into smaller and more achievable tasks
- Set deadlines for yourself
Procrastination is all due to our mindset and how we view our motivation and dedication. Sometimes it can seem hard to accomplish tasks that cause us great amounts of stress and anxiety. For some of us it can mean that we need to let go of needing everything to be perfect or that what we accomplish is not enough. When working towards motivation and less procrastination do not forget to reward yourself. Remember to be realistic and know that things are not always going to work out, but this is just a reminder to keep going.
 Some of us are unaware of what times of the day that we work the best or have the most energy to get things done. Identifying these times of energy can mean all the difference when combatting procrastination and getting things done. If you struggle with anxiety and stress or perfectionism that is causing procrastination, there are resources that can help. Therapy is a great tool for those who seem stuck or overwhelmed with certain tasks, whether that be big or small.
