How To Overcome Procrastination

Written by

Daria Olieshko

Published on

26 Jul 2022

Read time

2 - 4 min read

Everyone is sometimes guilty of putting off important tasks. People often believe that they have endless time for work. The deadline edges closer, while tasks remain incomplete. Chronic procrastination can lead to serious consequences: from being reprimanded to losing the job. With that said, here are a few tips on how to stop procrastinating.

Dealing with procrastination begins with identifying the root of the problem

Anyone can feel overwhelmed by the workload. First, you have to choose a top priority task. Before you begin, understand the causes of procrastination. Perhaps, you are afraid to get the task wrong or are unsure about it. Don’t be afraid to ask for help from your colleagues.

Today is a good day to start

If you don't know how to overcome procrastination, the best solution is to start working straight away. If a task seems too complicated and you think that you won’t have time to do it, try the following. Think of a task that will take you 5 minutes to finish and do it. Then, get a timer going and try working on that complicated task for 5 minutes. If you start doing something, you are more likely to see it through, as you tend to remember unfinished tasks. That way your chance to overcome procrastination increases.

Divide your working hours into blocks

Eliminate all distractions and focus on your work. We suggest that you divide a working hour into 20-minute blocks and take short breaks between them. The brain works in cycles with high and low activity periods. To reach the peak of productivity, one must be mindful of these fluctuations, balancing their work and rest time respectfully.

Make a bet

Another way to boost your productivity is by making a bet with a friend. Choose a time and date as a deadline for your task. Next, offer your friend a bit of money, coffee or lunch should you fail to finish the task on time. This will provide extra motivation.

Think positively about past instances of procrastination

Try not to be too hard on yourself for your past instances of procrastination. This problem often affects perfectionists and people who are afraid to fail. Keep up the positivity and don’t let negative thoughts creep into your mind.

We hope that our article will free you from the procrastination trap.