We live in a very fast-paced world where everything is needed to be done now. Despite this great urgency we tend to find time to delay tasks. Even the most urgent ones. It is always refreshing to watch inspirational videos and get an insight from a blog as to how to stay organized and how to be more productive. We often leave feeling as if we can conquer everything we have been procrastinating about only to find ourselves back where we started a few hours earlier.
“You can’t just turn on creativity like a faucet. You have to be in the right mood. What mood is that? Last-minute panic”.
― Bill Watterson
To help you identify why you may be procrastinating we are going to do an exercise as you read this article. Take out your notebook and make note of which particular causes are most relevant to your life. Take a moment to think about it and see which of the following resonates with you. As you go along, jot down which proposed causes apply to your experience of dealing with procrastination. The end result is you overcoming this problem by stopping it dead in its tracks and beginning to experience extraordinary and productive days.
Steps to Eliminate Procrastination
1. Stress Management
Stress is a natural part of our everyday activities. Some people manage their stress level well, while others struggle daily with stress related issues. Stress can be caused by both good and bad experiences. This is reflected in how our bodies respond to demands placed on it. When people feel stressed by external situations the body releases chemicals into the blood which impacts daily activities. This may show up as lack of energy prohibiting simple tasks from being accomplished.
Solution: Identify the Cause of Your Stress
Whether it is good stress or bad stress identifying why you feel the way you do will help. If it is preventing you from getting things done – ask yourself…Is this something I can change? If yes, begin working on making the changes that will ensure you moving towards a healthy stress level. If it is something you cannot do anything about, it is best left alone. Quit wasting valuable time and move on. Time is priceless.
“If you choose to not deal with an issue, then you give up your right of control over the issue and it will select the path of least resistance.”
― Susan Del Gatto
2. Identify Causes of Low Energy Levels
Everything we do requires some form of energy. Have you ever noticed that you may be experiencing a high level of energy when it comes to some tasks and low energy when you even think about taking on other tasks? Is the task overwhelming and time demanding? Does it require additional assistance and, if so, have you asked a friend or co-worker to assist?
Identifying your energy level could also point to unhealthy lifestyle practices. Are you getting sufficient sleep? What about your diet. Are you eating foods that encourage lethargy? Your lifestyle can be a huge factor in how inclined you are to get started on simple tasks.
Solution – Lifestyle Change
Start working on developing a healthier lifestyle. Change your sleep habits. Ensure you educate yourself on proper eating habits and begin to make healthier meal choices. Add some exercise to your daily routine. The key is to find a balance that works for you. If you have made adjustments to these factors without experiencing a change then you should consider booking an appointment with a professional. There just may be hidden causes contributing to low energy that require comprehensive medical treatment.
“Nothing is born into this world without labor.”
― Rob Liano
3. Lack of Focus
A lack of focus in life is another cause of procrastination. Many persons wander through their days without direction and without focus. What is your purpose in life? What are your goals? If you are unable to answer these questions then without a doubt you will lack the needed focus to finish tasks well.
Solution: Divide your day
For many of us, our day starts with opening our eyes and reaching for our gadgets (cell phone, iPad etc.). We take a few minutes to check on our social media pages, respond to comments, reply to WhatsApp messages, post an update or read the news.
Start your day with a plan. This sounds so cliché. Our ever-growing “To Do List” never seems to stop growing especially when we keep procrastinating and not taking action to strike off tasks as completed. Nevertheless, keep adding to the lists. Prioritize tasks by using numbers or colour codes. Break your list down further into due dates/timelines and ensure you are realistic. As part of checking your phones also hop onto notepad and write down from your tasks, three (3) things you will accomplish daily, consider two (2) before noon and one (1) in the afternoon. Make this part of your daily morning routine.
“You can dance in the storm. Don’t wait for the rain to be over before because it might take too long. You can do it now. Wherever you are, right now, you can start, right now; this very moment.”
― Israelmore Ayivor
4. Eliminate the Fear of Failure
Failure is guaranteed if we do not (attempt to) start. In my personal experience, I have discovered that my fear of failing prevented me from starting. I did not want to experience failure. Self-doubt spiralled my procrastination and some tasks were just listed but never explored. If you fear the consequences of failing, then a logical extension of this is a disinclination to take action.
Solution: Hold yourself accountable
Accept that failure is not fatal. It gives us the opportunity to learn and try again. It also teaches us accountability for one’s own actions. It is pointless if we do not hold ourselves accountable. You cannot blame your co-workers, children, husband or anyone else when you fail. Accept and move on. Remember the task you listed is important to you. If it is that completion of this task depends on the input of someone else find a middle ground to get them to give you some assistance. In this case setting a date to discuss and implement timelines would be a great way to start. While you work
on this task add another that will not require external assistance.
“Someday is not a day of the week.”
― Janet Dailey
5. Reward Yourself
Setting goals and targets is the easy part. Achieving them is the hard part. When you meet a huge target ensure you reward yourself accordingly as encouragement to keep going. Not every task can be rewarded but occasionally relax and enjoy the fruits of your labor.
“Your Life Is Happening Right Now: Don’t let procrastination take over your life. Be brave and take risks. Your life is happening right now.”
― Roy T. Bennett,
Written by – TBW Inspiration & Travel Writer
Donna Hunter
