We have all been there, and we all know that postponing things we think are unpleasant or are an unnecessary burden on our time is always easier than actually doing them.
How many times do you keep telling yourself that you will do something tomorrow? Tomorrow comes and goes and the mountain of tasks that you need to accomplish still sits on your desk. You might comfort yourself that you will do it tomorrow… That my dear friend is what we call procrastination. In the long run you end up not doing what you were supposed to do. Or when you get around to doing it, it is already too late and everyone in the office now knows what a lazybone you are..
Think of what procrastination has cost you in the past, probably a deal with your freelance writing clients?
Procrastination is a bad habit. Fortunately, it is a habit that you can overcome.
Here are seven incredibly easy tips on how to conquer procrastination
1. Set a schedule with strict deadlines
Once you have set in your mind that this is what I want to do, take a pen and make a schedule. You can separate the task into parts, each with a deadline. This will help you monitor your progress. For instance, in order to keep my money blogs updated with new and relevant content, I use s publishing calendar.
2. Find a motivation
After setting the schedule identify what motivates you.
Ask yourself, “What motivates me to work? ”
Let this motivation be your driving force.
3. Stay disciplined
You need to focus on your schedule if at all you are to achieve your goals. Staying disciplined involves avoiding distractions. We all know how sweet a distraction from work can be. If you get distracted from your schedule, you will not meet the deadline.
4. Stop blaming people and other things
It is common for procrastinators to blame other people and things for their inaction.
Think about it. Have you ever made an excuse that the reason your work report is not complete is because you were working on something else? Or the field team had not given you all the data you need to complete the report?
When you are given a task to do, it is yours and no one else’s. No one but you will get it done. Blaming others will not help at the end of the day, you are the one who will be held responsible, not them.
5. Find someone to hold you accountable
If you are not answerable to anyone, find someone who will hold you accountable. Someone who will ask you questions if you do not achieve your goals in the set deadline.
6. Eliminate the bad habits and develop good ones
Examine your daily habits.
Which ones are standing in the way of your progress?
When and why do you keep doing this?
Once you have identified this, you can easily work towards eliminating those habits that are harmful and develop ones that are beneficial. Those that will not stand in the way of your progress, but rather help you achieve your goals.
7. Start on the task
A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Can you complete any task without starting it? Take the step of faith and start on that task you have been putting away for so long. The greatest task in the world was completed just because it was started. If you want to overcome procrastination, starting on the task is a good place to start.
There you have it. The tips above are easy to put in place. Take the initiative to start on that task, put the above into practice and see yourself conquering procrastination.
Patrick Mahinge is a prolific digital marketer and "serial webpreneur". He runs multiple profitable niche websites and blogs monetized through affiliate marketing and advertising. Patrick generously shares his expertise in affiliate marketing, blogging, and online business through his Facebook group of over 5,000 aspiring entrepreneurs.
thanks for the tips..just started to apply.
Hi Nathan!
Glad to know that you found the tips invaluable. They work all the time for me. Try them out, and let me know what changes they bring into your life.
Goods tips to start off with.Thank you so much.
Hi Tiberius!
Good to know that you found the tips great. Keep it Blogscheme for more awesome tips.