Do you often leave things undone until the last minute?
You know you need to tackle that important project, but suddenly your sock drawer desperately needs organizing.
Or maybe you find yourself scrolling on social media for hours instead of writing that report.
Fortunately, you’re not alone in this struggle. Many people procrastinate in their daily lives too.
But there are proven ways to deal with procrastination and get stuff done on time.
In this article, we’ll explore some practical strategies to help you stop putting things off and start crushing your to-do list.
7 PROVEN STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION
I procrastinated a lot in the past but since I gave birth to my daughter, I’ve learned to use my time wisely. And I’m going to share what has worked for me.
If you’re struggling to get things done, here are some proven tips to help you overcome procrastination so you can become more productive:
1. Set realistic goals you can easily achieve
When you’re dealing with procrastination, it’s crucial to start small.
Setting ambitious goals might seem motivating at first, but they can actually make you procrastinate.
Instead, break down your tasks into bite-sized, manageable chunks you can accomplish without feeling overwhelmed.
Begin by setting tiny goals that take just 5-10 minutes to complete. These “micro-goals” build momentum and give you quick wins, boosting your confidence.
For example, if you’re dreading a big project, your first micro-goal could be “Open the document and write a few sentences.”
Rather than “write a novel,” aim for “write 500 words today.” These mini-goals feel far less daunting and much more doable.
You can use the “two-minute rule” to help you achieve your goals. For instance, if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately.
This prevents small tasks from piling up and becoming unmanageable. Plus, you’ll often find that once you start, you’ll keep going beyond those two minutes.
Don’t forget to pat yourself on the back for each goal you achieve, no matter how small.
This positive reinforcement will help rewire your brain, making it easier to tackle larger tasks in the future.
As you build confidence and momentum, slowly increase your targets. This gradual progression helps you stretch your abilities without procrastinating.
2. Create a to-do list for everything
One of the most effective ways to overcome procrastination is by creating a comprehensive to-do list.
This simple yet powerful tool can help you stay organized and focused on your tasks.
Start by jotting down everything you need to accomplish, from big projects to small errands.
Don’t worry about order or priority just yet – the goal is to get it all out of your head and onto paper (or a digital app).
Once you’ve listed everything, break larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps. This makes daunting projects feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
Next, prioritize your tasks based on urgency and importance. Consider using the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize your to-dos:
Urgent and important
Important but not urgent
Urgent but not important
Neither urgent nor important
When you visualize your tasks and write them down, you’ll feel more motivated to tackle them head-on and avoid procrastination.
Remember to update your list regularly and celebrate your accomplishments as you check items off!
3. Wake up early each day
Setting your alarm clock a bit earlier is the secret to accomplishing your daily goals.
When you wake up before the rest of the world, you’re gifting yourself some precious “me time” to tackle those tasks you’ve been avoiding.
There’s something magical about those early hours. Your mind is fresh, distractions are minimal, and the day’s potential stretches out before you.
Use this time to knock out your most challenging or least appealing tasks first.
You’ll be amazed at how much you can accomplish before most people have had their first cup of coffee!
Aside from getting up early, establishing a routine that energizes and motivates you is another way to stay productive.
Maybe it’s a quick workout, some meditation, or simply enjoying a quiet breakfast.
Having a daily ritual will signal to your brain that it’s time to shift into productivity mode, making it easier to dive into your to-do list with enthusiasm.
4. Remove all distractions from your environment
The modern world can often feel chaotic and distracting. From buzzing phones to chatty coworkers, it’s no wonder we struggle to stay focused.
If you’re trying to become more productive, work on creating a distraction-free zone where you can tackle your tasks.
Start by clearing your desk of unnecessary items. A tidy space leads to a clear mind, so keep only the essentials within reach.
Organize your supplies and file away any papers you don’t need urgently.
If you tend to forget things easily, place little reminder notes all around your home, dorm, or workplace so you can see them constantly.
Your phone is probably the biggest culprit when it comes to interruptions. Put it on silent mode or, better yet, stash it in a drawer while you work.
The same goes for email and social media notifications on your computer – turn them off!
Also, consider using noise-canceling headphones or playing soft background music to drown out noise.
Some people find that a white noise machine or nature sounds help them concentrate better.
Brain health supplements like Neuriva can help to improve mental alertness, concentration, and focus. Experiment to find what works best for you.
5. Use a focus app to help you concentrate
Focus apps can be extremely useful in overcoming procrastination. I often use them to check many work-related items off my to-do list.
Focus apps like Freedom or Forest allow you to temporarily block distracting websites and apps.
You set a timer, and voila! No more mindless scrolling through social media when you should be working.
Some apps even turn focus into a game. Forest, for example, lets you plant virtual trees while you work.
The longer you stay focused, the more your forest grows. It’s a fun way to visualize your progress and stay motivated.
Many focus apps also offer tracking features. You can see how much time you spend on different tasks and identify your most productive periods.
This can help you optimize your schedule and use your time wisely. However, it’s important to note that these apps are tools, not magic wands.
They work best when combined with other strategies and a genuine desire to overcome procrastination.
6. Play music to boost your mood
Have you ever noticed how a good song can instantly lift your spirits?
Music isn’t just for entertainment—it’s a powerful tool to overcome procrastination.
When you’re feeling stuck or unmotivated, the right playlist can improve your mood and boost your energy levels.
Before you start a task, choose upbeat, instrumental songs to create a positive atmosphere without lyrical distractions.
Classical music, ambient sounds, or even video game soundtracks can help increase focus too. Experiment with different genres to find what gets you in the zone.
You can also create playlists that match your work intervals. A 25-minute productivity mix can signal when to take a break, helping you stay on track.
Listening to music while working can make tasks less daunting and more enjoyable.
However, the goal should be to enhance your mood and motivation, not overpower your thoughts.
When listening to music, keep the volume at a comfortable level, and if you find yourself singing along more than working, you might need to switch to something less engaging.
7. Reward yourself at the end of the day for completing your tasks
Doing something nice for myself after I complete my tasks is one of the best ways I beat procrastination.
Looking forward to reading, watching funny videos, or eating good food is enough motivation for me on most days. You should try this technique too!
After working hard to achieve your goals, celebrate yourself for the effort you put in.
You’ve worked hard to tackle your to-do list and deserve a nice treat at the end of the day.
Whether you achieve massive results or not, implementing a reward system can be a powerful motivator to keep you on track and boost your productivity.
Think about what truly excites you. Maybe it’s enjoying a mouthwatering dessert, watching an episode of your favorite TV show, or taking a relaxing bubble bath.
The key is to pick rewards that genuinely make you feel good and look forward to finishing your work.
Begin with small, daily rewards for completing your most important tasks.
As you build better habits, you can work towards larger weekly or monthly rewards for consistent progress.
This creates a positive feedback loop and helps you stay productive consistently.
The goal of having a reward system is to make productivity feel satisfying, not stressful.
By treating yourself for a job well done, you’ll transform procrastination into motivation and make work more enjoyable.
Conclusion
If you’ve been trying to become more productive but keep failing, don’t beat yourself up.
Overcoming procrastination is a process, not an overnight fix. Be patient with yourself as you try out these strategies.
Start small, celebrate your wins, and keep pushing forward. Before you know it, you’ll be tackling tasks like a pro and wondering why you ever put things off in the first place.
The hardest part is getting started, so begin right where you are and stop waiting for the right moment.
Recommended reading:
21 Bad Habits To Break If You Want To Be Happy