8 Fool-proof Ways You Can Defeat Procrastination

Procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy. It’s merely a coping mechanism for you to deal with negative emotions related to the task.

These feelings could stem from self-doubt, negative self-talk, anxiety, or even low self-confidence. Or you might just think the job is going to be tedious, stressful, or difficult. As a result, you’ll do anything else to avoid it.

Find out why you’re having issues with procrastination:

“Often, just by taking action, by doing something about the situation can relieve the stress and help correct the situation.”
– Catherine Pulsifer

You know that avoiding the task will affect your life in a negative way, yet you keep self-sabotaging by dodging it. Find out what is holding you back.

Answer the following questions about procrastination:

• What negative emotions do you have involving the task? Is it daunting or risky?
• What are you telling yourself when you think of doing the task? Are your thoughts discouraging?

So, how do you stop this detrimental habit?

Here are some tips to help you defeat procrastination.

1. Overpower procrastination by setting yourself up to win

“Following-through is the only thing that separates dreamers from people that accomplish great things.”
– Gene Hayden

If you’re a chronic procrastinator putting things off has become second nature to you. Now, your subconscious expects you to burn the daylight till the pressure is really on to finish. You’ve entrenched this habit into your brain, so it’ll be difficult to break.

That’s why you need to make procrastination impossible or at least much more challenging.

First, get rid of all temptations to procrastinate. Physically remove the remote, your phone, and any of your favorite electronics from the room.

Because if you hear a buzz or notification, you’ll pick it up and slip down the rabbit hole of wasted time.

So, be strict and make sure that doesn’t happen! Your goals are on the line!

2. Demolish procrastination by knowing what you need to do

“If you procrastinate when faced with a big difficult problem… break the problem into parts, and handle one part at a time.”
– Robert Collier

Write out the most important things you need to do today.

Break down intimidating tasks into bite-sized chunks. Then write the steps you need to take to finish them.

Now, you’ll know what you need to do and when.

Don’t try to multitask because your results will suffer for it. You need to focus on what’s important. So, make a conscious effort to do one thing at a time until it’s finished. Only then can you move on to the next project.

3. Defeat procrastination by starting despite the quality

“A primary reason people don’t do new things is because they want to do them perfectly – first time. It’s completely irrational, impractical, not workable – and yet, it’s how most people run their lives. It’s called The Perfection Syndrome.”

– Peter McWilliams and John Roger

If you have a fear of creating imperfect work, then chances are you won’t finish much. Moreover, this guarantees that your worries come true because it’s impossible to succeed if you can’t produce.

Start working, despite the quality of your output.

If you avoid starting on your task, as time ticks by, your stress levels will rise. So, you’re not doing yourself any favors by dragging your feet, especially if there’s a deadline involved.

Even if you work for hours and the result is horrible, at least you have something you can fine-tune! So, at least get something done, then you can filter out the garbage and polish it to completion.

4. Use a time tracker and a timer app

Using a time tracker and timer has been life-changing for me. The time tracker shows me how productive I’ve been (or haven’t been). Seeing these results motivates and inspires me to do better next time. The timer creates a sense of urgency, so I don’t slack off.

It really helps to conquer procrastination.

According to Parkinson’s Law, “Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”

So, give yourself a deadline; otherwise, it’ll take forever to finish.

5. Avoid procrastination with a “To Do LATER” list

While you’re working, your subconscious will remind you of other random tasks to throw you off course. But, don’t fall for this trick!

Keep a notebook nearby and write down those tasks but don’t do them. Tell yourself you’ll work on those later and to let them be for now.

6. Make the task easier

Another way you can set yourself up to succeed is to strategically place the items you’ll need to do the activity. For example, if you want to teach yourself how to paint, then put all the supplies you need in an easy-to-reach area. Then it’ll be much easier to get started.

Also, clear out all the clutter from your workspace. Research shows that clutter will restrain your productivity.

7. Give yourself some free procrastination time

Don’t work yourself to the bone. Take breaks and let your mind relax and wander. Dabble on unimportant things for a while. Or you could work on your “To Do Later” list, but set your timer to remind you when to get back to work.

When you take breaks, you’ll find that you’re more productive when you return to your project.

8. Help out the “future you”

“A year from now, you may wish you had started today.”
– Karen Lamb

Realize that the “future you” is still “you.” So, don’t screw yourself over with procrastination. Instead, do something that will help the “future you” out.

So, what can you do today that’ll make your future life easier?

Reward yourself when you complete the project because you deserve it!

In the end, you don’t have to fall for procrastination because you can defeat it! The hardest part is starting the task. If you can get over that hurdle, you can easily keep it until you complete it! Even if it’s terrible at first, it’ll be much easier and less intimidating to keep going until you’re finished.

“He who is begun has half done. Dare to be wise; begin.” – Horace

How have you overcome the urge to put things off? I wish you a massively productive day. Now, get to work! 🙂

Don’t forget to subscribe and get our free app! Also, if you’d like more life-impacting knowledge like this, type your email below to receive new articles in your inbox every week!