Three simple ways to beat procrastination

Most people procrastinate either because it is easier to stay where they are, or because they are afraid of change. Both can be part of the same problem, and without intervention and positive action, you may end up staying where you are.

“If you do what you have always done, you get what you have always gotten.”  - Tony Robbins

Here are three simple actions that might help get you moving.

Action one

Getting used to change is the key, and learning to embrace it can start small. If you begin by changing small daily routines and get used to this, you may find it easier to make bigger changes.

Write a short list of little changes you can make to your weekly and daily routine:

• Get up a little earlier and create more time.
• Move furniture around in a room.
• Try shopping somewhere different and cooking something new.
• Try a new activity or pastime, such as baking, cooking, golf, Tai Chi or writing.
• Do anything that feels different to your normal routine.

Action two

Choose a small task that you have been putting off for a long time.

• Set a time for when you will do the task.
• Plan out everything you will need to do to achieve it.
• Be realistic about how much time you need to allow.
• Is anyone going to help you? If so, ask them and schedule the time with them.

Make sure you have the resources to complete the task.

Create the domino effect

Every time you achieve a task that has taken effort, you may feel a sense of achievement and purpose. This feeling can help you keep up the momentum.

Once you have achieved your first task, pick your next task and follow the same routine. If you do this properly, you give yourself a much better chance of moving forward, but you do need to stick to a plan.

It is the “can do” attitude that you are trying to establish, and with this you can slowly beat procrastination.

Action three

Visualise success

This will help you be successful with action two, as a motivator to start the process. Think of something you really want to achieve but can’t seem to move forward with for whatever reason.

• Imagine you are there and you have what you want. Enjoy this image.
• How does it feel to be there? Immerse yourself in these feelings.
• What can you see or hear as you achieve it?

Now hold onto these feelings and use them to make a start on your chosen task. The first step is often the hardest. Once you start the process, momentum can help keep you going.

Extra contemplation

If you think your dreams and goals are very ambitious and difficult to achieve, then you may need more confidence and thorough planning to achieve them. You could benefit from working with a life coach who can help guide you through the process.

But don’t underestimate the power of making the first move to beat procrastination, however small it is.