4/2/14

9 Tips for Conquering Procrastination

procrastination

Over a month ago, I shared with you that I am a horrible procrastinator and that I wanted to end my procrastinating ways. I don't want to be stressing out as deadlines approach and I still have the majority of a project to finish. I shared that one of my goals was to work on my procrastinating.
When it comes to my excuses for procrastinating, I am guilty of most of them. Most often I am procrastinating because I am not motivated to do the task. It is not something that interests me, therefore, I do not want to take time to complete the task. I am also guilty of getting stuck on a stuck and just not knowing what to do next. This causes me to waste time trying to make a decision.

how to stop procrastinating


In working on my procrastination I have determined what I like to call the 9 Tips for Conquering Procrastination.

ONE // Find your best work place. You need somewhere you can go to get work done. This should be a spot, where you can be free from distractions. For me this would have to be a comfy space with plenty of light.

TWO // Have an audience. Make yourself responsible to someone. We are more likely to complete a task if friends and family know we are working on it. So share what you need to do with a good friend or family member.

THREE // Make a to-do list. Make a list of everything that you need to get done. Move everything that you have been avoiding to the top of the list. Start by completing tasks that will only take a couple of minutes. This will knock some items off your list quickly and get you in the working mode. Then you need to completely focus on the items that you have been avoiding.

FOUR // Break down large tasks. Some tasks we just cannot get done in one sitting or one day. They can seem overwhelming, so break them down into smaller tasks. This will help you see what needs to get done and you can fill more accomplished as you complete each smaller task. This also allows you to easily track how far you have come on the task and how much work is left.

FIVE // Set deadlines. Set deadlines for what you want to accomplish. If it is a task that will take multiple days, set deadlines for each step of that task. Stick to your deadlines.

SIX // Take 10 minute breaks. We all need breaks sometimes. If you are getting tired of working on a task or you are becoming frustrated, take a 10 minute break. Set the timer on your phone, get up and take a break. When the time is up get immediately back to work.

SEVEN // When stuck, ask for help. Sometimes we just waste time because we are stuck and we just don't know what to do. When stuck ask for help. Ask a friend, colleague, or family member for their advice. If you are stuck just because you can't make a decision between options, you really need to weigh the pros and cons and go with the best choice.

EIGHT // Reward yourself when you finish early. When you meet your deadlines you are doing great! If you finish early you are doing better. Reward your good behavior. Go out to that movie or to grab that coffee with your friend.

NINE // Focus on your goals. When you are seriously lacking the motivation to complete a task focus on your goals, what you want to accomplish, and why. Reminding yourself of this will help you find the motivation to get things finished.

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21 comments:

  1. This is perfect...I procrastinate sometimes too much, must stop :) xx

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  2. procrastinators unite! tomorrow! ;)

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  3. i definitely should stop to procastinate everything possible!^^
    xxx
    S
    http://s-fashion-avenue.blogspot.it

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  4. I definitely procrastinate when it comes to things I don't really want to do. I find setting deadlines really helps.

    Rowena @ rolala loves

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  5. Great post!! I get like this and just put off and put off. Love your tips! When I have something that I don't really want to tackle especially if it's at home, taking small breaks helps so much!!

    Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings

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  6. I love these lists! I was writing about procrastination today and how it can stand in the way of my happiness. This is perfect timing for me! Thank you!

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  7. Hi dear, thank you greatly for your last comment. Brilliant advice, its strange that I can procrastinate but only in certain avenues that don't have deadlines.

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  8. these are great tips! I can be such a procrastinator too. I've been giving myself deadlines so that helps. also for little things that need done (like paying bills or responding to emails), I try to carve out a decent chunk of time so I can get several little things done at once and get them off of my list!

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  9. great post, made me smile :)
    happy rest of the week sweety!

    <3
    http://www.getcarriedaway.net/

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  10. This is a fantastic list! Whenever I start procrastinating, I break down my tasks into smaller and smaller action steps until it becomes completely doable.

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  11. This list was exactly what I needed while I sit here at my desk trying to make myself write my 10 page philosophy paper. Love it!

    Tay
    waverlyandwestbourne.blogspot.com

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  12. I am a huge procrastinator. I will have to take these tips to heart and stop wasting so much time!
    Chic on the Cheap

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  13. Truth is I do work better under pressure and it wasn't always this way. It happened as I got older.

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  14. great post!! motivating and inspirational. thanks for this!

    Animated Confessions

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  15. SO guilty! Except my living room/work area and my closet, my house is always messy. I just do not want to do the dishes. Of course, when I had a dishwasher I ALWAYS did the dishes. I hate touching other peoples food!
    -Ash
    www.stylizedwannabe.blogspot.com

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  16. great tips! I'm a huge procrastinator and I usually don't have enough motivation to work

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  17. I am a procrastinator too, but usually with tasks that I really don't want to do. I usually just keep on working on other projects and eventually get them done at the last minute. Great advice!

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  18. that's what i had to do. it really helps.
    http://www.averysweetblog.com/

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  19. Great tips! I am all about to do lists and rewards... otherwise I won't get anything done!

    LilynotLouise | Beauty and Food

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