6 Ways to Overcome Procrastination
Ok, let’s face it, you know if you are a procrastinator! But just for the fun of it, let’s define procrastination.
Procrastination: Trouble persuading yourself to do the things you should do or would like to do.
People procrastinate for many different reasons. Maybe you dread the activity. Or the task at hand feels too overwhelming. You might feel incapable of succeeding in the task. Or you might be in a place in life right now that you’re discouraged and you just don’t feel like you have the energy to accomplish much at all.
The good news is we can overcome procrastination. Here’s 6 simple steps to get you started:
1. Believe in you.
You weren't born a procrastinator. It’s a learned habit. The great news is habits can be changed.
Stop telling yourself you are a procrastinator. Don’t say things like, “That’s just the way I am, I wait until the last minute.”
Instead start seeing yourself as someone who is productive and CAN Do hard, challenging things.
Let’s look at the flip side: If you keep giving yourself reasons that you are something; ie. a procrastinator, then that’s what you will remain. Our habits will follow our beliefs.
This is the part I love But when you change the narrative, things will begin to change. When you create new habits you slowly enforce change.
2. Change your space.
Set your environment up for success.
Declutter your space.
Get organized.
Limit your distractions-If your phone is a distraction, put it away. Don’t take calls. Turn off the tv. If music helps, turn it on. If it’s a distraction, turn it off.
3. Get clarity for the task at hand.
Ask yourself what needs to be done. And then break it down into small, actionable steps so you don’t get overwhelmed.
Here’s an example:
Simple steps: I need to go through the kids things and determine what I need to keep and what I need to donate.
Actionable steps: Ok today, I’m gonna tackle one drawer and I’m going to complete the one drawer. Then tomorrow I will complete another drawer.
One step at a time. One task at a time. Small tweaks lead to big peaks.
1 Corinthians 14:40- Everything must be done in a proper and orderly way.
4. Set deadlines for completing the task.
“I’m starting today and I will finish this room a week from today.
Don’t say you’ll finish by tomorrow if it is a huge task.
Give yourself time but not too much to where you can get away with procrastinating.
Setting a deadline will increase your motivation to complete the task at hand.
Ecclesiastes 7:8-Finishing is better than starting.
5. Know your times.
The scripture states, And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.(Galatians 6:9)
Don't start weary! You are setting yourself up to fail.
Don’t schedule something when your energy is low and you are just spent. Know when your energy is high and the time that you would be the most motivated. You have to know you and what works for you.
Remember, God is in the big stuff, but He also wants to be in the details of our lives. He gives grace and strength for our tasks at hand.
Psalm 37:23-The LORD directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.
6. Just start.
You know what start means. It's really deep. It means to begin! The truth is that procrastinators have the desire to actually do something, but can’t force themselves to start.
Start the task. Don’t wait...that’s procrastinating!
Start organizing
Start the book
Start the podcast
Start the business
Start start start!
Believe in yourself.
Change your space.
Get clarity.
Set deadlines.
Know your times.
Start.
Procrastination can be overcome. It won’t happen overnight but it can and will happen if you have the mindset and backbone to change.
Do it for you, but also do it for your kids. When you procrastinate, you are teaching your kids to put things off and wait until the last minute, which can lead to frustration and steal your peace and joy in your home.
Teach them what you wish you would’ve learned earlier in life.
You can do it.
Philippians 4:13-I can do all things through him who strengthens me.
You got this.
Here’s a little something you can speak over your life today:
I can handle anything that comes my way.
I will not get overwhelmed or anxious.
God is with me, strengthening me to accomplish each and every task that comes my way.
I will not crumble under pressure.
I will not put off what I can do today.
I will not fall apart.
I will not worry
I refuse to dread or live in regret.
I choose joy, peace and happiness.
And today will be a great day from the time I wake up until I go to bed tonight.
Have a fantastic, productive day!
April xo
