The purpose of this guide is twofold. First, I will define what procrastination is. Second, I share tested and proven ways to stop procrastinating. Like my guide on improving productivity, this is a dynamic guide. I’ll continue to update it as I find new ways to improve it.
The Best Definition Of Procrastination
Procrastinating is the act of putting off work for no particular reason
- Some guides and experts say that you’re procrastinating when you’re not doing a task that needs to be accomplished by a certain deadline
- This is a false definition
- It implies that we’re not procrastinate as long as we get the work done
- In fact, a recent study I did with 2,219 respondents showed that 88% of all people admit to procrastinated at least one hour a day
Examples of Procrastination
When you delay work for a good reason: When your work improves with the delay.
- In our personal lives, we do the same: When are you submitting your taxes on the last day?
- Chronic stress can lead to depression, anxiety, heart disease, high blood pressure, abnormal heart rhythms, heart attacks, obesity, eating disorders, and a handful of other health problems
Best Books That Help You To Stop Procrastinating
Man’s Search For Meaning by Victor Frankl
- A Manual For Living by Epictetus
- Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway by Susan Jeffers
- Mindset: The New Psychology of Success by Carol Dweck
- Life is about solving problems and finding solutions
Benefits of Stopping Procrastinating
Lower anxiety
- The more we procrastinate, and the longer we wait to get started with important things, the more anxiety and stress we have. If you overcome procrastination and take immediate action, you will get things done.
- Higher self-discipline
- Procrastination is not only a time-management problem; it is also a work-related problem. Overcoming it is the foundation of all achievement in life. Delaying important things is a destructive habit. When you don’t delay tasks and take instant action, your well-being and work will improve.
Tools and Apps That Actually Help
RescueTime
- SelfControl
- FocusMe
- Notebook and a Pen
- Day One
- If you don’t use pen and paper for journaling, Day One is an app that can be used as a dedicated journaling app
Common Procrastination Challenges
No intrinsic reason: Setting goals and pursuing things for extrinsic reasons will only encourage procrastination
- Fear: Fear of failure, rejection, novelty, success, suffering, hardship, etc.
- Lack of knowledge: If you don’t know how to do something, learn to do it
- Adopt an active mindset: Focus on what’s inside your control
Proven Tips To Stop Procrastinating
Beating procrastination requires a holistic approach because it affects so many aspects of our lives.
- How I Beat Procrastination: Do It Today, Not Tomorrow
- Know Thy Time: Peter Drucker’s Strategy To Become More Effective
- Disconnecting from the Internet Improves Your Focus
- Improve your self-confidence so you are more likely to get things done
- Form A Daily Writing Habit-It Will Improve Your Life
- Exercise 312 Times A Year
- Build the Self-Confidence You Need To Win At Life
