Benjamin Franklin made a powerful statement declaring that your time and money are intertwined. However, if you know that every minute of your life is costing you something, why do you keep procrastinating to get things done? You’re not alone, as everyone puts off unpleasant and mundane tasks for a later date.
Sadly, there’s a price to pay when you keep putting things off. Rolling tasks from one day to the other creates a snowball effect, and soon your to-do list is as long as your arm. The good news is that you can fix this issue, but it will require a change in mindset.
Fifteen Habits to Help You Finish Those Things You Keep Putting Off
If you’re one of the people who believe putting off things till tomorrow is a great way to clear your to-do list, then you need to reevaluate your methods. Here are some ways to break the procrastination habit and learn how to get things done promptly.
1. Device a Plan
Many folks can’t progress on some tasks because they don’t have a plan. Some jobs require no real thought or effort, but those more challenging things require structure. Instead of getting overwhelmed by looking at the big picture, you need to break the task down into smaller bits.
Sure, you might not get it all done today, but you can get at least a portion of it completed. By making a plan, you can allow yourself the joy of accomplishing this overwhelming feat.
2. Get Over Your Fear of Failure
Another primary reason why people put things off is they suffer from the fear of failure. Maybe you know that you need to start the job search as your current position is at a dead end. However, you’re scared to leave a company you’ve been with for years, and leaving your comfort zone is not something you’ll accomplish with ease.
However, you must realize that life is not without risks, and some of the most significant risks have the greatest rewards. The key is never to let fear define you.
3. Take Frequent Breaks Outside
Maybe your task is to clean out the garage, and you would rather have all your teeth pulled from the dentist than attempt this project. However, when you take frequent breaks outside, it can make things better. You may feel closed in and surrounded amongst all the storage, but you can get out in the sunshine and breathe the fresh air to rejuvenate yourself.
4. Get Help to Finish the Tasks You Keep Putting Off
If you know the task is too hard, and that’s why you’re putting it off, then it’s okay to ask for help. Getting someone to assist you in whatever you need to do is not a sign of weakness. Instead, it shows that you’re taking control of your life and getting things done by improvising a bit.
5. Address Issues as They Arise
Are you worried about potential issues in this project? First, don’t borrow trouble from tomorrow, and second, there will always be problems. It’s better to tackle things head-on than to run from it.
People who run from their troubles have an escape mentality, according to the Taylor Counseling Group. These avoidance behaviors will follow you in every aspect of your life, and they will always cause significant issues.
6. Find A Reason and Get to Work
It’s possible that you need a reason to push yourself. Maybe you’ve neglected to update the bathroom because it’s an overwhelming task. However, if you encourage yourself by putting in a heated towel warmer and a jetted tub, then it might be the extra push you need to get it done.
Adults have an inner child that likes to be rewarded for a job well done, and you can use your experience to motivate you. So, stop putting things off and find a way to motivate yourself.
7. Pace Yourself and Go Slow if You Need
Take little steps and pace yourself as you tackle this job. If you’re cleaning out your attic to remodel it, you’re probably not on a strict schedule. Pace yourself so that you don’t burn out and won’t get it done at all.
Remember the old saying that those who go slow and steady are the ones to win the race? Well, putting off the task won’t get it done at all, but if you do a little bit at a time, you will eventually accomplish it.
8. Find a Way to Counter Low Energy
Part of the problem is you may put things off is because you have low energy. Therefore, you must take little steps and go nice and slow. If you use all your energy on this task, then you won’t have time or effort for any others, so pacing yourself is advisable.
9. Learn to Enjoy The Work That You Keep Putting Off
If you have to work anyway, why not have a little bit of fun while doing it? Have you ever seen people throwing paint on each other while redoing a room? Sure, it made a big mess, but it also created a mundane task like painting seems more enjoyable.
10. Stop Putting Off Tasks by Creating a Schedule
If procrastination is a problem because you can’t find time, why not create a schedule? Maybe you need to repair your extra vehicle, but you don’t have the time and don’t want to pay excessive mechanic prices. Instead of getting all overwhelmed, devise a plan.
Make it a priority to spend one hour a night working on the car. By the end of the week, you should have even a major repair done, and you can relax knowing it’s fixed.
11. Get Rid of Distractions
Your boss just gave you a report that he wants in one week, but you know that it’s going to take lots of research and your undivided attention. You can make this task simpler by getting rid of distractions. Please don’t sit down at the kitchen table and try to do the work, as the kids and noise will not make it easier.
Additionally, turn off your phone and any other electronic devices that can interrupt you during your dedicated work time. When you need intense focus, then the distractions must go.
12. Admit You Messed Up, Forgive Yourself, and Move On
You can make progress mentally in this process too. Don’t give up if you mess up things and need to start over. Just admit that you made a mistake, forgive yourself for having such a blunder, and move on. Do you think you’re the only person in history who didn’t get things right the first time?
13. Give Yourself Deadlines
If putting off things is an issue you often have, why not give yourself a deadline. For instance, your spouse wants the kitchen painted before the big family reunion this year, so you have plenty of time to get it done. Set a time limit between you and your partner, and make sure you follow through.
It helps when you have someone else on board with you that can give you those gentle nudges to get moving.
14. Fix Your Lack of Vision
If you’ve ever watched one of those home renovations shows, you know what it means to have a vision. These master carpenters and decorators can see the outcome in their minds. They can restore old Victorian mansions in chaos because they can see a clear picture.
You may have physical sight but no vision, which is dangerous to start any project. According to Philosiblog, vision occurs in the mind’s eye rather than your physical ones. When you keep dreams alive in your mind, they will power you to do whatever possible.
15. Commit to Quit Putting Things Off, No Matter the Setbacks
Realize that there will be setbacks, as it’s just a part of life. You can’t control everything, and you must learn to roll with the punches. Being flexible can undoubtedly help you, and it can help keep your stress levels in a reasonable range.
You’re not doing yourself any favors by putting off things that you can accomplish today. Just realize that there will be issues, prepare for them in advance, and have a mindset that you will tackle this job come what may.
Procrastinating Facts
According to Brandon Gaille many people delay tasks or projects because they have so much on their plate. Here are some other facts to consider.
- 95 percent of the population admits to having major procrastination issues.
- The rate of people who put things off is growing, as it was only five percent back in 1978, but today it’s over 90.
- More than 85 percent of students admit that it’s easier to put things off than to do them now.
- You’re procrastinating ways can cost you 40 percent or more in financial loss.
- Twenty percent of folks admit to having a chronic problem pushing things to the side.
- One-fifth of people in this country postpone things so bad that it costs them jobs, health, and other significant things.
Final Thoughts on Finishing the Projects You Keep Putting Off
While you may resonate with many things discussed here, you should also know that you’re human. It’s normal to put some things off for another day on occasion. The problem begins when you constantly move things around and avoid specific tasks.
However, by following a few of these tips, you can stop putting off things you need to do and start taking control of your life and schedule. It’s possible to make progress if you only change your mindset.
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