8 Easy Techniques to Overcome Procrastination

“Be like a postage stamp- stick to one thing until you get there.”

Josh Billings

1.The 80/20 rule or Pareto Principle.

20% of activities on your to-do list will produce 80% of your most desired results.

What do you want to accomplish? What are those activities you must do? The ability to determine those tasks and then complete them on time can have more impact on achieving your goals than anything else.

2. Write down those tasks and specific time frames for when you will work on them.

 Write them in a place where you will constantly see them to be reminded. This way you’re constantly reminded of what you are going to do and when. You will get around to completing these tasks sooner rather than later because by “seeing” them all the time, you’ll want to cross them off your list.

3. Plan a reward ahead of time.

 Make sure you give yourself some type of reward when you’re finished. Try to make the size of the reward is commensurate with the size of the task. Make sure it is a treat for you.

4. Do the thing you like least first.

 Get it out of the way! Research points to the fact that the longer you put off something, the harder it is to get motivated. And you know that when you are not doing it, it is always annoyingly in the back of your mind. So get started, get it done and get it out of your mind!

5. Break it down into baby steps.

 To avoid overwhelm, which is a major cause of procrastination, break big jobs down into their smaller component parts. So for example, rather than setting yourself a task of writing your entire website content, break it down into individual tasks of writing just one page of content. This feels much easier to do, and what usually happens is you get on a roll and want to keep going.

 6. What can you delegate?

 You don’t always need to delegate an entire project. Instead consider delegating a task or role within that project. Ask yourself, “What must be done that can only I can do?” These are the tasks you must do. Whatever can be done by someone else, delegate it. Let go of feeling you must do everything yourself.

7. The power of focus.

 Make sure that whatever it is you are putting all of your effort and energy into is the right thing. Is what you are doing going to move you closer to where you want to be?  If it isn’t – why are you doing it?  Get clearly focused in your thoughts and actions.

8. Consequences.

 Take into account what will happen if you don’t complete those 20% tasks that produce 80% of your desired results.  There is often pain in thinking about a task we don’t want to do, but by procrastinating the pain only increases. You’re not having fun on the “fun tasks” because in the back of your mind you’re thinking about what you must do and “should” do.  

Keep in mind that everything you procrastinate about today only compounds tomorrow’s pressure. To be motivated toward your goal requires you to have strong “motive” and move. Decide what you want. What tasks must be done in order for you to accomplish your goals, dreams and aspirations? Act now. Don’t wait another day.

The future is now.