Procrastinate No Longer

How often do you have a to-do list item that you think you should do, but you end up putting it off until later? Have you ever thought, “That can be my future self’s problem!”? Oftentimes people procrastinate on things like chores, errands, bills, hygiene, work projects, homework, relationship tasks or passion projects. Have you tried to use your will to overcome this procrastination habit but found it to be hard? Below are tips to help break through procrastination urges so you can get stuff done.
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How to Get Up and Get Stuff Done

1. Choose the task: If you do not have clarity on which task you want to do next, it can cause your brain to freeze up and not know where to start. If you do not know which task to start on, consider starting with the task that has the most time urgency. If time urgency is irrelevant, consider starting with the task that is the easiest one to accomplish to get momentum going.
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2. Boost motivation: It can help to add fuel to the motivation fire by asking yourself two questions: “What would be the benefits of starting this goal right now? What would be the disadvantages if I procrastinate and do not start this goal right now?” Answer those questions thoroughly and notice motivation start to rise.  ‍

3. Minimize distractions: Distractions can captivate our minds and pull us away from the tasks we need to accomplish. What possible distractions could interfere with you accomplishing this task? What steps can you take right now to eliminate or minimize those distractions? Take those steps now.
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4. Choose one procrastination tool: Pick one tool below to help you break through the urge to procrastinate so you can get stuff done.  

• Break this goal into smaller, more manageable chunks. Write down and schedule out when you will do each chunk of this goal. Set phone alarms for each chunk.
  
• Plan an enjoyable activity to reward yourself with afterwards.
  
• Challenge yourself to see how quickly you can get it done.
  
• Work on the goal with someone else to help get it done.
  
• Ask a supportive person to check in on you to ensure you completed the goal.
  
• Instead of avoiding the discomfort of doing this goal, accept it and be willing to carry it with you until completion. You got this, you can do it!
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5. Take one small step: Oftentimes, the hardest part of getting a task done is starting. People often say that if they can only start on the task, the momentum can carry them through it. Ask yourself, what is the first small step I can take towards accomplishing this task? Just take that first small step and let the momentum from the previous steps carry you to the end.