You have important tasks on your plate, but something is keeping you from accomplishing them. Admittedly, these responsibilities aren’t the most fun, but they still need to be completed. If this sounds familiar, you’re procrastinating — and you’re certainly not alone.
It’s important to realize procrastinating is keeping you from reaching your goals. Admitting this to yourself is a great reality check because it requires you to be honest with yourself about actions keeping you from success. Here’s how to put an end to this negative behavior once and for all.
3 Tips to Stop Procrastinating
Recognize the Signs
It’s possible you don’t even realize you’re procrastinating. Identifying and acknowledging this behavior is the first step toward a positive change. A few key signs of procrastination include leaving an important item on your to-do list for a prolonged period, waiting for the ‘right time’ to complete a key task, and purposely spending your day carrying out low-priority tasks.
Get to the Root of the Problem
There’s a reason why you’re procrastinating. It’s important to understand why you’re exhibiting these behaviors, so you can make positive changes. For example, if being disorganized is causing this behavior, you can take steps to become less chaotic — i.e., start living by to-do lists.
It’s also possible you’re putting off tasks because they make you feel bored, overwhelmed, confused, or inadequate. Getting to the bottom of these feelings is important because being honest with yourself is the only way to learn and grow.
Take Measures to Overcome This Habit
After figuring out why you’re procrastinating, it’s time to make positive changes. You’ll need to develop entirely new habits, so don’t expect to stop procrastinating overnight. Instead, it’s best to take small steps to gradually shift into more positive behaviors.
Some of these strategies might involve scheduling a specific time to complete tasks you would otherwise procrastinate, giving yourself a reward for finishing difficult tasks, and taking on an accountability partner who will hold you responsible for completing challenging duties.
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