Beating Procrastination- Tips for Taking Action

As I'm writing this, literally thinking about how much time I wasted procrastinating, it hit me. Let's write a blog about all the things I've learned about beating procrastination. I am the queen of list-making. I also am the queen of avoiding. So lately, I have not felt super inspired to blog, which sucks because I love this blog dearly. It took me a lot of time and effort to create it as someone who is not great with technology. I am proud of it, and if I'm being honest, I have been making excuses and not giving it the attention it needs. I'm too busy, I have to do this, that, or the other before I can sit down and write. Excuses are your mind's way of self-sabotaging your progress. Whether it be excuses to not work out, excuses as to why you can't eat healthy, excuses about time, money, and anything else you can think of, excuses lead to procrastination or just plain old quitting. No more excuses. Let's break down ways we can get past the excuses and beat procrastination once and for all.

Why are we procrastinating?

Let's go into our psyche for a moment. Why are we procrastinating in the first place? Fear of failure, lack of interest, feeling uninspired? It happens. We are great at being our own worst enemy at times. The worry that we might not succeed is a big one. Getting out of our own heads is huge. Lack of interest? If we were truly excited for something, we wouldn't put it off, right? Wrong. We can be excited for something and want to do something but still put it off. Maybe it's a piece of something bigger, something you're working towards, but it's not the ideal part of the journey. Say getting into shape, for instance. You may not feel like getting the workout in. You may not feel like doing the work, but you can still be excited for the results. But putting off the work ultimately leads to slower results, and if you don't do the work at all, no results. Let's say starting a business. For me, I am so excited for the day when my business is thriving, but some days the work seems daunting. I don't always want to do reach outs. I don't always want to write, but the more I put it off, the slower the roll gets. So even days when you dont want to do the work just do something. Something is always better than nothing, you will never regret doing something to get your closer to your destination. Feeling uninspired? It is normal to have bouts where you aren't feeling that spark; it is common, but sometimes just diving back into something is all it takes to get the spark back.

Make Lists

We can start to end this cycle of procrstination by making lists. Daily to-do's, non-negotiables. Whatever it is that youre trying to accomplish, create a list at the start of the week for your daily must-do's. This can include the bare minimum but remember minimum effort produces minimal results. If you know there are days where you will actually be strapped for time then the minimum is acceptable as its still soemthing. Try tho to make these lists achievable, but also enough that you will be proud of yourself for accomplishing each task. Check off the list as you complete each task- this acts as a reward system for your mind. Feeling accomplished for having done it and can create a snow ball effect of productivity.

Set Clear Goals and Deadlines.

Breaking down our task list into goals that have clear deadlines can help us to get things done in a timely manner. You know what is most important on the list of to-do's. You know which tasks will further you toward those goals. Say you have a goal to make 3 sales by the end of the week. You know you need to do some reach outs, follow-ups, and speak to potential clients. So each day you can set a target for people you need to have spoken to. Or say you know you want to be down 6 lbs in the month. You know that your target is to do 3 strength training workouts, daily walks, and to stick to your calorie deficit. Having these mini tasks that are broken down to help you hit your big goals will make the big picture feel less overwhelming.

Use Mel Robbins 5,4,3,2,1 Method.

Mel Robbins shares how this 5-second rule can change your life. When a negative thought or excuse comes up, you stop, count backward from 5, and do the thing you were trying to talk yourself out of doing. This method can have a major impact on your life, causing you to take action on things when before you could easily get sucked into doom scrolling or literally anything other than what you needed to get done. Even in the little things. I hate folding laundry, but now I look at that pile of clothes sitting on my bed, count back from 5, and just get it done. It ends up taking about 5-10 minutes, and I'm relieved when it's done. This is just a silly way I've been using it. I also used it today to get this blog post started. 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, start, and now I'm nearly finished with this post, and I do feel great for having done it. Check out Mel's podcast "The Mel Robbins Podcast" or check out her book "The 5 Second Rule" available on Audible and Amazon to learn more about how this hack can change your life.

Reward Yourself.

Celebrate the small victories. When you cross off a big task or hit a goal, reward yourself. Figure out a reward system that is beneficial to you, not something that will set you back like binge eating junk food or splurging on some expensive items. Think of something that makes you happy. "Once I accomplish my daily to-do's I will..." Fill in the blank and choose something that you can look forward to. Maybe it's a bubble bath with no interruptions from your family. Maybe it's taking time for yourself and reading a book. Maybe it's taking the family to a nice dinner so you don't have to cook. Whatever it is, make sure it's something that aligns with you and your goals and makes you feel rewarded.

I hope this blog post helps you to get going and do the things you have been putting off. Know that once you hit those targets, you will feel so much better, and the feeling of heaviness procrastination brings will dissolve. Don't forget to subscribe to my email list and follow me on Instagram for daily content.

Love,

Celeste