Here are 5 ways to stop procrastinating, unstuck yourself and be productive:
1. Break your work into little steps.
One reason why we procrastinate is because subconsciously, we find whatever we’re suppose to get done too overwhelming. Best thing to do is to break it down into little parts and focus on one part at the time. If this still doesn’t work, break it down even further. Soon the task will be so easy that you just got to do it right away.
2. Create a detailed timeline with deadlines.
Break down your project into smaller steps and then create an overall timeline with specific deadlines for each of the small task. Break down your goals into monthly, weekly and daily task lists (check out the amazing Passion Planner to help you + get 10% off with code KATARIINA10).
3. Change your environment.
Different places can have very different impact on our productivity and creativity. Some people have hard time getting anything done when they’re at home because of the distractions it offers. Set up your working space so it inspires you to think big. Or find a cute coffee shop where you can sit down for few hours without being bothered. Environment that made you feel inspired before, may lose its effect after a while. That means that it’s time to find a new spot. You may also find that once you’re done with one task, changing the environment to start a new task might be helpful.
4. Find an accountability buddy.
This makes things so much more fun, but you’ll both will also hold each other accountable to your goals. Discuss weekly about your goals and progress. It will encourage you to keep taking action. I’ve had accountability buddy for a couple of years now and we still chat every two weeks over Skype for an hour. So helpful to keep me on track.
5. Hang out with people who inspire you.
Just by being around them you will start to get more creative, more imaginative and start to think on a bigger scale. By doing that translates into bigger decisions, bigger actions and bigger willingness to take risks. Identify the people who trigger you and hang out with them more often.
Do you have any tips to beat the ole procrastination?
[…] actually plan my day hour by the hour and use my time as efficiently as possible (very helpful for procrastinators like […]
Having just posted on “The Art of Procrastination”, I was drawn to your 5 Ways to Stop It!
A perpetual work in progress, I find that a master list via Excel spreadsheet for daily/weekly/monthly/annual/one-and-done along with a daily notecard with only 3 – 5 items that I must do that day is what helps me most to stay on track.
I especially like your tips on changing your environment and hanging out with those that inspire you. Great list!
I read your post and loved it! It’s actually been amazing few days because I’ve gotten sooo much done. Checking things off my list left and right. I did have coffee all those days so could that be my cure for procrastination? I feel super productive!
One of my friends got me a passion planner and I can’t wait to start using it!
Isn’t it the best!? It is helping me to stay focused and prioritizing my to-do’s. Not to mention not forgetting things! Enjoy it!
Ahh, I need this post so badly! I’m a HUGE procrastinator, too! haha
I think what would help for would be to break each thing down into smaller, “bite-sized” steps that don’t seem so intimidating.
I also like the idea of finding an accountability buddy to help you meet your goals and tackle that to-do list. I made the goal recently of writing twice a week for my blog, so I announced this on Instagram as a way to help hold myself accountable.
Good thoughts, Katariina! 🙂
Yup! And my accountability buddy helps to break down those big tasks that week after week don’t get done so it’s helpful realizing it. Plus usually the day before our call, I check my to-do-list that I told her I would get done in those 2 weeks between our sessions, and I get them done. I’m a last minute doer, little pressure helps me. I just don’t want to get on the call and tell her I didn’t get something done, especially if I don’t have any good excuses why I didn’t get them done 🙂
We all procrastinate in our own way don’t we …lol. Planners are definitely a busy bee’s best friend! They keep you in track like your personal trainer. Thanks for this post!
Xo,
Sarah
Instagram: @paperdollsarah_
Yes, my planner has been kicking my butt more than once when I start losing focus on prioritizing tasks. Before I let my monkey mind drive me crazy, I just simply open my planner and see what’s my next task. So very helpful.