How to Beat Procrastination

Have you been armed with a task that you just can’t seem to get started? Procrastination is very common out there, with many people putting off tasks until, or even past a deadline. Not only can procrastination hold you back from achieving your goal, it can also lead to feelings of guilt, inadequacy and self-doubt. Here are four ways to tackle procrastination head-on, and achieve your goals.

CHUNK IT DOWN

One of the key ways procrastination takes hold is that the end goal appears so far away and overwhelming, it is easier to put it off. Break down that end result into smaller, more achievable tasks, and you are much more likely to take action and get the result. For example, a university paper could be broken down into 1) research; 2) high level structure; 3) the introduction, and so on. Focusing on one of these aspects at a time becomes much more manageable.

START SMALL

Along with breaking down the goal into smaller tasks, it can also work well to not expect too much of yourself. Start by committing 15 minutes a day to working on the task. After a few days stretch it out to 30 minutes, then an hour, and so on. Sometimes the need to spend an hour straight away can be daunting. Working up to it can make it more achievable and, in turn, more actionable. And who knows, sometimes you can get lost in the work and 15 becomes 60 without even thinking of it.

ELIMINATE TEMPTATION

Eliminating any possible distractions will go a long way to having you take action and achieving your goal. Turning your phone to airplane mode, closing down that Facebook tab, and turning off an email will harness your focus and rapidly enhance your productivity. It can be difficult – I know I am fairly addicted to my phone – but the results are quite profound.

MAKE YOURSELF ACCOUNTABLE

Making yourself accountable to your friends - tell them your goal and the timeframe of when it will be achieved - and have them regularly check in as your progress. You could enhance this through paying a small fee for every excuse you give them!

Also, surrounding yourself with friends that are taking action and achieving their goals will always have a positive influence on you. On a subconscious level, you will be more likely to take action from their example, but you also have a range of friends available to learn from.

The first step towards achieving a goal is often the hardest, as the momentum of taking that initial action can spur you on to success. Utilise the four points above to overcome procrastination and set you on your way.