In today’s busy world, people want things accomplished as quickly as possible. Unfortunately sometimes, procrastination can get the best of people. The term procrastination simply means to put a task or other thing that needs to be done off until the last possible minute. This can cause all kinds of problems later down the line. There are some things people can do to eliminate or overcome procrastination.

Make a List

One good technique is to create a list of all of the benefits that can come from completing a particular task. This is a good motivator because it inspires people to reach their goal faster. If a clear vision of the positive results is in sight, there may be extra incentive to get it done.

Break It Up

For large projects or seemingly overwhelming tasks, a good way to reach the final completion is by breaking the project up into segments, usually some that take under an hour to finish. This makes the larger project seem less daunting, and makes each smaller task its own entity. Organizing things this way will help get little things done one small bit at a time, until the final, task is completed. Make a checklist and mark things off as you go. This way, it gives a sense of accomplishment and helps to better track progress.

Reward Yourself

Rewarding yourself at the end of a finished task is another excellent way to stay motivated. If you have that big school paper due, or a budget analysis at work, you can buy yourself that handbag or treat yourself and your loved ones to dinner once it’s completed. By thinking about the reward as a light at the end of the tunnel, it can help to get things done quicker. The satisfaction of knowing something is complete is often a reward in itself.

Tell Your Friends

Making others aware of a plan or goal is a good way to help move things along. By telling others, you’re made accountable for finishing the task at hand. They can also help to serve as reminders or check up on the progress of a goal in order to keep you on track. It also helps to tell other people so that perhaps they can help you get something accomplished more quickly, or just be there as a shoulder to lean on if things get difficult.

Just Say "No!"

A common problem with those who procrastinate is that they tend to get sidetracked rather easily. They will often lose sight of the more important goals in favor of other things, usually those that are easier or more fun. Try to say no to yourself if you find that you’re opting for that night out on the town when something is due the next day. Try to focus solely on the task at hand and remember that the other things can wait. Prioritizing is a good way to make sure the more essential tasks get finished first.

Post It

Another issue with procrastinators is that they often simply just forget to do things. Leaving small notes or reminders in various places can serve as a reminder to do things. Post-it notes on the refrigerator, alarms on a cell phone, or using a computer program to automatically send reminders are all good ways to keep things on track. Sometimes, a simple nudge is all it takes to get things moving forward in the right direction.

Make a Schedule

Perhaps most importantly for those who procrastinate is some kind of organized schedule. Set aside a specific time to get certain things done. For example, schedule each task for a certain time window on a day, or stretch it out over the course of several days. Creating a schedule can help to keep things in perspective, and encourage you to stick to the goal at hand. With a few simple steps, procrastination can be swept aside, and you’ll be able to finish any task that comes your way.

How to Stop Procrastinating

Procrastination Alternatives

Beating Procrastination

Overcoming the Problem of Procrastination

Procrastination/Time Management

Tip Sheet/Checklist

Benefits of Overcoming Procrastination

Getting Organized

Understanding Procrastination

How to Bust Through Procrastination

Advice for Procrastinators

Exercises and Tips for Overcoming Procrastination


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