9 Strategies to Stop Procrastinating

We have all encountered some form of procrastination at one point or another in our lives. It could have easily been a moment where you were deciding to put something off because you didn’t like the process, didn’t have the ‘time’, or it wasn’t just the right moment to get it done. However, during our most productive moments when we stop procrastinating and accomplish something, we feel satisfied and a sense of relief. 

Implementing a plan to tackle procrastination takes effort and time. However, once you acknowledge that you are procrastinating and analyze the real reasons behind your procrastination you can finally begin to move forward and implement small changes that lead to something big.

Here are nine strategies to incorporate into your daily routine:

Commit to a task and set a time-bound deadline

As humans, we use deadlines to quantify a task at hand. By taking the first step and committing to complete a job, you can see the end goal. By adding in a deadline, you are further committing to accomplish the task within a specific time frame. 

Create incentives and reward positive behavior

Offering a reward to complete a task is a great way to incentivize change in your daily routine. The size of the reward can differ based on the task at hand. 

Be accountable

Tell your family and friends about what you are trying to accomplish. In doing so, you are holding yourself accountable and reminding yourself of the commitment you have made.

Add large tasks to your calendar

Many people stand by the approach of adding major tasks to their calendars. Doing this simple action provides those individuals with accountability to complete their daily list. For instance, if you are prone to making excuses for not going to the gym, add gym to your calendar and make sure to include a time.

Break large tasks into small pieces

Analyze the large job and try to break it down into smaller, actionable tasks. Looking at a large task can be overwhelming, leaving you with a lack of direction to committing the time and effort to complete the task. By breaking the task down into manageable pieces, you can reinforce new behaviors.

Minimize distractions and change your environment

Distractions come in many forms, including e-mail, texting, social media, or phone calls. It can go as far as colleagues chatting near your desk within a work environment or being approached continuously to answer a question. Distractions drain your productivity. By changing your environment and minimizing distractions (i.e., working from home, putting your phone away, closing your web browser), you can focus on accomplishing the task at hand efficiently and effectively.

Always target your largest task when you are at your peak

Throughout the day, you may have a long list of tasks you would like to complete. Many individuals find comfort in handling small tasks first, as they are the easiest to manage right away. However, it may be best to tackle your largest time-consuming task first as you can put all your energy towards completing the task when you are at your peak. 

Commit to a task only for 5 minutes

Another approach is to justify spending 5 minutes a day towards accomplishing a goal. At first, you may find that 5 minutes may seem unbearable; however, over time, you will develop a practice that will then turn into 10 minutes, 30 minutes, even an hour!

5-second approach

Mel Robbins developed one of my favorite yet simple strategies to implement action towards a goal. The 5-second rule is a simple (not easy!) strategy used to increase productivity and reduce procrastination. The moment you have a desire or idea to act on a goal or a commitment, use the 5-second rule. When you feel hesitation before doing something, count 5-4-3-2-1-GO and move towards completing the action.