Three simple actions to beat procrastination

Most people procrastinate either because it is easier to stay where they are or they are afraid of change. Both are part of the same problem and without intervention and positive actions you could 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. If you start changing small daily routines and get used to this, you will find it easier to make even bigger changes.

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

• Get up a little earlier and create more time.

• Move furniture round in a room.

• Try shopping somewhere different and cooking something new.

• Try a new activity or pastime, baking, cooking, golf, Tai Chi, writing. 

• Anything different to the 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 in order to achieve it.

• Be realistic about how much time you need to allow?

• Is anyone going to help you and if so ask them and schedule the time for them?

Make sure you have the resources to complete the task.

Create the domino effect

Every time you achieve a task and it has taken effort, you will feel a sense of achievement and purpose and this feeling is what will help you to keep up the momentum. Once you have achieved your first task, you must pick your next task and follow the same routine. If you do this properly you can’t fail, but you must stick to a plan. It is the ‘Can do’ attitude that you are trying to establish, and with this you will 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 you can’t seem to move forward 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 the start on your chosen task. The first step is always the hardest, once you start the process, momentum will keep you going.

Extra contemplation

If you think your dreams and goals are very ambitious and difficult to achieve, then you may need much more confidence and thorough planning to achieve them. You could benefit from using a Life Coach who would help guide you through a process.

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