Tips on how NOT to Procrastinate

Procrastination happens to all of us.

Whether we’re delaying paying a parking ticket, writing a paper, or simply getting out of bed, procrastination can be a bad habit to fall into and can end up causing our bodies a lot more stress then the original task at hand. Here are some tips to try next time you notice yourself procrastinating:‍

1. Set smaller goals

‍Having a huge goal can be daunting; especially when it’s not something we are looking forward to doing. The best way to start on completing the goal is to break it down into smaller, more “thought” friendly goals. This way your goals seem more attainable, and you never feel like you’re “biting off more then you can chew.” Your goals should always be specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and have a time frame (SMART). Having smaller goals allows you to celebrate your accomplishments more frequently, boosting your self-confidence and positive feelings toward yourself! Finally, find some sort of interest in what you are doing. We are always more inclined to do something we enjoy. If you can’t find enjoyment in your goal, give yourself rewards for completing each step, allowing you to remain excited about it.

2. Give specific deadlines for the goals

‍Goals require you to have a specific time frame when you would like them to be completed. By setting a time frame you’re giving yourself accountability towards the goal. If you decide on a time frame for yourself, then you are the only one to blame if it’s not completed. Often when we procrastinate we love to blame every aspect of the universe for not meeting our goal. Having a time frame will help you take accountability and responsibility for your actions.

3. Tell others about your goals

‍This next step partners with the accountability aspect of goals. This step is easy -tell someone about your goals! It’s always great to talk about what we hope to accomplish in the future and it’s even nicer to hear others reply, “You can do it!” When we tell someone about our goals we subconsciously become aware that someone else may be counting on us, even when it’s only a personal goal. This makes us jump into action and become more likely to work towards the completion of the said goal. I also highly suggest telling someone whom you are close with and who will ask you how your goal is coming along. This will give you constant reminders to get going, and keep going.

4.  Find someone who has a similar goal and work together

‍This step is very important. Motivation is essential to accomplishing your goals, and sometimes it can be hard to find. When you have someone near you with a similar goal you can feed off one another. It’s great for measuring how far you have come and how far you have to go. You can keep tabs on where the other person is, and compare that to where you are or where you would like to be. Humans are competitive in nature, having someone to “race” to the finish line beside you can stop procrastination in its tracks.

5. Don’t overthink it

‍Lastly, don’t overthink your goal. Overthinking can make us feel overwhelmed, which never helps us reach our target. Take a deep breath or a step back from the present. Look at how far you have come, and praise yourself for getting there. Look at your timeline and take it one day at a time! If you begin to feel discouraged, talk to your goal buddy and discuss how you’re feeling. There’s power in numbers!