Procrastination hits everybody at least once. It may be a significant project or some minor task, but still, it gets tough to procrastinate. The good thing is that with appropriate strategies, you can come out of procrastination and master your time now.
What Is Procrastination?
It is procrastination, which means a person delays or avoids doing something they know may result in some consequences. Sometimes described as laziness, procrastination actually often has much deeper rationales, such as fear, boredom, or stress.
Why Do We Procrastinate?
In reality, the best way to stop procrastination is knowing what is behind it. Among them are:
- Fear of Failure: You are afraid of not meeting the expectation.
- It is too overwhelming. Big projects cannot be started initially.
- Lost Motivation: Tiresome or monotonous work can easily be postponed.
- Distractions: Social media, TV, or a cluttered workspace can make it challenging to focus.
7 Simple Strategies to Overcome Procrastination
1. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps
Large tasks are always scary. Break the task into bite-sized action steps. For instance:
- Prepare a report. Divide it into large parts.
- Do some revision in preparation for an exam? Revise a topic.
Small steps make tasks manageable and help you achieve momentum.
2. Set Clear and Specific Goals
Vague goals like “study” or “work on a project” will not motivate action. Be specific! For example:
- Review notes for 30 minutes.
- Present the report introduction by 10 AM.
3. Use the Two-Minute Rule
Take action on anything that can be done in under two minutes. This includes responding to a message, tidying the space about your working space, or just jotting down a thought. Avoid letting a minor thing build up.
4. Eliminate Distractions
Create a targeted environment by
- Switch off or silence your mobile phone.
- Apps like Freedom and Forest block distractions.
- Clear clutter from your desk.
5. Reward Yourself
Use awards to sustain motivation:
- After completing the work, have a cup of coffee.
- Do a project, then watch a favorite television show episode.
- Rewards are positive reinforcement and make productivity more enjoyable.
6. Create a Schedule
Plan your day so you avoid decision fatigue. A simple schedule like the one below will keep you on track:
| Time |
Task |
| 8:00 AM |
Review notes |
| 9:00 AM |
Write report outline |
| 10:00 AM |
Take a break |
| 10:15 AM |
Study Chapter 3 |
7. Be Kind to Yourself
It means procrastination doesn’t fall into the category of failure because everyone does it, and progress in anything takes time. Make one mistake; forget the frustration and look at the next step you can take.
Procrastination vs. Laziness
It’s essential to distinguish procrastination from laziness:
| Procrastination |
Laziness |
| Avoiding tasks due to stress or overwhelm. |
Avoiding tasks due to lack of energy. |
| Often tied to perfectionism or fear. |
Often tied to a lack of interest. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I stop procrastinating on big projects?
A: Divide the project into smaller tasks and complete one at a time.
Q: What if I procrastinate because of fear of failure?
A: Good is better than perfect. Start small and celebrate achievements.
Q: Are there apps that help with procrastination?
A: Yes. Applications including Todoist, Focus@Will, and Pomodoro timer help toward better focus and productivity.
