How to Stop Procrastinating and Get Things Done

Learn tricks which will help you to stop procrastinating and get the things done which you have been putting off until "the right time".

Never do today what you can put off for tomorrow. Better yet, never put off 'til tomorrow what you can avoid altogether!

This statement illustrates a negative mindset which reinforces negative feelings. One of the most important things I did to help myself was to stop procrastinating. I accomplished this by becoming more organised.

What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is the art of putting off or delaying doing something until the last minute, or even after a deadline. We often find ourselves doing pointless or meaningless tasks which prevent us from doing the important stuff. For example, we may check Facebook or browse the internet instead of doing coursework or paying the bills.

Do you procrastinate? Have you ever been given a report to complete or a homework assignment with two weeks until the deadline? Then, before you know it, the report must be handed in tomorrow. Where did the time go? Sure, you updated Facebook a lot, watched a few YouTubes, saw the latest movie, and been out partying with friends, but you still haven't even looked at the report. That's procrastination.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

Well, we often put off tasks until the time feels right and we're in the right frame of mind to do the task. The reality is however that the "right time" and the "right frame of mind" don't magically materialise. We have to make the right time and make the right frame of mind.

Tips to Stop Procrastinating

This is my list of items that helped me to stop procrastinating.

1. Make a list of what needs to get done.
2. Prioritise items in order of when they are due or by how important they are. Paying your bills on time is more important than decorating.
3. Break large jobs into smaller, more manageable tasks.
4. Start with the hardest task of your day, the rest of your day gets easier.
5. Lack of energy? Schedule the task for when you will be at your peak.
6. Examine the amount of time procrastinating. I was amazed at the length of time I spent putting things off - more time than it would have taken to complete the tasks!
7. Don't expect perfection.
8. Just do it.

Does the thought of performing a certain task fill you will anxiety? First, try this:

• Inhale deeply while counting five heartbeats (you may check this easily by feeling your pulse).
• Exhale as you count five heartbeats.

You should notice after each breath that your heart rate is actually slowing and you are feeling less tense.

Now, do something, no matter how small. Just make a start. Take 5 minutes and focus all your attention on this one task. After 5 minutes, try and stop. You have just accomplished something. You have started (or maybe even completed!) a task. Reward yourself.