Beat Procrastination Today

Most people put things off. It’s not always because the tasks are unimportant or there isn’t enough time – sometimes it just feels better to procrastinate. But you wouldn’t be reading this article if you were okay with procrastination. Below are 5 strategies for overcoming procrastination. You should implement them now!

Visualize success

Many scientific studies have shown that visualization has a measurable impact on the success of the person visualizing. Many athletes will visualize the perfect shot or movement and it builds a type of mental muscle memory.

You can take advantage of this principle by visualizing how great it will feel to be done with the task at hand. Take a moment and imagine what it will feel like to be done with what is in front of you. The stress is gone and you’re receiving accolades from every department. Visualization can help you feel motivated to take the first step.

Make action steps

Have you ever tried to cook a dish without a recipe? Unless you’ve made it dozens of times, it’s tough to make it through without a disaster. The same holds true when working on projects. Creating action steps tell you what’s coming up and can keep you moving when things get a little overwhelming and help you overcome procrastination when it starts creeping its way back in.

Take the first step

Now that you’re excited to finish the project and you know exactly what needs to be done to get to the finish, the first step to take is to take the first step. Whether it’s writing the first sentence of a report or making the first call of the day, taking the first step can get the train rolling and build the momentum needed to carry you through the day. And that first step will be even sweeter when you attach a reward to it.

Reward yourself

Rewarding yourself for hitting milestones is one of the best strategies for overcoming procrastination. Treats can keep up the motivation and help you push through the times you want to put off the next step. Rewards can be as simple as getting the first cup of coffee or taking a short walk outside. Make it something that you’ll look forward to enough to drive you through the next action step.

Give yourself a deadline

Have you ever met someone that does their best work at the last minute? But pushing every project to the wire is incredibly stressful and maybe that’s why you’re reading about strategies for overcoming procrastination. Regardless, giving yourself a deadline and putting time pressure on the project can increase focus and production.

With these 5 tips, you should be well on your way to defeating procrastination and finishing your next project. Quit reading. Go work!

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