Breaking The Habit of Procrastination

Procrastination – it’s a word that many of us are uncomfortably familiar with. It’s the nagging habit of delaying tasks, often resulting in stress, a sense of guilt, and a drop in productivity. But why do we procrastinate? And more importantly, how can we stop doing it?

What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or actions. It’s when you know there’s something important that you need to do, but you end up doing something else instead. We still find ourselves stuck in the procrastination loop despite knowing the potential negative impact.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to why we procrastinate. It often boils down to a mixture of factors. Here are some common reasons:

Perfectionism: Some people delay starting tasks because they fear they won’t be able to complete them perfectly.

Fear of Failure: Similar to perfectionism, this fear can make the task seem so daunting that we avoid even starting.

Lack of Motivation: If a task doesn’t inspire or excite us, we’re likelier to put it off.

Overwhelm: When a task seems too big or complicated, it’s easier to push it aside than to tackle it head-on.

Understanding why you’re procrastinating is the first step towards overcoming it. Once you’ve identified your triggers, you can start working on strategies to combat them.

Steps to Break the Habit of Procrastination

Break Down Your Tasks

Large tasks can appear overwhelming, which can lead to procrastination. To counter this, break down your tasks into smaller, manageable parts. For example, instead of writing a 10-page report, focus on writing one page at a time.

Use the “2-Minute Rule”

The “2-minute rule” is a strategy proposed by productivity consultant David Allen. If a task takes less than two minutes to complete, do it immediately instead of putting it off.

Prioritize Your Tasks

Not all tasks are created equal. Some are more important or urgent than others. Prioritize your tasks based on their importance and urgency. This method, known as the Eisenhower Matrix, can help you decide what to work on first.

Use Time Blocking

Time blocking involves dedicating specific time slots to individual tasks or types of work. This helps keep your day organized and reduces the chances of procrastination.

Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness involves staying present and focused on the task at hand. Practising mindfulness can reduce distractions and improve your focus, helping you overcome procrastination.

Seek External Accountability

Sometimes, knowing that someone else is expecting you to complete a task can be enough motivation to get it done. This could be a coworker, a manager, a friend, or even a family member.

Reward Yourself

Reward yourself when you complete a task. This creates a positive association with completing tasks and can motivate you to start and finish tasks more quickly.

Procrastination is a common problem, but it’s not insurmountable.

With understanding, self-awareness, and the right strategies, you can break the procrastination habit and become more productive. Remember, change doesn’t happen overnight. Be patient with yourself and celebrate your progress, no matter how small.

Ready to finally conquer your procrastination? At Startpoint Counselling, our expert counsellors have the expertise and real-life know-how to help you overcome this productivity killer and achieve the results you’ve been longing for. Call us now at 07 34581725 or click the button below to schedule a complimentary 15-minute phone call with one of our counsellors. Discover how we can transform your situation today.