By Opeyemi Akinbo
It is often said that procrastination is the thief of time and that’s the truth.
Many times, we find ourselves staring at a task and saying, “I’ll do it later.” We’ve all been there, seeing what needs to be done, yet pushing it aside with the same old line.
But the funny thing is…“Later” almost never comes.
Procrastination is one of the challenges one can face as a creative person it is an enemy of your creativity but then we have to understand that procrastination is not a character flaw but a habit that needs to be broken.
READ ALSO: The Power of Self-Discipline: How to Stay Focused on Your Goals
Do you find yourself always postponing task and most of the time ends up not doing it or meeting deadlines? Here are some steps that will help you break this habit;
•Recognize what triggers it.
You have to carry out an internal audit to know why you are procrastinating tasks.
It may be fear, perfectionism, distraction or you are probably overwhelmed. Getting to the root of the problems will make tackling it very much easier.
•Use The 2-minute Rule
The two minutes has to do with doing a task that takes to minutes or less now.
If the tasks takes longer than 2 minutes, commit to starting it for 2 minutes. This small act will help you build momentum. Starting is often the hardest part, if you can get started the probability of finishing it is high.
•Break Down Big Tasks Into Smaller Pieces.
Big tasks often feels scary and intimidating. Dividing them into small and doable pieced makes it easier to attempt it.
While at it, ensure to focus on progress and not perfection. You can perfect it later.
- Set Timer.
Work for 25 minutes and take 5 minutes to relax. It makes tasks feel less exhausting.
- Take Away Distractions.
Set up a quiet workspace for yourself and block any for of distraction. This will help you focus on the tasks.
- Get An Accountability Partner.
Tell a friend your goal or write it down. When you have someone to report to, it helps you stay on track.
- Reward Yourself.
When you give yourself something to look forward to after completing a task, it will serve as a motivation for you to finish the task.
It could a snack, a break, or watching your favorite show.
Procrastination is an habit that can be changed through consistent efforts and determination. Don’t wait till later, start now. Don’t wait for perfection, start small.
