10 Simple Steps to End Procrastination

Procrastination is the bane of many people’s existence. Putting things off until later only leads to having more things to do when later comes. By learning simple ways to stop procrastination, you can become much more organized and experience much less anxiety. Instead of leaving things for later, learn these simple ways to end your procrastinating ways and feel better for it.

  • The first thing that you should do is to make a daily list of things that you need to do. Every morning you should tackle your To Do list and make sure that you finish everything on it. This will help you to sleep better at night and you will be able to see everything that you have gotten accomplished throughout your day.
  • Take a long look at your list and make sure that it is not overwhelming. A good rule of thumb is to only include 10 things per day on your list. If you have more than 10 things that you feel must be done, then filter through the list and only leave the things that are of the utmost importance for that specific day.
  • Do not include things on your list that are givens. Things such as taking out the garbage, doing dishes or laundry, and personal hygiene are givens. You know that these things will be done, so save your list for the more important matters at hand.
  • If you have things that could possibly be done by someone else, then let them do it. Delegation is a wonderful thing when used properly.
  • Plan your list ahead of time. Do not wait until morning to make your list. Sit down the night before, or better yet, make a week’s worth of lists. Putting off your list is procrastinating and that is exactly what you are trying to stop.
  • Do not make excuses. No matter what the reason that you feel you need to ignore your list, don’t. Excuses are the number one reason for procrastination.
  • Do the things that you dislike first. Whatever is on your To Do list, there are likely things that you do not want to do for various reasons. Get them out of the way first and you can begin to enjoy the rest of your day.
  • Remember that no one is perfect. The quest for perfection is one of the main reasons for procrastination. Remember that you are not perfect and if you make a mistake just fix it and go on.
  • Do not get caught up in tomorrow. Tomorrow may never come. You should live your day as if you have no tomorrow. Do not put things off until a time that you do not know will come. Do them now and when tomorrow does come, you can enjoy it so much more.
  • When you are finished with your tasks, give yourself a treat. Realize that you have accomplished something grand and treat yourself for your good job. Giving yourself positive re-enforcement will help you to tackle your next list with less apprehension.

Overall just remember that everyone must learn their own strategies for stopping procrastination. The main thing to remember is that you never have a better chance to change yourself than now. Do not put it off; begin to stop your procrastinating ways today.

 

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Anonymous's picture

Keep track of how much time

Keep track of how much time you spend on email. Email can lead to a lot of procrastination and you don't even realize that's what you're doing.

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