14 Proven Strategies for Overcoming Procrastination and Getting Things Done
Do you often find yourself trapped in the vicious cycle of procrastination? You’re not alone. Procrastination is the art of delaying tasks, and mastering it can feel like you’re winning at life, except you’re not. But fear not, for there are ways to break free and actually get things done! Here are 14 proven strategies to do so.
1. Break It Down
Let’s be honest – we’ve all looked at our to-do list and thought it looked more like a mountain than a molehill! The trick is to slice that mountain into bite-sized pieces. If “clean the house” sends you running for the hills, try “vacuum the living room” instead. Smaller tasks are less intimidating and far more manageable.
2. The Pomodoro Technique
The Pomodoro Technique is an absolute recipe for success. Work for 25 minutes, then take a 5-minute break – it’s the perfect balance between productivity and not overworking your brain. This method keeps our focus razor-sharp and also makes sure your coffee doesn’t go cold. Who knew tomatoes (Pomodoro in Italian) could be so influential?
3. The Five-Minute Rule
If 25 minutes is too much for you, tell yourself you’ll only do it for 5 minutes instead. Chances are, once you start, you’ll keep going—it’s the getting started part that’s hard, not the staying in motion part. Plus, you can do anything for five minutes, right? Even if it is just pretending to work in your office chair!
4. Reward Yourself
Remember how, as a kid, the promise of ice cream could make you do just about anything? The adult version isn’t much different. Completed a task? Reward yourself with something small but satisfying, like a coffee break or a short walk. This little bribe to yourself can turn a mundane day of tasks into a treasure hunt for grown-ups.
5. Set Clear Deadlines
Without a deadline, you’ll probably just float around aimlessly with your tasks. Set a clear deadline for them, and suddenly, they have direction and urgency. Just make sure your deadlines aren’t “someday” because that day doesn’t exist on any calendar! Deadlines are the secret that’ll turn “I’ll do it later” into “Let’s do this now.”
6. The Two-Minute Rule
If you can do a task in two minutes or less, then there’s no excuse not to do it now. Don’t put it off. It’s surprising how many tasks we procrastinate on that actually take less time to do than we spend thinking about not doing them! This rule turns molehills back into molehills, so you can stop making mountains out of them.
7. Disconnect
The internet is a wonderful place, but unfortunately, it’s also a black hole for productivity. Take a break from social media or the internet entirely while you’re trying to complete a task. Your cat video quota will still be there when you’re done! It’s a kind of digital detox for the sake of getting stuff done.
8. Change Your Environment
Sometimes, a change of scenery is all it takes to refresh your mind and make you more productive. If you’re working from home, try going to a coffee shop or library. Just the act of moving to a new location can tell your brain that it’s time to get serious. It’s also a great excuse to wear something other than pajamas!
9. Tell Someone About Your Goals
There’s nothing like a little social pressure to get you moving, so tell a friend or family member about your goals. Suddenly, you’ll find yourself being accountable! Nobody wants to be the person who talks the talk but doesn’t walk the walk. It’s the best way to make sure you’ll actually do what you said you would.
10. Find Your Peak Hours
We all have those times when we’re more alert and those times when doing difficult tasks are a big no-no. Figure out what yours is and schedule your most challenging tasks for these golden hours. Work with your body’s natural rhythm, not against it, and you’ll surf the productivity waves like a pro.
11. Eliminate Perfectionism
Perfectionism is procrastination in disguise. It tells you, “If you can’t do it perfectly, why do it at all?” The answer is simple – because done is better than perfect. Remember that imperfection can be beautiful and more forward. After all, the Mona Lisa has no eyebrows, and it’s still a masterpiece!
12. Just Start
Usually, the hardest part is just beginning, so take the plunge and start somewhere – anywhere. Once you’re in motion, it’s easier to steer. You don’t have to see the finish line to know where you’re going. And who knows? That first step might just be the one that takes you on an unexpected journey of productivity.
13. Use Technology Wisely
There are so many apps designed to improve productivity and help you fight procrastination. So why are you not using them? One of the most popular ones is ‘Forest,’ which rewards you with a digital forest for doing your work. Of course, don’t spend a ton of time downloading productivity apps instead of actually doing your work!
14. Understand Your Procrastination
Sometimes, understanding why you’re procrastinating can be the key to overcoming it. Are you afraid of failure? Or perhaps it’s the fear of success? Take a little bit of time to work out what’s holding you back. Once you find the reason for your procrastination, you’ll be able to fight it head-on.
Don’t Let It Get You Down
Procrastination might seem impossible to overcome, but it’s really not. If you apply these 14 strategies, you’ll kick procrastination to the curb. Remember, the journey from procrastination to productivity isn’t about monumental shifts but rather about taking small steps consistently. So, break down your tasks and reward yourself!
Tamila McDonald is a U.S. Army veteran with 20 years of service, including five years as a military financial advisor. After retiring from the Army, she spent eight years as an AFCPE-certified personal financial advisor for wounded warriors and their families. Now she writes about personal finance and benefits programs for numerous financial websites.