Are you a procrastinator?

Procrastination is the avoidance of doing a task that needs to be accomplished. It is a habitual or intentional delay of starting or finishing a task despite its negative consequences. In essence, you know there is something important you have to do now, but you will rather push it for later. The issue here is that most times, “later” becomes “never”.  Procrastination is a silent killer, it’s like a venom which if isn’t controlled can cause a whole lot of damage.

I’ve been a victim of this venom myself but I became intentional about changing my ways in 2017. I had been a procrastinator all my life and I fought it sometimes but most of the time, I welcomed it. When I found out it was a “libra” thing, it became my excuse for a long time. I’ll say things like “it’s not entirely my fault“, “that’s the way I’m wired, don’t worry”. 

I devised a plan to get everything done without stalling unnecessary and I’m thankful I took that step and never looked back. I’ve been obsessed with reminders since then but I don’t mind because I know it is a lesser evil.

Are you curious to know what I did? keep reading!

WAYS TO STOP PROCRASTINATION

1. Become Self Aware: The first step in finding a solution to a problem is to admit there’s one in the first place. Recognize you are a procrastinator and be intentional about making changes.

2. Set Realistic Deadlines: Deadlines are a good tool for getting things done but it’s also important that the deadlines you set are realistic. I work with reminders and to-do lists and they keep me focused. Don’t be too hard on yourself when you don’t meet your deadlines, you can always try to meet it the next time. The most important thing is that you’re working towards it.

3. Remind Yourself Why Delay is Not An Option: When you find yourself falling back to your old ways, look within your mind and remind yourself of all the benefits of doing what you need to do. Some of these benefits include; acing your test, securing a client, feeling fulfilled, helping others etc.

4. Embrace Your Fear: Sometimes, the reason for procrastination is fear. You may find yourself in a situation where you need to get something done but you are scared to do it. What do you do in that situation? you do that thing afraid. Thinking and going over the worst-case scenarios help me, you can try that.

Do It Afraid

5. Imagine How Good You Will Feel Knowing You Have Ticked That Thing Off Your List: When I get things off my to-do list, I always feel lighter and happy.

6. Quit Trying To Be Perfect: Nobody is perfect, not even Oprah. Instead of stalling because you’re not sure you can do something perfectly, give it a try instead. When you attempt it and give it your best, what you do will be good enough.

7. Do It Immediately It Comes To Mind: This is the easiest way to stop procrastinating. It works best for the minor things we procrastinate that pile up and become major in the long run like chores, returning calls, replying emails etc. So next time you remember you have not done your laundry and you are lying in bed doing nothing, get up and go do it.

Have a great week and let me know if this helped you.

Thanks for reading.

Mariam Shittu