4 Simple Ways to Beat Procrastination

Everyone knows what to do but very few actually do what they know. Knowledge alone is not of great value. It is the implementation that beings value. This is where people run into a major roadblock. We call it procrastination. We don't feel like doing something so we decide to postpone it because that's the easier option. But unless you can do things now, you have a very low chance of being successful in life. So how exactly do you beat procrastination ? Read on to find out !

One of the biggest reasons for procrastination the size of the task. There are just so many things to do. Additionally, you don't know how to complete the task either. This makes it seem impossible. So to avoid dealing with it, you postpone it. In the end, you never actually accomplish the task.

Problem

This attitude is like trying to eat an entire meal in a single bite. You need to eat one spoonful at a time.

Solution

Break your task down into smaller goals. Set several milestones for yourself. If you think of the entire journey, you might feel overwhelmed. So just focus on your next milestone. Reward yourself for every small milestone that you reach. Once you get there, you can figure out what to do next. Every completed task will also give you a sense of confidence. It will boost your morale and keep your spirits high. And as long as you are motivated and inspired, you will easily be able to beat procrastination.

Example

While studying, don't worry about how you will finish the entire syllabus. Just focus on finishing one chapter. Once you do that, reward yourself. Then focus on the next chapter.

You're the average of the 5 people you spend most of your time with. So if you spend all your time with 5 lazy people, you will become the 6th one. You will start wasting your time and indulging in unproductive activities.

On the other hand, ambitious people aren't lazy. They are excited about life. They do things that make them feel alive. They are focused and work aggressively towards their goals. They value their time and use every second of it judiciously. These are the kind of people you need to surround yourself with.

Choose your circle wisely

Avoid people who try to drag you down. Spend your time with people who push you to be better. Be with the people who inspire you to be the best version of yourself.

There is a huge problem in terms of our mindset. We usually think of work as a horrible thing. We dread days where we have a lot to do. But this is very far from the truth. Work is an opportunity to improve yourself. It takes you one step closer to your dreams. It is the bridge between where you are and where you want to go.

Example

If you want to lose weight, you will have to exercise regularly. If you look at your workout as a boring chore, you are less likely to do it. But if you look at it as an opportunity to lose weight and achieve your goal, you will be excited about it. You will find a way to do it no matter what.

If you think about it, the days when you are productive you feel really good about yourself. But when you just procrastinate all day, you don't feel great. So stop looking at work through a negative lens. Embrace it with joy and excitement. The work might just be a means to achieve a certain goal that brings joy. But, it is important to enjoy the process as well.

This technique deals with beating procrastination at the roots. This is not a quick fix. It requires careful planning and execution of activities.

It is important that your goals have the right amount of difficulty. If it is too easy, you will find it boring. If it is too hard, you will burn out and give up. Feeling bored or feeling burnt out eventually leads to procrastination.

Solution

It is important to find that sweet spot. Your goal must require you to step out of your comfort zone. It must challenge you to push your limitations. But this must be done progressively. You do not lift a 5 kg dumbbell and directly jump to a 50 kg dumbbell. You should slowly increase the difficulty. This gives your mind and body enough time to adjust to the increased load. Remember that improvement does not happen overnight. It takes time.

Be honest with yourself

People usually overestimate or underestimate their capabilities. This leads to setting goals that are too easy or too difficult for them. Hence, they become procrastinators. To avoid falling into this trap, honestly evaluate yourself. Understand your current level of skill. Ask yourself if the goal you've set is reasonable. Be open to making changes as you progress. This will ensure that you are operating at the right level of difficulty.