Learn How to Defeat Procrastination

One of my most personal struggles is with learning how to defeat procrastination. This is the first time that I have written about it publicly. Procrastination is a terrible habit and sometimes causes preventable problems and situations to escalate out of control. I think that I have been engaged in a struggle with myself for quite some time now trying to battle this habit.

This article presents 10 tips that have helped me to deal with procrastination. It is hard to get this habit under control, but if you are presistent and diligent in your efforts it can be done. I hope that these tips will help you gain control over any tendencies that you may have to put things off.

Tip #1 Acceptance

If you are a procrastinator you must begin by acknowledging the fact that “You are a Procrastinator!” Once you have taken responsibility for your actions you can begin the process of correcting the behavior. It seems simple, but it is the first and most important step.

Tip #2 Decision

Once you’ve accepted responsibility for your actions as a procrastinator its now time to make a decision. Simply decide “NOT” to procrastinate anymore. Go ahead and say to yourself right now that you will not put things off.

Tip #3 Identify

Sit down and write out all of the ways that you tend to procrastinate. Actually seeing them on paper will help you identify, deal with, and avoid procrastination.

Tip #4 Measure

Now take some time out to sit down and reflect on all of the missed opportunities and goals not achieved because of your tendencies to procrastinate. Write them down on a sheet of paper so that you can see them. Ask yourself if the results of your procrastination was worth it or not.

Tip #5 Change

Get rid of old habits that are causing you to procrastinate. Replace your bad habits with good habits. For instance if you know that you need to exercise everyday replace the habit of not exercising everyday with the new habit of exercising at least 15 minutes daily.

Tip #6 Affirmations

Create a personal and powerful affirmation that you can say to yourself several times per day.

Here’s one you can recite in the morning as you wake up: “I will not

procrastinate today. It is unproductive. I have tasks to do, and I will

write them down so I can decide which of them needs to be done by 12

noon. My goal is to finish at least 2 big tasks and 2 small ones”.

Tip #7 Rebound

If you are a chronic procrastinator like I am you will have setbacks. Don’t beat yourself up about it just pick yourself up and continue with the correct course of action. Learn from what happened and be more conscious of not letting it happen again

Tip #8 KISS

Keep It Simple S(insert your preferred word). Point here is to simplify your life as much as possible. If you simplify everything then you have fewer distractions. Fewer distractions gives you less of a chance of procrastinating. It’s easier to get things done when there is less to distract your attention.

Tip #9 Identify

Identify time wasters and eliminate them. Some common time wasters are:

inefficient use of the family cars

too much TV

miscommunication

misplacing personal items

not filing papers and documents

Tip #10 Goals

The night before write down everything that has to be completed the next day. Then prioritize those tasks from the most important to the least important task. Select the top two tasks and make those tasks your must do tasks for that day. If you complete those two tasks then move on to the next task on your list. Any tasks left at the end of the day will be added to your new list for tomorrow and prioritized accordingly.

By following this simple method you will systematically and methodically accomplish each of your goals.

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