procrastination habit solutions
All too often in life, as responsibilities pile up, the urge to procrastinate grows stronger. Adults and teens alike experience this phenomenon — leading to stress, anxiety, and feelings of guilt or shame. Tragically, stress and anxiety are precisely the feelings that feed our desire to procrastinate. You might think of this as a variation on the fight-or-flight instinct — procrastination is most assuredly our flight instinct taking over. By burying our heads and ignoring our obligations, we manage to escape the stress of the task at hand — but the consequences of that decision only serve to make the situation worse.

In today’s article, we’ll explore six ways you can overcome a procrastination habit and master the art of making progress.

1. Keep Things Simple

Often, we’re most likely to procrastinate when faced with a task that seems too big or too complex to tackle. This is especially the case for people whose excitement when starting tasks often leads them to grand, towering designs and complicated ideas.

Think about two people assigned the job of building a set of stairs. One set is a straightforward, simple set of stairs, while the other includes grand ideas about decorative woodworking and scrollwork. For various reasons, the person with the simple plan is more likely to complete the task. The person with the more complex plan is likely to stall out and lose steam. With that in mind, focus on keeping your plans and goals realistic to overcome procrastination.

2. Big Tasks, Small Steps

When you are faced with a big project or task that can’t be streamlined or simplified, the best way to overcome the urge to procrastinate is to start by breaking it down into smaller steps. Each of these steps alone may not feel like much of an accomplishment, but focusing on bite-sized steps can help build motivation to keep moving forward.

3. Take Frequent Breaks

Burnout often contributes to procrastination when working on longer tasks. The best way to combat burnout is to build frequent breaks into your work schedule. Whether you’re cleaning up around the house, working on a project at work, or doing something artistic for yourself, make sure you take breaks to keep your brain and body well-rested.

4. Set Reminders

Many people who procrastinate do so unintentionally. They find ways to keep themselves busy without realizing it, causing chores and obligations to pile up. Setting regular reminders is a good way to keep yourself honest. Commit to making progress on tasks when those reminders pop up, regardless of whatever else might be going on.

5. Plan Ahead

People who procrastinate may find themselves sidetracked when they sit down to work when they realize they’re missing tools or other prerequisites for making progress. Accordingly, it’s important to set aside time for planning and create a checklist of the information, items, and people you may need to complete the task at hand.

6. Focus on Good Enough

Perfectionism is the bane of progress. It’s easy to get caught up in the trap of wanting something to be perfect — but perfection is often unattainable. Writers may labor for hours over a sentence that readers will gloss over while pulled along by the larger plot. Artists may scrap a masterpiece over a shaky line that others might never notice. Your job is not to make something perfect — it’s to bring it into existence. Focus on getting things done. Once you’ve completed the task, you can always return and improve it.

Schedule an Appointment

You’re not alone if you’re struggling with procrastination. We all have trouble staying on task at times. Procrastination exists as part of a cycle fueled by anxiety and stress, making it a habit that’s difficult to overcome. Don’t put off finding a solution. Reach out today to make an appointment. It’s time to start living life instead of avoiding it.