“I’ll do it later…”
How often do you say that when you’re struggling to stay afloat, frantically paddling in the sea of “too much to do and not enough time to get it all done?”
Maybe more often than you’re even aware of because it’s so easy to say.
And I know you mean it when you say it, right?
Well, here’s my mantra: Don’t let “later” become never.
Procrastination affects millions of people, but the good news is that there are simple strategies you can use to overcome it—fast.
We’ll look at them in reverse order:
1. BREAK IT UP
One of the main reasons we procrastinate is because a task seems overwhelming. By focusing on one small step at a time, you’ll be more likely to make steady progress and avoid getting bogged down in feeling overwhelmed.
2. MAKE A PLAN
You don’t need to design a skyscraper or cure cancer. Just identify the specific steps you need to take to complete a task, and then schedule each step on your calendar.
Set deadlines for each step, and hold yourself accountable for meeting them. By breaking down your tasks and creating a clear plan of action, you’ll be able to stay on track and avoid getting sidetracked by distractions.
3. ELIMINATE DISTRACTIONS
It’s so easy to fall down those rabbit holes, right? So help yourself out by turning off your phone, closing unnecessary tabs on your computer, and putting yourself in a quiet, distraction-free workspace.
By minimizing distractions, you’ll be able to focus on your work and avoid getting sidetracked by outside noise.
4. PRACTICE SELF-COMPASSION
Be kind to yourself when you’re struggling with procrastination. Remember that everyone procrastinates from time to time, and it doesn’t make you a bad person. Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, and remember that it’s never too late to start fresh and get back on track.
5. EAT THE FROG
The quickest, although not always the easiest way to beat procrastination is to “eat the frog.” Mark Twain famously said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.”
By tackling your most difficult or unpleasant task first thing in the morning, rather than putting it off until later in the day, you’ll free up mental energy and avoid the stress and anxiety that comes with procrastination.
Just remember, eating the frog isn’t about punishing yourself or forcing yourself to do something you hate. It’s about recognizing that sometimes, the most important tasks are also the most difficult.
Here’s to more love, more time, and less stuff!
