5 Ways to Overcome Procrastination

All of us procrastinate, some more than others, but college students often fall victim to procrastination more than any other group of people. We all have times when things need to get done, but we keep putting it off for tomorrow, making us chronic procrastinators. If you find yourself taking more time to come up with as many excuses as you can, each getting more inventive than the previous one, then you know you’re stuck in a procrastinating jam. But how do you stop procrastinating and what are some ways to overcome procrastination to achieve your personal and professional goals? Here are tips to end that procrastination rut and reach your full potential!

Flickr user marke1996

1. Acknowledge Your Procrastination Problem

The first step to fixing your problem is admitting that you have a problem. Look at the areas in your life and studies where you’re constantly putting tasks on the back burner. No matter the size of your tasks or the length of your deadlines, at the end of the day you aren’t taking the manageable steps to get things done. Acknowledging you have a problem with procrastination will help solve the issue when you take the next four steps.

2. Identify the Root of Your Procrastination

The second step to overcoming procrastination is to identify the REAL problem. Ask yourself these questions.

What important task are you putting off doing?
What part of the particular task is of the least interest to you?
Do you feel that it is not worth your time to complete the task?
Do you feel that you have a long wait to get rewarded for your efforts?
Are you impatient by nature?

Figuring out the main problem is a good way to start tackling your problem of putting off school work and other tasks. Here are a few telltale signs that could indicate where your problem lies.

When you are assigned a task or are expected to complete it, do you find yourself getting bored and distracted? When you think about the task, do you feel nervous about completing it? If you feel that the value of completing the task is not worth your time, then you could be encountering the motivation problem of LOW VALUE.

Do you feel the task is easy to complete? Are you most likely to succeed in undertaking the task? Is it within your capacity? Do you have any expectations of a reward in the end? If you feel that the answer to all these queries is negative, then you could be facing a situation of LOW EXPECTANCY.

If you feel that the reward expected comes after a significant time span after the completion of the task, then the problem could lie in the DELAY.

Are you an impatient person? Is impulsiveness a big part of your character? If you distract easily, then the problem could lie in your IMPULSIVENESS.

If you read through these questions and evaluate the difficult task at hand, you can do one of two things. Evaluate the following. Should you do the task? Or, is it better to just leave it or delegate it to others? If you feel that you should complete the task, you should move on to the next step.

3. Sorting Out Your Problem

The third step takes you into figuring out HOW to sort out that particular problem and take a proactive approach. There are various examples to show you how the above problems come into play. By answering the questions in step two, you can see the practical ways to combat your procrastination depending on its type.

To combat tasks of LOW VALUE, attach some value to them. Make it into a game or connect it to something you love so that the fun element comes into play. Use the concept of reward and punishment as a way of getting it done.

To combat tasks of LOW EXPECTANCY, start off by completing small but manageable tasks that will act as a confidence booster. Read inspiring things and surround yourself with successful people. Make a note of where you are and your goals for the future. When you feel like you’re on a success spree, you will feel confident to tackle any problem.

To combat tasks of DELAY, try to break down the task so that the task gets done one step at a time.
To combat IMPULSIVENESS, which is the biggest factor in procrastination, set goals for yourself and cultivate useful habits that would help keep procrastination at bay. Set significant and rewarding goals and sub-goals.

4. Implement Different Practices

The fourth step is actually to go back and re-evaluate step two. If you are still procrastinating, then it’s time to create non-negotiable daily habits.

If you find you need help with how to stop procrastinating, here are a few tools that can help you out.

SelfControl: Sometimes we lack self-control. This means when we have assignments or work, we tend to end up wasting most of our day flipping through our Facebook page or watching amusing videos. This Mac OS X application allows you to block certain websites for a certain period of time. This means that you will not be able to access them even if you are tempted, and it keeps your focus on the task at hand.

Strict Workflow: Employing the Pomodoro technique allows you to work for a certain time and take a much-needed break for a limited time. Click on the tiny unobtrusive tomato icon to start your timer. Certain websites can also be blacklisted or whitelisted as per your preference during this time.

White Noise: We all love listening to music and we think this helps us be more productive, but you’d be surprised. The bass and beats in many songs can be a distraction. Try out this app which allows you to drown out the background chatter and helps you have a productive day.

5. Make it Simple

Seeing your entire to-do list can quickly get overwhelming. But by dumbing it down and creating small tasks, you can tackle it one thing at a time. Knowing the next thing you need to do, even if it is small, like emailing someone or doing a small assignment, is super helpful when overcoming procrastination. Crossing things off on your simple list is motivating and helps you keep the momentum going while you’re studying or working.

Overcoming Procrastination

It is never easy to break the mold of putting things off to a later date. It takes conscious effort and practice to learn how to overcome procrastination. In the end, completing tasks is like a checkmark on your own personal to-do list and should give you a sense of accomplishment and pride in yourself. All of these practices are stepping stones for how to stop procrastinating and become a better you.

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