It’s human nature to put off tasks that you don’t want to do or that are too much for you to handle, but once you start procrastinating, it can be difficult to get back on track.
The reason why I am writing about this topic today is because I do find myself getting into this trap again and again. I am currently in the last semester of my extra occupational Content Strategy masters at FH Joanneum in Graz.
As you can think, there are a lot of tasks that I love to procrastinate until the point where I get totally stressed out and work/study/life balance becomes hard to handle. So as a reminder for myself and maybe a helpful tool for you — here are some ways how to overcome procrastination:
Find an accountability partner
An accountability partner is someone who will check in with you to make sure you follow through on the promises you’ve made to yourself. Finding an accountability partner is a good strategy if you have a hard time following through or maintaining self-discipline. This can be a friend, your spouse, or a colleague you trust to help you get things done. It should be someone who isn’t afraid to be a little tough when necessary.
You can also tell those closest to you about your goals. When you share your goals with those around you, you are more likely to achieve them because you feel more accountable to make them happen.
The 5-minute rule
If a task takes you less than 5 minutes to complete, do it first or as soon as it is assigned to you. This is a good way to prioritize your daily to-do list, as well as any tasks that come up throughout the day. This way, you can also make sure that small tasks don’t pile up. When they pile up, they can seem overwhelming and cause you to procrastinate getting them done even further.
Resist perfectionism
This point is for you if:
- You are unable to complete tasks fully because you never believe your work is good enough.
- You can’t bring yourself to start a task because you fear it will take too long to get it “right.”
- Sometimes “done” is better than “perfect,” especially for things that can be corrected or adjusted over time. If you have a hard time accepting things that are “good enough,” try asking yourself if you are doing the best you can with what you have or know. If the answer is yes, you can move on.
Reward yourself
When you’ve accomplished a goal or checked everything off your to-do list, reward yourself! This makes it fun to complete small or mundane tasks like payroll or paperwork, but also to celebrate larger goals and milestones. Rewards can be anything from an extended lunch at your favorite restaurant to a fresh cup of tea to buying something you’ve had your eye on for a long time.
Use a planner to overcome procrastination
Planners are a great way to get organized and make your days more productive. They help you visualize your day and keep track of due dates and other important events with specific time frames.
Create a schedule
Creating a schedule for yourself allows you to set aside time to actually get things done on your to-do list.
Set monthly or weekly goals
Break down large goals into smaller, more manageable pieces so you don’t procrastinate as easily.
If you are interested into this topic and want to read more, here are some great blog posts from my fellow students:
Use these 3 brain tricks to get yourself to do things you dont want do do
Let me know which of these ways helped you to stop procrastinating. I would be curious to know ;)
