8 Tips For Overcoming Procrastination

Recently, I have been taking procrastination to coaching. The penny dropped a little while back that I had been procrastination, however I didn’t know how deep it went or why I was doing it until recently. Subsequently, I have been writing about different aspects of my journey. I have recently written –

• Moving Past Procrastination: 5 Reasons to Stop Procrastination Today
• Untangling Procrastination
• The Procrastination Cycle

Today I am going to be sharing 8 Tips For Overcoming Procrastination!

However, before I share the 8 tips for overcoming procrastination, I just wanted to mention self-compassion. Why? Because it is important to remember your self-compassion when overcoming procrastination!

In her book – Self-Compassion: Stop Beating Yourself Up and Leave Insecurity Behind, Dr Kristin Neff indicates – “Self-compassion entails three core components. First, it requires self-kindness, that we be gentle and understanding with ourselves rather than harshly critical and judgmental. Second, it requires recognition of our common humanity, feeling connected with others in the experience of life rather than feeling isolated and alienated by our suffering. Third, it requires mindfulness – that we hold our experience in balanced awareness, rather than ignoring our pain or exaggerating it. We must achieve and combine these three essential elements in order to be truly self-compassionate.”

Now you have remembered your self-compassion, let’s have a look at some tips for overcoming procrastination!

8 Tips for Overcoming Procrastination

Following are 8 tips that can help you overcome procrastination –

1. Know Yourself – start increasing your awareness on procrastination. For example –
   • When do you do procrastinate most?
   • What task/s do you procrastinate on most?
   • How do you feel about doing this task/s?
   • What are your fears associated with this task/s?
   • How does procrastination affect your life?
2. Accept Yourself – yes, truly and deeply accept yourself, no ifs or buts. Accept where you are right here, right now – the past and the present.
3. Remove Distractions – before you start a task, remove any distractions. For example if you are working on the computer, shut down any websites or social media accounts that may be running in the background. This way you can give your full attention on what you are doing.
4. Practice Effective Self-Management – according to CASEL, self management is “…the ability to regulate one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviours effectively in different situations.” This includes –
   • managing stress,
   • controlling impulses,
   • motivating oneself and being responsible, and
   • being personally accountable and setting and working toward achieving personal and professional goals.
5. Just Do One Task – yes, just start small and complete one relevant task that is easy and manageable for you. Once that task is completed, move on to the next task. Simple!
6. Be Willing to Make Mistakes – many procrastinators fear making mistakes, however this fear can hinder you from taking any action at all. It is important to remember that no-one is perfection and we all have made mistakes and continue to make mistakes. As Confucius says – “By three methods we may learn wisdom: First, by reflection, which is noblest; Second, by imitation, which is easiest; and third by experience, which is the bitterest.”
7. Learn to Say ‘No’ – know your own boundaries, priorities and commitments so you don’t overcommit.
8. Practice and Master a Growth Mindset – ask yourself how can I learn? Keep persisting in the face of setbacks, see effort as the path to mastery, learns form criticism and find lessons and inspiration in the success of others.

I hope this post has given you some more tips for overcoming procrastination. If you have any questions, please contact us or give us feedback on our Facebook page.

“The habit of always putting off an experience until you can afford it, or until the time is right, or until you know how to do it is one of the greatest burglars of joy. Be deliberate, but once you’ve made up your mind–jump in.” – Charles R. Swindoll

If you are ready to take yourself on the adventure of getting to know yourself (your true self), why not join the Toolkit? A place where I share tools, inspiration and ideas to live a courageous and openhearted life.