Some days, we find tasks rather easy to do, and the motivation for them stays with us the whole time. Other days, procrastination takes over and overwhelms us; whether it be housework, an activity, or work, sometimes we just find it hard to get things done. So, in light of this, here are seven ways you can try to overcome procrastination.
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Do the task for just a few minutes
Due to some procrastinators spending longer on the ‘wrong things’, such as distractions with TV or otherwise, you may delay beginning the ‘right things’.
Doing the task isn’t even the problem most of the time; it’s simply the act of starting the task that we find difficult. After you begin something, your desire to finish this will kick in.
So, whether you ask a friend to persuade you into beginning your tasks, or you set reminders and alarms for yourself until you start them yourself; getting the motivation to start your tasks should lead to their completion.
Do the harder tasks first
Research shows that we are at our most active and alert at around 10am, and the more the day goes on, the tirder we become.
Doing your best to complete the most difficult tasks on your list will not onlu ensure you get them done, but will leave you with a sense of pride and fulfilment. If you can do the hard task, then you can definitely complete the smaller, easier tasks.
Doing your tasks this way leaves less change that you will push them back until tomorrow, or the next day, as you have put your energy into completing them first.
Improve self-regulation
Self-regulation means to understand the best strategies to do things, and be able to correct yourself while doing your tasks.
Procrastination is the opposite of this, so for you to overcome this, you need to have the confidence in yourself that you can stick to any lists you’ve made, or any plans you have made to keep yourself on track.
Manage your environment
This is the idea of ‘clean space, clean mind’; if the room you are in is tidy and well-kept, you are more likely to feel calmer, more organised, and more in control, meaning you will perform better while doing your tasks.
If you are working from home, for example, having your phone out can cause a potential distraction. So, keeping your phone out of sight, and your environment clean and tidy, you are more likely to be happier in beginning and completing your tasks.
Set yourself a brief deadline
If your task can wait until another day, or even another week, you are much less likely to get it done, even when the time roll around that it needs doing as soon as possible.
The further away a task, or even decision, is, the less impact it will have on you. If you give yourself a short deadline, then you are more likely to start the task and finish it before your deadline arrives.
This is a great way to overcome procrastination, as not only are you getting tasks done quicker, but you are asserting control over your schedule.
Increase confidence
Many people who do not believe they can achieve something, are less likely to even try. It may be useful to look at someone who has been in your position, and see how far they have come.
Whether this stems from your procrastination of housework, to potentially starting your own business; not comparing yourself, but seeing how others have completed difficult tasks can more than motivate you to check items off your to-do list.
Make the task a little harder
While this may sound counter-intuitive, and perhaps the worst way to gain motivation, it is in fact the total opposite.
If you can complete a difficult task successfully, you are more likely to keep going with others on your list. Finishing something difficult can instil confidence, and make you proud of yourself which is a powerful motivator.
Writtne by Melissa, who you can follow on Twitter @melissajournal
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