Procrastination sucks, right? Well, you are not the only one who is suffering from it. 15%–20% of adults struggle with procrastination on a regular basis, and 25% of people view it as a defining personality trait. You might be thinking right now that it’s impossible for you to break your procrastination habits. Let us stop you right there. Although overcoming procrastination is tough, it is not impossible per se. In this article, Virtue Map provides a step-by-step process to help you beat procrastination.
1. Identify The Reasons Why You Procrastinate
Everyone has a reason they procrastinate, although it can be tough to find yours. It is the first step towards overcoming your procrastination. This requires much pondering and self-introspection. Fortunately, Virtue Map has listed some of the most frequent causes of procrastination below:
The first is to consider why you procrastinate in the first place. This can be difficult to determine, but it is important to start somewhere. Some common reasons for procrastinating include feeling overwhelmed, feeling like you don’t have enough time, or feeling like you don’t have the skills necessary to complete the task.
The second part of this question is how to identify the root of the problem. This is where things can get a bit more difficult. There are a few things that can help identify the root of the problem, but ultimately, it will be up to you to figure out what works best for you. Some things that can help include assessing your current work habits, breaking the task down into smaller chunks, and talking to someone about the problem. Some more tips include:
- Due to your fear, anxiety, or overwhelm, you may avoid difficult tasks.
- You may be struggling with a lack of motivation or a lack of confidence.
- It’s possible that you use laziness as a coping mechanism for difficult emotions or challenging tasks.
- You may be experiencing some self-doubt or self-criticism.
- It’s possible that you delay things to get out of difficult circumstances.
2. Determine The Steps You Need to Take To Overcome Your Procrastination
The second step is a plan that will help you reduce the amount of time you procrastinate. There are no scientifically proven five steps when it comes to this. There are a few things that can be done in order to overcome procrastination.
- Some people find that they need to set smaller goals instead of thinking about the entire project.
- They might also find that they need to break the project down into smaller tasks in order to make it more manageable.
- Additionally, it can be helpful to establish a specific day for completing the project, and to establish a time limit for completing the project.
- Finally, it can be helpful to find a support system, either through friends or online forums, in order to help keep you motivated.
Your action plan needs to focus on the main cause of your procrastination. Below, we have some tips that you can use to create a plan of action for yourself:
- Set a timer for a specific amount of time and start working.
- Know your WHY. What is the driving force behind your desire to achieve your goals?
- Set SMART goals (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound).
- Stay positive. Don’t let your ego get in the way of your success.
3. Set A Goal For Yourself And Make Sure You Keep Track of Your Progress
Creating an action plan won’t help you at all, no matter how detailed it is. You must put in the effort if you want to see the results. Thus, this section is dedicated to helping you understand the value of staying motivated and following your plan. To do so, creating an end goal would be great. It will serve as a lighthouse for you in total darkness.
Measuring results and making changes are also just as important. This way, you will have a complete record of where you started and how much progress you have made.
- Appreciate the small wins – Celebrate your progress and accomplishments that make you feel proud. Even small wins are important, as they encourage you to keep going.
- Set measurable goals – Breaking your success into manageable steps can help you stay on track.
- Take time for yourself – Celebrating your successes doesn’t mean you have to neglect your own needs. Therefore, make time for yourself to relax and enjoy your success.
- Find a support system – There are always people who can offer encouragement and support. Moreover, find someone you can share your successes with and lean on for support.
- Give back – Success doesn’t come easy, and giving back to your community or society can show your appreciation. Thus, volunteer some of your time or donate money to a worthy cause.
4. Stay Committed To Your Process, and Don’t Give Up on Yourself
You will be happier and more fulfilled if you stay committed to your goals. It’s also easier to stay committed when you have a clear plan and timetable for achieving your goals. Moreover, you will be more successful when you work together with others to achieve your goals.
Furthermore, when you stay committed, you will be less likely to give up when faced with difficult challenges. Staying committed is an important life lesson that can be applied to all areas of your life. Below are some ways to stay committed and not lose hope:
- First, you should set specific goals for yourself and make sure that you are clear about what you need to do in order to achieve these goals.
- Next, make a plan and timeline for how you will achieve your goals, and make sure to stick to these plans.
- Finally, keep track of your progress and celebrate your successes along the way.
Finally, remember that success takes time, but you can overcome your procrastination with diligence.
Conclusion
Ultimately, it would be best if you took the time to consider their mistakes and draw lessons from them. This can assist you in avoiding repeating the same errors and pave the way for greater success. Aside from that, it’s also important to be persistent and never give up. You will succeed if you maintain your positive attitude and put in the necessary effort. Last but not least, the Virtue Map suggests that you should always be thankful for what you have while still striving to improve your lot in life.
