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What's the best way to overcome procrastination?

12 Answers
Last Updated: 07/28/2020 at 12:10am
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Top Rated Answers
theJoker1
May 6th, 2015 8:22am
First step is to work out why you are procrastinating. Most common reason is that the task is unpleasant. In this case, have an enjoyable activity as a reward to the unpleasant one. The next reason is organization. Having things organized and having a routine,to do lists..etc keeps you from procrastinating. Another reason is confidence. You may not feel confident that you're going to complete the task. It is helpful to remember that you're not going to complete it anyway if you don't start it. If you start it, there is a possibility that you might complete. Next reason is that you're a perfectionist. You either do things perfectly or don't do at all. The final reason is that you are afraid to take a decision. It can be helpful to talk to people and weighing the pros and cons to assist you in decision making. It is important that you find the reason for your procrastination and work on it.
Apricate
September 21st, 2015 6:39pm
Hey there, I hear you! Procrastination is something that I struggle with too. Here are some techniques that have helped me out, perhaps they could help you too :) 1. Break tasks down into smaller tasks. It's difficult to get started when you think of having to, say, read a huge textbook. It's easier when you just think of having to read one page, and then another page, and then another. 2. Start with the tasks you enjoy most. This gives me motivation to get started, and once I complete these tasks, I am more motivated to do my next tasks (plus I feel less guilty because at least I've completed something!) 3. Reward yourself. Even if it is for completing something small. 4. Identify why you are procrastinating. Personally, I tend to procrastinate most when it is something that I care very much about, because I am worried that I will perform badly. Understanding why I procrastinate helps me to address these underlying issues. For example, I can work through my worries and realise that my fears are unfounded - and this would in turn reduce my procrastination. 5. Identify your methods of procrastination and prevent your access to them. I use Chrome and I downloaded an add-on called StayFocusd which I used to block websites like Facebook. This really helped! I hope these can help you in overcoming procrastination! All the best :)
Anonymous
February 1st, 2015 7:24pm
I'll tell you later. Haha, just kidding. The most simplistic explanation is that we who procrastinate typically put off things we don't want to do. But, the reality is often much more complex. For example, I may be really motivated to have a bowl of ice cream, but not if it means I have get off my comfy sofa and drive all the way out to the ice-cream parlor to get some! It's really the sufficient imbalance toward the forces of action that is key to overcoming procrastination. There's often an internal competition between opposing forces; those in favor and those opposed. The most successful procrastinators (those who can't seem to get things done) have found the sweet spot just on the other side of responsibility. If you want to overcome procrastination, find someone or something to join the opposing team. A dog that needs walking and won't take 'later' for an answer can be a good partner, unless you're a really, really dedicated procrastinator (ew!) The summons-issuing township sidewalk inspector can be remarkably effective convincing you to shovel your snow NOW! You get the idea. If you can't seem to find the motivator to get you out of your situation, then you haven't ruined your life sufficiently to warrant the necessary changes. You may have convinced yourself that the benefits of, say, living in a pig sty outweigh the benefits of joining society. It's your life. If, however, you're convinced that change is in your best interest - and your post implies that you do - you might with to seek some help from those trained and experienced to help in this area. It can be as simple as a book with ideas on how to start, it can be a therapist or both. Later! er, I mean, good luck with that.
cristiana33
October 8th, 2015 6:45pm
You just need to realize what exactly makes you passionate. Don't think so much about what it's there to avoid, think more about what's there to increase your energy and your passion for a certain thing.
friend4ever
April 2nd, 2015 8:56pm
List of the to-do list for the day and decide your priorities. This way we can avoid missing any urgent work
PoliteOcean
September 6th, 2015 8:30pm
There is no one answer fits all. Perhaps making a list or prioritizing things to do can help. You could try tackling things one by one, in order, or taking things day by day. If you put a plan in place it may not seem so overwhelming.
Anonymous
September 29th, 2015 2:27am
Put away the phone! use good study methods such as a yummy snack once you get an answer right! good luck!
iouty
December 22nd, 2015 7:15am
The best way to overcome procrastination, is to set yourself a time table. It is also best to implement strategies to help you, through an award system, if there is a task that you really do not want to get through. It is very beneficial to know where your hard work will lead to and how you can best find a way to succeed in your goals.
Anonymous
December 22nd, 2015 11:06am
Take a plunge and do what you keep postponing. Don't think of the outcome and just do it. Be the moment.
Christiana77
August 8th, 2016 11:19am
Decision to stop it. Discipline yourself. Intentionally do things "right now" instead of waiting till later. It's an habit and not a disease, so it sure can be controlled.
Anonymous
June 19th, 2018 12:15am
to overcome procrastination, it is a good idea to set goals. try to eliminate as many distractions as possible to maintain focus.
sunflowerzz2020
July 28th, 2020 12:10am
The best way to overcome procrastination is by setting a schedule as soon as a task is presented. By breaking a project into several smaller tasks it can be much less painful and overwhelming to accomplish. Planning to get the task done well before it’s due date will ensure that you are not rushing to finish it at the very end. Bite sized tasks seem much less daunting than having to do everything at once , and as a bonus, it is usually done better than if you wait until the very end. Rewarding yourself with something fun after every small task can make them more fun to accomplish.