• June 3, 2024
• Mental issues
• Vhey Aviles

When you have a lot to do throughout the day, you may wake up feeling ready to tackle the day and the tasks at hand. But when you actually get around to tackling that to-do list, your motivation is gone.

Instead, you may want to do anything but start that list. Sitting on your couch, laying in bed, being outside, or hanging with friends sounds much better than finding the motivation and creative drive to accomplish what needs to be accomplished.

Everyone procrastinates from time to time. However, procrastination can be difficult, especially if you’re working against deadlines in your personal and professional lives.

Here are some tips for overcoming procrastination.

Focus On the Why

When tackling a to-do list, getting caught up in boring tasks can be easy. This frame of thinking can make it even more difficult to start the tasks at hand. Instead, try to consider the benefits or aftermath of completing those tasks. You’ll feel more accomplished when you accomplish items on your to-do list. You’ll also be a lot less stressed. When you think of the long-term results instead of the short-term ones, you’ll be a lot more willing and able to start and complete the tasks at hand.

Get Rid of Your Excuses

You’ve probably come up with some excuses for why you’re procrastinating. You don’t have enough time. You’re not in the right headspace. You’re feeling under the weather. You can think of all of the excuses in the world. No matter what, these excuses won’t do anything to help you procrastinate or tackle your to-do list. Excuses mean you will continue pushing off what you need to be doing. Instead of making excuses, try being honest with yourself and just dive in. You have to start somewhere.

Make Smaller Goals

Some items on your to-do list may feel overwhelming because of the project size. Try breaking up your projects into smaller and more manageable chunks. Instead of answering every email in your inbox, aim to clear out the ones from the previous day. Instead of cleaning your entire house, knock out one room at a time. If you want to go through your entire closet, try to plan to tackle one drawer per day. Creating smaller chunks can make you feel like you’re getting more done than feeling incomplete and unaccomplished.

Be Realistic With Your Time

Make your life easier when it comes to your to-do list by being realistic with your time. Some projects may take a long time. You may know this going in or not realize it until you’ve already started a project. Try to set a schedule to set yourself up for success. You can set blocks in your day to complete your work. You can also do this by being realistic with your day-to-day. Some people are wired to be morning people, and others are night owls. Don’t try to be something you’re not just to tackle items on your to-do list. Make it easier on yourself by planning your day for what works best.

Next Steps

Everyone deals with procrastination every now and then. While procrastination is normal, it can become a problem if you cannot overcome it. If you’re struggling with procrastination and it’s starting to have a negative impact on your daily life and routine, it may be time to reach out for additional support. A therapist will be able to help you get to the root cause of your procrastination while giving your tips, tricks, and tools to help you overcome it. Reach out today to set up an initial consultation for anxiety therapy, which can help you kick your procrastination habit to the curb.