How To Defeat Procrastination

Seems about right... (by Gemma :D on Flickr)

"When all is said and done, more is said than done." - Anonymous

Procrastination is the result of a very powerful law of physics known as inertia.

Inertia states that a body at rest will remain at rest until acted on by some outside force. In other words, things - including people - tend to stay put. In order to achieve forward motion, people need to push themselves. Inertia tends to keep us all in place.

I used to be a procrastinator until one day it hit me. No one really cares how my life plays out...except me!

I realized that if I wanted to make something of my life, I had to stop making excuses.

Procrastination is a dream killer. To overcome it, you must make inertia your ally, as the law also states that an object in motion will stay in motion. To defeat it, you must take that first step.

These tips are a good start:

1. Keep a piece of paper or index card in your pocket with your goals written in bold ink.

People who are adept at warding off procrastination are able to connect the result of their action (or inaction) with the achievement of their goals. Keep reminders of your goals handy and you're less likely to delay steps that can bring you closer to your personal dreamscape.

2. Break big projects up into manageable pieces.

Most of us are overwhelmed when contemplating a huge project. We look at the height of the mountain in front of us and we think, 'What's the use?'

Divide the project up into smaller piece and enable yourself to take baby steps forward, and suddenly the mountain doesn't seem so tall and steep.

3. Train your mind (awareness) to snap into action at the onset of laziness.

We can all feel ourselves get tired or lazy. We know we should do something, but just don't feel like it....

As soon as this feeling begins to creep in and take over, jump right up and get going. Make this your anti-procrastination reflex.

4. Always carry a note-taking device.

Whether an old-fashion notepad or a high-tech smartphone, you must be able to memorialize your thoughts and ideas at all times. Creative bursts are not polite and often crop up when we're least prepared to capture them (like in the shower!)

You may not be able to start into a new project or idea right then and there, but you can at least write an outline, jot down a to-do list or scribble some notes. Put your ideas in writing and you'll be more likely to act on them when you've got a chance.

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Read more about willpower, or click here to learn more about the book The Skinny On Willpower.

Comments

[Trent Seaman]

I used to be a procrastinator until one day it hit me. No one really cares how my life plays out...except me!

This quote from above should be taken to heart. Until we realize that we alone are responsible for our lives, we cannot act to change them for the positive.

Success is not an entitlement... as so many in our society now feel it is.

[Jim Randel]

Trent,

Thanks for your comment. You are SO RIGHT.

Best, Jim

[raymond lash]

JJust tweeted this on my profile .
Especially when u say "I used to be a procrastinator until one day it hit me. No one really cares how my life plays out...except me!"

Follow me pple @raymondlash

[nara_l]

Nice post and thanks for the reminder of inertia.

[L Brown]

Anyone have suggestions of the best notepad on the iPhone. Would love to get a new one. Thanks a bunch in advance.

[Jim Randel]

@Raymond: Thank you for retweeting!

@Nara: Thank you!!

@L Brown: It is crucial to jot down your thoughts as soon as you come across something! You can always email yourself your notes from notepad right after you enter them. Also check out the Evernote app. It has a lot of cool features!

[Eddie]

Procrastination is kryptonite to the budding entrepreneur. The note taking is very important with clear and consistent incremental movement every day towards your goals what used to seem impossible then becomes possible. If you experience burnout in front of a computer, go for jog or clean your home. The idea is to maintain momentum throughout your day.

@edillinger

[Ann Gomez]

Great article. I often recommend the ACT principle to get to the root cause of procrastination:

Attainable - Break a task down so the next step is attainable

Confidence - Explore any insecurities that are stopping you from taking action. Remind yourself that the worst-case scenario likely isn't so bad.

Timeline - Set a deadline.

[Barry Chalmers]

Uch, I'll read this later at some point :P

[KimRMiller]

I'm finding overwhelm seems to go neck and neck with procrastination. One way I get out of that is to announce to the world that I'm going to do something. Makes me accountable.

[Account Deleted]

I really like the quote! I love just how simple and true those words are. I am starting to love your blog and keep reading every posts therein!