Procrastination is the act of unnecessarily postponing actions or decisions.

It affects approximately 20% of adults and can lead to missed opportunities, and increased stress in our lives.

Let’s talk about how to stop procrastinating.

How to Stop Procrastinating

• Get organized.
• Prioritize.
• Create a set plan, or have a set idea for completing your task.
• Eliminate distractions.
• Set goals and deadlines.
• Take a break, reward yourself.
• Hold yourself accountable.
• Celebrate your successes and achievements.

What are Some Signs of Procrastination?

• Feeling overwhelmed.
• Disorganization.
• Difficulty concentrating.
• Having uncertain or unrealistic goals.
• Being afraid of failure.
• Keeping negative beliefs.
• Becoming easily bored.

What is the Root Cause of Procrastination?

Many people procrastinate because they pursue perfectionism, and are fearful of doing badly at certain tasks. Many others are simply too disorganized with their time and don’t optimize their resources.

Is Procrastination a Mental Health Condition?

Procrastination isn’t considered a mental health condition, but several studies have linked procrastination to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem.

Why Do I Delay Doing Things?

One reason may be that we want to avoid feeling bad or negative, so we end up procrastinating about the task itself.

How we perceive the things we have to do, can lead to uncomfortable emotions about those tasks or goals, like anxiety, frustration, or insecurity.

You might fear rejection or failure. You could fear not doing great work and being poorly judged, or may feel inside that you don’t have the skills to complete the task.

Sometimes it can be as simple as not knowing where to begin.

What are Some Steps to Stop Procrastinating?

• Simplify your tasks.
• Scale down each task into smaller ones.
• Find a routine that works and stick to it.
• Recognize and reward your progress.

What’s the 2 Minute Rule?

This is a term coined by David Allen in Getting Things Done, and the two-minute rule states that “If an action will take less than two minutes, it should be done at the moment it’s defined.” Genius.

Final Thoughts

Personally speaking, I love that two-minute rule mentioned above, and have started using it around my home, so far so good.

Remember to simplify your task or job, and then try scaling down each job into smaller achievable tasks.

Get more organized, and create a plan on paper or in your mind. Then find yourself a routine that works and stick to it where possible. If it’s a daily task or your actual job we’re talking about, then this can set you up for success.

Recognize and reward your success and progress, and be happy for yourself when you’ve completed a challenging job or task.

Try out the two-minute rule mentioned above and let me know if it helps you with staying on top of small tasks.  

Read More:

How to Stop Procrastinating