4 Tips For Overcoming A Procrastination Habit
Everyone procrastinates sometimes. You might have a task ahead of you that you really don’t want to tackle. You’re tired. Maybe you’re daydreaming about something else. Whatever the case, occasionally putting something off isn’t usually a big problem, and you’ll get back on track quickly.
But, if you have a habit of procrastinating, it can negatively impact everything from your career to your personal life.
Putting things off until the last minute comes with plenty of risks. You might completely forget to do those things, you might fall behind in work, and people might start to think you’re unreliable and irresponsible.
So, what can you do to overcome a procrastination habit and hit the ground running?
1. Be Mindful Of The Present
If you want to kick your procrastination habit, you have to give yourself a clean slate. Don’t dwell on your procrastination mistakes of the past, and don’t beat yourself up over how they might have affected your life.
Instead, be mindful of where you are now. Stay focused on the present and the actionable steps you’re going to take to get things done. Forgive yourself for whatever actions might have kept you from staying on task before, and choose to move forward. That kind of forgiveness and self-compassion can take a huge weight off of your shoulders.
2. Set Small Goals
Sometimes, people procrastinate because the things they have to get done seem so overwhelming. But you can climb a mountain one step at a time, reaching smaller milestones along the way.
No matter what you have in front of you to do, break it down into smaller pieces. Set attainable goals for yourself that aren’t difficult to reach in a short period of time. When you reach every small goal, don’t be afraid to reward yourself.
As you hit those goals, you’ll get a boost of motivation. You’ll see that you can get things done, and it can inspire you to keep chipping away at the bigger picture.
3. Ask For Accountability
If you’ve been dealing with a procrastination habit for quite a while, you might need some help getting out of it at first.
Consider asking someone to hold you accountable. It could be a co-worker, family member, or friend. Have them check in on you from time to time to see how much progress you’ve made on your to-do list. Sometimes, knowing someone else is in your corner not only cheering you on but expecting you to get things done can be just the motivation you need to break out of a procrastination rut.
4. Take Control Of Your Inner Thoughts
Many people procrastinate because they tell themselves they “have” to get certain things done. This can make you feel like you don’t have any control over the situation. You’ll feel disempowered and maybe even a bit like a cog in a machine.
Instead, change your inner thoughts and your perspective on the things on your to-do list. Instead of “I have to do this,” say, “I choose to do this.”
It puts you in control of your own narrative, gives you a boost of self-esteem, and can even make you more passionate and focused about the tasks you’re tackling.
If you’re still struggling with procrastination, one of the best things you can do is to figure out why you’re putting things off. There are some common reasons for procrastination. Some include perfectionism, finding particular tasks boring or unenjoyable, or feeling uninspired. But, if something deeper in your life is causing you to feel distracted or unmotivated, recognizing the problem and talking to someone about it can make a big difference. Contact us today to schedule a consultation about teen therapy.
