It’s Friday everybody and Procrastination is the word of the day! Well actually, it’s the word of everyday for some of us! So many people struggle with procrastination that we’ve really become a Procrasta-NATION!! (yes, it’s cheesy, yes I came up with it on my own, ☺). I know that I definitely struggle with this- in fact, as I sat down to write this post I, all of a sudden, had to go to the bathroom oh wait, let me wash my hands, ohh NO almost out of soap, let’s replace that , okay oh look I’d better clean that sink from toothpaste marks….and before I knew it my bathroom was clean, but this post still looked like a blank page! Agh procrastination! Experts say there are several reasons why people put things off, and several types of procrastination. All I know is that I hate it, but sometimes can’t help it!
So in my research I pulled together 5 helpful tools for us procrastinators…
[df_divider_text title=”1. Time Management” title_align=”separator_align_center” el_width=”100″ style=”solid” height=”1px” accent_color=”#eb6846″ border_size=”2px” padding=”22px 0″ position=”align_center” el_class=””]
Ok I admit, I rolled my eyes a little at this one. Everyone knows that managing time effectively kills procrastination. The problem is we don’t know how to manage our time! Well, when you break that big word down it really translates to something as simple as making a to-do list. For us put-offers, we don’t like the idea of something as huge as managing a whole day. But writing down the top most important things to-do that day, and going down the list one-by-one, it makes it something feasible. Or you can try investing in a planner and jotting things down as they come. Over time it might even become second nature.
Try using a free app or website like Focus Booster. It may be just what you need!
[df_divider_text title=”2. Little bit goes a long way” title_align=”separator_align_center” el_width=”100″ style=”solid” height=”1px” accent_color=”#eb6846″ border_size=”2px” padding=”22px 0″ position=”align_center” el_class=””]
Try working on the project a little bit everyday. If you have a massive project, setting your timer everyday for 30 mins to work on the project will help accomplish it instead of waiting the night before, as I’m sure we’ve all done. Breaking things down this way also makes the task not seem as daunting, enabling us to view it as doable instead of impossible.
[df_divider_text title=”3. Light a fire under you” title_align=”separator_align_center” el_width=”100″ style=”solid” height=”1px” accent_color=”#eb6846″ border_size=”2px” padding=”22px 0″ position=”align_center” el_class=””]
If you keep telling yourself that you want to train for a marathon, but never actually start training then it’s time to light a fire under your butt and actually sign up for the marathon. True you aren’t in ready condition, but signing up for something gives us enough motivation and drive to get it done. When our goals have an actual endpoint, it gives us that good-stress that makes us get up and get going! So enroll in that class, sign up for that race or purchase that plan- it might just be what you need to get off your ace!
[df_divider_text title=”4. Set yourself up for success” title_align=”separator_align_center” el_width=”100″ style=”solid” height=”1px” accent_color=”#eb6846″ border_size=”2px” padding=”22px 0″ position=”align_center” el_class=””]
I can relate to this one in the food prep department. I KNOW that I’ll probably eat unhealthy if I don’t pack my food and bring it to work. So to make sure that I set myself up for success, I pack my food the night before so I don’t have to think about it the next day. This same thing works with everything else. If you try to do work while in front of a TV and your favorite show on, you know you’ll probably get zero work done. Instead, go somewhere you know you’ll do your best. For some it might be at a coffee shop with a headset on (like me!) or at home with no noise at all. Making sure you are successful in this area is up to you!
[df_divider_text title=”5. Stop being so hard on yourself” title_align=”separator_align_center” el_width=”100″ style=”solid” height=”1px” accent_color=”#eb6846″ border_size=”2px” padding=”22px 0″ position=”align_center” el_class=””]
Again, I laugh at this one because I am super hard on myself! I know, I know, it’s something I’m working through with the Lord. But truly, if you are hard on yourself, it makes for a worse situation in the end. Instead- forgive yourself and move on. It’s harder to continue on if you’re feeling guilty. If you ate that donut at lunch, forgive yourself and eat a healthy dinner. Being in tune with ourselves helps release stress and gives us the energy to keep going instead of giving up.
There! These weren’t that painful! Everyone struggles with procrastination, for some of us it’s just a little bit more of a daily struggle. I was actually going to make several graphics and embed them with awesome useful links to websites…but eh, maybe I’ll do it later..JK!! Remember, taking it slow and reviewing some of these tips might just be the motivation you need this month!
AND if all else fails- just sit back and watch cute animals become best friends… awwwwww
Happy Fri-YAY!
