We’ve all done it…. Put off a project that we are dreading doing for something that we absolutely don’t have to do. Procrastination… a habit we all seem to make time for every now and again.
So how do we stop it? Is there a way to break the cycle of procrastinating on projects? The great news is yes!! Here’s some great tips to get us all started down this path:
Remember that Done is Better than Perfect
Sometimes we hesitate to do something because we don’t feel we are ready to get it “just right” or perfect. Let’s be honest, we’re never going to get it perfect. In someone eyes, if not our own, there is always going to be something more or better we could do with a project. The most important thing is just to jump in it and do it. There’s no better way to get things done than to already be working on them. Momentum is a wonderful thing. So… just start and let the momentum grab you up!
Notice Where You Stop
Pay close attention to what stops you on a project. Is it the research? The phone calls? The writing? If you can pinpoint precisely where this point is, you can prepare yourself for this roadblock. Or, perhaps it’s something you can delegate to someone else. If it’s distractions that are pulling away your attention, remove them. Or, decide you have to make xx amount of progress before you will set aside some time for that distraction
Hold Yourself Accountable
Don’t just set goals, but tell your friends about them. There’s no better way to hold yourself accountable to your goals than there is to make them widely known. If you want, go one step further and promise someone if you don’t hit that goal that you will do something you really don’t want to do (i.e. wash their car weekly).
Own It
We often spread out projects to fit the time we are allotted. Instead, figure out how much time the project really takes and allot that amount of time for it. Use the extra time for fun activities and most of all, not worrying about the project!l Then, when the time comes to fit in the project, own like a boss!
How do you do with Procrastination?
Rock star? Rebel? Somewhere in between?
There are some great tips here! Honestly, I need to remind myself that done is better than perfect on a regular basis. I have always fought with perfectionist tendencies and it often leads to procrastinating on things that I could have long accomplished.
Me too Britt, me too. I need to learn to be happy with done much more often!
Great suggestions! I am going to implement them next time I find myself procrastinating.
Awesome – best of luck to you Tiffany!
Great post ! I noticed that I procrastinate before starting something, but once I started it’s way easier. I also try to do the « work for 2minutes » techniques when I’m procrastinating too much haha
You are so right Kit – starting is the hardest. Once you get your momentum going, it tends to get much easier!
These are some wonderful tips. I am the biggest procrastinator I know. Currently was considering taking a nap instead of working on things…until I read your post! Lol I need to do these things more often. Thanks for sharing.
You are welcome Shyla – glad it was helpful! 🙂
Love this!
I’m a huge ‘i’ve still got time’ person and then find myself rushing and not being happy with the outcome. I need to remember this post in future!
I hope it helps – that’s an awful feeling.
I really needed to read this right now. This is such a helpful and motivational post.
I’m glad you enjoyed it Kelly Diane!
Awww, procrastination, my oldest friend. Even though I’m always aware when I’m procrastinating, it still doesn’t stop me from doing it. I just try to procrastinate with another task that also needs doing
Procrastination is a tricky beast, isn’t it!
I enjoyed this post, procrastination is definitely a little devil sitting inside all of us lol!
xoxo Olivia | http://www.oliviaandbeauty.com
It sure is Olivia!! It can really sneak up on a person!
Top tips! I’m a serial procrastinator and definitely need to remind myself that done is better than perfect. I’m such a perfectionist and it can take my ages to do things like write a blog post as I spend so long planning it in my head. I need to just get on with it sometimes! Becca x
You’ve nailed it Becca!! Good luck! 🙂
Great ideas! I really agree with your first one about done being better than perfect. In most cases, you can usually go back and update at a later time.
Very good point Caitlin!
I love the notice where you stop tip. My friend reminds me of this often. There is a reason it is blocking you. Great tips.
Thank you Samantha – glad you enjoyed the article!
This is great advice! I do procrastinate on things I’m afraid won’t be perfect! You make a good point that someone may see it differently than me, and I just need to get to work. Thanks! 🙂
I keep repeating to myself done over perfect… it really is a great reminder to myself on projects! It helps me start and keep going
Great tips, Lisa! Lately, I guess I feel overwhelmed, and have been procrastinating a lot, so I needed to see your post and get me back on track again to be productive. The saying goes, “we get in our own way”. Thank you for sharing!
You are welcome Denise – my best to you on getting started. 🙂