Procrastination is a universal struggle that can hinder productivity, creativity, and personal growth. Having battled this habit, I understand the frustration and the toll it can take on one’s ambitions and well-being. It’s not an easy road to learn how to stop procrastinating, but that doesn’t mean it’s not manageable.
Over time, I’ve learned about many strategies that have seriously helped me kick the habit; because of that, I’ve managed to get where I am today! I still struggle with this from time to time…I’m a human being after all, but I have proved to myself that I am capable of being more efficient. That means that if I can do it, you can too! Continue reading if you want to know the best way to combat procrastination.
Table of Contents
1. Figure Out Why You’re Procrastinating
To learn how to stop procrastinating you need to figure out the root cause.
The reason why people procrastinate is different for everyone. Usually, procrastination is a symptom of a bigger issue, and you need to understand what that is before you can improve.
Sometimes we put things off because we are afraid of not living up to our standards. Other times, the issue stems from a lack of motivation. In any case, the way forward is learning to tackle those issues head-on.
The key is changing your original mindset on the matter. If you struggle with a fear of your work not being perfect, then it would be a good idea to reframe the way you think about things. You could find ways to put less pressure on yourself, which would motivate you more to finish what you started.
On the other hand, if you struggle with motivation in the first place, then you need to stop waiting for motivation to come to you. More often than not, motivation is more about discipline than a feeling you wake up with. Sometimes, the best thing to do is push yourself to make the first step – and motivation will soon follow.
It’s also important to note that ADHD can cause a lack of motivation, especially if the task is boring. The good news is that all of these tips are also helpful for those who struggle with ADHD…I would know because I do too!
2. Break Tasks Into Smaller Steps to Learn How To Stop Procrastinating
This is extremely important if you want to stop delaying your tasks and properly learn how to stop procrastinating!
When you start working on something, it’s important to try and break down that task as much as possible. If you start a task without any guidance whatsoever, chances are you will end up feeling overwhelmed.
This is similar to how we are taught to plan an essay out before writing it. Usually, we break down an essay into an introduction, body, and conclusion. This makes it easier for our brain to compile the information needed to complete the essay.
Once you see every component of your task, you’ll find it easier to complete it. This also removes the pressure of finishing a task all in one go. You could start one part of the task during the morning, and finish another part the next day or even later on in the day.
This can be done with anything, not just work. If you know you need to clean the house, you can divide the tasks based on each room, allowing you to be more organized and efficient.
3. How To Stop Procrastinating: Set Specific Goals and Deadlines
Setting goals for yourself is how you can ensure that you act on what you plan to do.
Sometimes setting goals is difficult, especially for those who suffer from executive dysfunction. Thankfully, there’s a specific goal-setting system that works for everyone – even those who find it difficult to do so.
SMART goals are a great way to set realistic goals whilst also ensuring a deadline to keep yourself accountable. Every letter in the ‘SMART’ acronym stands for a criteria that your goal needs to have. I will briefly explain each goal in the list below.
- S– Specific: This means that you need to explain your goal in detail. Instead of being vague, you have to go into a bit more detail.
- Good Example: To Study From Topics 1-5 of Biology
- M – Measurable: Your goal needs to be measured by some kind of progress. This can also include any additional steps you need to take for the goal.
- Good Example: To Study From Topics 1-5 of Biology Using Colour Coded Notes and Short Points.
- A – Achievable: You need to check what resources you have available to help you achieve your goal. This could be anything from checking you have enough time, to being more realistic about what you can manage.
- Good Example: To Study From Topics 1-5 of Biology Using Colour Coded Notes and Short Points. I will highlight topics that I find more challenging.
- R- Realistic/Relevant: Every step we add to our goal is supposed to help us achieve it. The ‘R’ in SMART is similar to the ‘A’. Essentially, you need to make sure that you can achieve your goal whilst also being realistic about how you will achieve it.
- Good Example: To Study From Topics 1-5 of Biology Using Colour Coded Notes and Short Points. I will highlight topics that I find more challenging and study at least 30 minutes a day.
- T- Time-Based/Bound: This is where your deadline comes in. Knowing when this goal should be achieved by helps to keep yourself accountable. If you never set an end date for the goal, chances are you won’t reach it.
- Good Example: To Study From Topics 1-5 of Biology Using Colour Coded Notes and Short Points. I will highlight topics that I find more challenging and study at least 30 minutes a day. The topics will be finished by the end of March.
Whilst this is a good start to creating your goals, I suggest you read my in-depth guide on SMART goals for optimal success.
4. Create A Daily Planner
Planning your day might seem tiring and unnecessary, but it can help you stay true to your goals. The ability to stay true to your goals will help you in your journey on learning how to stop procrastinating.
Learning how to combat procrastination requires a little bit of discipline. Using a planner can help you plan the parts of your day that will be spent working on your goal.
If you’ve followed this guide and broken your task down into smaller parts, then you can work those into your schedule. You can set specific times in your day for finishing ‘task A’, and also for tasks B, C, etc.
It might be a good idea to specify the tasks in pencil, so you can rub it off if you haven’t managed to finish one task before another.
I suggest reading my detailed guide on creating a daily planner for best results!
5. Practise Self Care
If you’re trying to learn how to stop procrastinating but keep being hard on yourself during the process, you’re causing yourself unnecessary pressure.
Nourishing your needs is just as important as working on your tasks, without one you can’t expect to do the other.
Simply taking some time out of the day to have a nice bath, reading a great book, or watching your favorite shows are all ways you can practice self-care. The trick is to keep your work life and free time in balance, which the previous tip can help you with!
Remember, you’re a human being, not a machine! It’s okay to listen to your body sometimes and take a break when you need it. You’ll work better by taking care of yourself, and your body will thank you for it!
Conclusion
Learning how to stop procrastinating is not an easy road, but it’s one worth taking if you want to feel more satisfied in your life. I’ve personally struggled with procrastination all throughout my life, and although I’ve improved, I still fall back sometimes.
Remember that change takes time, and it’s important to be patient with yourself. Celebrate your progress, no matter how small, and keep moving forward. With these strategies, you can truly start learning how to stop procrastinating and live a happier and more successful life.
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