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I have some nerve giving anybody advice on this topic because I am the queen of procrastination! Do as I say, not as I do! But seriously, if you’re tired of pushing things off until the last minute, I’ve got some tried-and-true strategies to help you kick procrastination to the curb and start getting things done—starting today.
Figure Out Why You’re Procrastinating
Before we fix the problem, let’s diagnose it. Are you avoiding the task because it’s boring? Overwhelming? Are you scared of messing up? Once you know why you’re putting something off, you can tackle the real issue instead of just avoiding it.
Start Small—Really Small
The hardest part is getting started. So, make it ridiculously easy. Instead of saying, “I need to clean the whole house,” tell yourself, “I’ll put one dish in the sink.” That small action tricks your brain into getting started, and before you know it, you’ll be on a roll.
Set a Timer & Race the Clock
Give yourself 10 or 15 minutes to focus. Tell yourself, “I only have to do this for a little bit.” When the timer goes off, you can stop—or keep going if you’ve found your groove. This works because it removes the pressure of committing to a huge task.
Use the “Eat the Frog” Method
This might sound gross, but hear me out. Mark Twain once said, “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” Translation: Do your most dreaded task first, and everything else will feel easier.
Reward Yourself
Bribery works! Promise yourself a treat once you finish a task. Maybe it’s a cup of coffee, a 10-minute TikTok break, or an episode of your favorite show. Knowing there’s a reward at the end makes it easier to power through.
Change Your Environment
Sometimes, your space is the problem. If your usual spot makes you want to nap instead of work, switch things up. Try a coffee shop, a new room, or even just clearing off your desk to create a fresh start.
Find an Accountability Buddy
Tell someone your goal and ask them to check in on you. It’s harder to flake when you know someone else is watching. Plus, you can return the favor and keep each other on track.
Just Do It (Even If It’s Bad)
Perfectionism and procrastination go hand in hand. If you’re waiting for the “perfect” moment or feeling like you need to do something flawlessly, stop. Done is better than perfect. Just start, and you can always improve it later.
Make It Fun
Find ways to make tasks more enjoyable. Listen to music, turn it into a game, or challenge yourself to beat your previous record. Anything that makes it feel less like a chore and more like an activity is a win.
Forgive Yourself & Move On
If you’ve been procrastinating for a while, don’t beat yourself up. That only makes it harder to start. Accept it, let go of the guilt, and focus on what you can do right now.
Final Thoughts
Procrastination is sneaky, but you don’t have to let it win. Try these tips, find what works for you, and take that first small step today. Your future self will thank you!
What’s your biggest procrastination struggle? Let’s talk in the comments!