Here is how to beat procrastination

Why not just do it? Why do we procrastinate and how can we change this?
Here Is How To Beat Procrastination

Procrastination

 

Do you procrastinate? How about a few ideas to …? Here are some recommendations to avoid procrastination.

Are you a procrastinator?

 

You would be surprised how many people around the world can lay claim to being a procrastinator – after all, don’t millions of people put off doing something until later on. While it is normal for people to procrastinate to some degree, it becomes a problem when it impedes normal functioning.

So what is it that you should be doing right now? Maybe writing your thesis or business plan? Doing some work on the computer, cleaning up? More often than not, we tend to occupy ourselves with other things than what we should be doing. We procrastinate. But why not just do it? Why do we procrastinate, and how can we change this?

 

 

 

We are all procrastinator

 

Let’s face it: we all procrastinate at times. The key is to not let it become a restricting habit.

It is true; some people like the thrill that they get from procrastinating, that addictive rush of excitement that comes only just meeting the deadline in time. The more aversive a task is to us, the more we’ll resist it, and the more likely we are to procrastinate. The more negative emotions we show toward a certain task, the more likely we are to procrastinate,

Others have found that by procrastinating, they can blame their poor results on a lack of time. This is used as self-protection against failure.

 

 

 

Here is how to beat procrastination

 

How to avoid procrastination? Does that sound like procrastinate procrastination? Why not? Here are some recommendations to avoid procrastination:

 

 

 

1. Do the most important and/or the toughest job first

 

Start with the most important or the toughest job where you get the most out of it. Many people tend to start with easier, unimportant, minor tasks. With tough tasks, this sometimes leads to a kind of mental block and negative feelings related to the job. That is one of the main reasons why people procrastinate. They put off facing the tough tasks, thinking it might miraculously disappear. But once you have finished the toughest job, you’ll feel relieved and only have little easy tasks to do.

 

 

2. Set a date and time frame

 

Experience shows that any task will fill the time frame allotted to it. A concept called Parkinson’s Law explains this well: Work expands to fill the time available for its completion. That is why it is so important to set a date to do it and a time frame in which to complete the task.

 

 

3. Start

 

You’ll feel relieved and most likely satisfied with accomplishing something.

 

 

4. Be aware

 

A good way to begin the quest for identifying the problems provoking procrastination in your life is to carry a small notebook with you. When something doesn’t get done as scheduled, take a moment to write down the reason in your notebook. This will help you to improve your time management skills.

 

 

5. Concentrate

 

Focus your undivided attention on one task at a time.

 

 

6. Plan in steps

 

When it comes to starting a task or project, people tend to procrastinate if they lack either a clear starting point or a logical sequence of steps to take. Map out a quick outline of what it will take and how much time is involved. Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable projects, step by step.

 

 

7. Know the priorities

 

To know what is important or urgent is easier to decide when you have the bigger picture in mind. What is your motivation?

 

 

8. Good decision-making

 

Procrastination becomes less likely on tasks that we openly and freely choose to undertake. If you are a naturally focused and driven person then you may not need these suggestions. The better you know your goals and what you want, the easier things can be for you.

Just ask me personally

 

Please post any questions that may be of interest to other readers in the comments. Looking for professional support?

If you are interested in coaching, training or consulting, if you have organizational questions, or if you want to make an appointment, you can reach me best via this contact form (you can choose if you want to enter your personal data) or via e-mail (mail@karstennoack.com). You can also reach me by phone at +49(0)30 864 213 68 or by cell phone at +49(0)1577 704 53 56 from Monday to Thursday from 9:00 to 18:00. Most of the time I am in sessions, so please leave a message with your phone number in Germany. Please remember to be very specific about the reason for your call. I will get back to you as soon as possible. The privacy policy can be found here.

Transparency is important. That is why you will find answers to frequently asked questions already here, for example about me (profile), the services, the fees and getting to know me. If you like what you see, I look forward to working with you.

 

 

 

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How do you beat procrastination?

1 Comment

  1. I do procrastinate and will try some of your recommendations.

    Reply

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Articles

More contentment through self-acceptance or does that reduce the motivation?

Many people consider discontentment to be the most important motivator. My observation: We are happier when we learn to accept ourselves as we truly are. And we stimulate personal development this way.

This article is a short excerpt from the more comprehensive course materials my clients receive in a group or individual training or coaching.

Published: June 21, 2001
Author: Karsten Noack
Revision: August 20th, 2023
Translation: ./.
German version:
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