Procrastination is something everyone faces in some degree. For some, procrastination may come from a fear of failure, being overwhelmed by an intensive project or becoming distracted. But no matter its cause, procrastination delays action and impedes success. Here are four suggestions to destroy procrastination before it starts.
1. Do not settle for less – A general lack of passion for a job or a task can lead to procrastination. When you settle for less everything feels unimportant. Find joy and purpose in your work – look for what is good and satisfying in everything you do. Enthusiasm for even the most meticulous and menial task can give you a powerful drive to do your best – to take action and reach your goals.
2. Decide on clear goals or plans of action – People often procrastinate when they do not have a clear direction. Determine what it is you want to accomplish and then set actionable goals about how you will do it. Break your objectives into smaller more achievable milestones so you can measure your progress along the way. Remember to take it one step at a time.
3. Develop a support system – Many people try to do everything themselves, without outside support. If you are one of these people, it can sometimes feel like the weight of the world is on your shoulders. But you can decide to not carry your burdens alone. Develop a support system. Tap into a mentor, role model or advisory group can to effectively lift, guide and support you. Motivation increases when you surround yourself with like-minded people who care about and uplift one another.
4. Determine your priorities – Many times our list of things to do become so overwhelming that we do not even know where to start. Prioritise your goals and tasks in a way that makes sense for you. Be sure to include the most important or impending goals at the top of the list. Creating a daily to-do list can also be a great way to stay focused.
Procrastination can keep any of us from being successful, but with passion, simple planning techniques and support from peers, it can be overcome. So let’s destroy procrastination!
