As you get older… Do you feel like you tend to procrastinate more? I sure do. And the funny thing is, it’s totally not helpful because as I age I feel like some tasks take longer for me to get done than when I was a young whippersnapper. So in an effort to help us both, I’ve come up with a few ideas on how to stop procrastinating.
Now I just need to implement them! 😉
How to Stop Procrastinating
Complete the most dreaded thing first.
It’s like eating the kale off of your plate before you start on the mashed potatoes. It gets it over with, so you can move on and enjoy your day.
A journey of a 1000 miles starts with one step.
Isn’t that how the old saying goes? Well, the same is true for procrastinating. If a job seems overwhelming, just take the first step, then the next, and the next until it is done. Maybe cleaning out the basement can start with just one box?
Get a buddy.
No, this isn’t an intervention telling you you need more friends–just get a buddy who you go over your plans with and ask them to hold you accountable. It’s embarrassing to tell them you didn’t achieve your goals, so you will be more likely to get it done.
Set a timer.
I used to do this with the kids during clean-up time. They loved to race the clock. Try doing the same thing. Set a timer for a certain amount of time and see if you can complete the task. As Mary Poppins says, “For every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.”
Limit interruptions.
The phone creates a monster excuse not to get things done. Turn it off. Put it in the car. Whatever. Just don’t give yourself unnecessary reasons not to get the job done.
Set aside one non-procrastination day.
It’s the day you don’t get to do any procrastinating. Period. If you get enough done in that one day, you may be able to slack off guilt-free for the rest of the week.
Consider your work space.
If exercise is your goal and being at home distracts you {Ever been exercising and start looking around and seeing all of the things you really need to clean? I hate that.} move to a new location–walk outside or hit the gym. The same goes for any project–take the laptop to your favorite coffee shop to pay bills. Mix work and pleasure.
Forget the concept of good timing.
There is no such thing. Get it done–there will always be a million things going on in life, don’t let it be an excuse.
Create a to-do lists with times.
For example: 8:00-9:00 a.m. Walk the dog, 9:00-9:15 a.m., Brush hair 100 times, 9:15-9:45 a.m. Contemplate world peace. See how much you can fit into one morning? Once you see exactly what you CAN fit into a day, you may be less overwhelmed and more likely to complete them.
Build reward breaks into your day.
That way you have something guilt-free to look forward to. Maybe tell yourself once you have completed X,Y, and Z you can read or watch t.v. for 30 minutes {or whatever}.
Well, those are my 10 tips for how to stop procrastinating. Do you have any to add to the list?
~Mavis
J in OH-IO says
Yes, as I get older I kick the can down the road more and more about things that need done. Why I do I do this?.. I do not know because those things need to be done just the same! I am having to realize things take more time and energy and I am not a spring chicken anymore… trying to adjust to the new normal, too.
Hawaii Planner says
I’ve been told I’m really productive. For me, it’s just how I operate. No one in my family is great at “relaxing”, but I’m getting better now that I’m currently “Funemployed”. Generally, I work off of a to do list. What helps me is
1) having a routine.
2) planning my week ahead of time
3) having dedicated time slots for doing most of my chores
4) good habits help a lot. So, if I’ve journaled & done my Farsi lessons every morning at 8 am, I’m much more likely to keep going at that time. I’m very much a creature of habit.
5) Working out provides a lot of structure to my day (I go to a class) & gives me a lot of energy.
6) I get a lot of sleep, and have an early bed time
Amber says
Accepting “good enough” or “good for now” is helping currently. I procrastinate out of over thinking the task, the need for it to be perfect etc…
Bonnie in GA says
Happens to me to Amber. Lol…
Deb from Ohio says
Great points Mavis, I have some comments, but I’ll post tomorrow…
Kathy Wolfe says
I see what you’ve done there!! Funny!!
Katherine says
I put in my earbuds and listen to a good book while working my daily do list.
Mrs. C. says
This is very helpful, Mavis, thank you!
Cher says
I love to read, so I’ll often reward myself with a chapter of my current book for every chore I complete off my to do list. I get way more accomplished with this method than with just making the list!