Overcoming Procrastination

Do you find yourself always putting things off to the last minute? Do you have a problem overcoming procrastination? In this article we are going to look at a number of reasons for why you procrastinate and how you can overcome procrastination.

Overcoming Procrastination Starts With Desire

Overcoming procrastination starts with a desire to overcome procrastination and also to do the thing that you have been putting off. Instead of thinking in terms of being compelled to do anything, think in terms of wanting to do the activity. If you realize that you are doing something because you want to do it then you will be less likely to put it off. If there really is something you need to do at work think about the benefits of doing this task - why have you chosen this specific job that requires this task to be done? Associating tasks with something you desire is the first step in overcoming procrastination.

Overcoming Procrastination Means allowing yourself to be Human

Many people procrastinate because they feel that they are not able to do the task perfectly. Instead of putting pressure on yourself to do something perfectly allow yourself room for mistakes, realize that everyone does make mistakes at times and that it is ok to make mistakes.

Overcoming Procrastination Means Getting Started

Another reason many people may put off a task is because it just seems too big to ever accomplish; you don't know how you will ever be able to complete the task. Instead of trying to see the end of the task just make a start, take one small step. As you take the first step you will gain momentum and find it easier to take the next step until you do complete the task. Overcoming procrastination means realizing that if you don't start a task you will never finish it, so just take one step at a time and the rest will follow.

Associate Overcoming Procrastination with a Reward

Instead of thinking about how hard it will be to complete a task and the amount of time you will sacrifice from the things you really enjoy, promise yourself that once you have completed the task you are putting off that you will be rewarded. If there is not a direct reward from completing the task then create one - for example if you have a work task you need to complete from which you derive no direct benefit then promise yourself that once you complete that task you will do something else that you do enjoy. By having something to look forward to you will find overcoming procrastination so much easier.

Overcoming Procrastination in 30 Minutes

If you are struggling to overcome procrastination promise yourself a reward after completing just 30 minutes of the task. What this does is it gives you motivation to start, once you have started you will probably find yourself doing a lot more than 30 minutes because you get involved in the task and suddenly don't find it as difficult as you thought. You also realize that you can always stop and have your reward when you are ready. Overcoming procrastination in this way is based on the principle of momentum - if something is moving it takes more energy to stop it then to let it keep moving, while it's more difficult to start a stationary object. Get moving and you will find the movement easier to continue.

If you are struggling in overcoming procrastination start by realizing that you are doing the task because of something you desire. Allow yourself to be human and not complete the task perfectly and think in terms of making a start rather than finishing. It is also a good idea to promise yourself a reward either at the end of the task or after 30 minutes (or both). Once you get started you will find it a lot easier to complete the task.