Are You a Procrastinator?

Are you a procrastinator? I’m not usually but sometimes… I just can’t get in the groove to do anything.

This week was one of those weeks when everything was a struggle. Even normally simple things like writing a Facebook post.

And because everything was a struggle, I kept putting things off. Procrastinating.

So, with my to-do list filling up and guilt driving me, I decided to find out more about procrastinating and if there was anything I could do about it.

Here’s what I found…

According to an article in Business Insider, there are 4 types of procrastinators.

Which one resonates with you? I think I’m a cross between Works Well Under Pressure and Novelty Seeker.

So, having identified these types of procrastinators, I went in search of help. What could each of these types do to push past a bout of procrastination. Is it even a solvable problem?

First of all, a number of sources stated that the beginning of the end of a bout of procrastination, no matter what type you are, starts with compassion. Beating yourself up when you’re already feeling bad is not going to get you anywhere.

So, starting with being kind to yourself. Then, here are some other things you can try…

Works Well Under Pressure

• Instead of focusing on the delivery date, guesstimate how long the task will take then set a start date.
• Break a task down into small chunks and give each of those chunks a deadline.
• Use a calendar to block time off each day to get something done on your project.

I’m So Lazy

• Take a break. Have a cup of tea, go for a walk, take a nap. Give your brain a break then come back when you’re rested.
• Create a plan to get something done. You don’t have to commit to doing it right away, just lay out the steps you can take.
• Gather all the tools or information you need to start a task. Just knowing that you have everything at hand is enough of a jump-start to get you going.

I’m So Busy

• Stop, take a look around and have a think about what it is you’re avoiding.
• Pick 3 things from your to-do list and focus on just those 3 things.
• Find an accountability partner. Having to fess up about procrastinating is a great motivator to get things done.

Novelty Seeker

• Keep a notepad handy while you’re working so you can scribble down all the great ideas that distract you.
• Plan a reward for when you finish a task. It can be as simple as 15 minutes on your favourite online store or a cup of coffee.
• Minimize distractions. Turn off your phone, close the door. The less that’s going on around you the better you’ll be able to focus.

For Everyone

• Be realistic about what you can do. Being overwhelmed by your to-do list can add to the procrastination problem.
• Remember “how to eat an elephant” – one bite at a time. Breakdown tasks into manageable pieces and tackle them one at a time.
• Create a routine for starting your tasks. Your mind will come to recognize the signs and be ready to work.
• Adopt the “done is better than perfect” motto. Aiming for perfect is a huge motivation killer.
• Create a go-to list of things that work for you to stop procrastination in its tracks.

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One of the other tips for tackling procrastination was to have a “personal vision” of the life you want to create. It sounds like an excellent idea but… once I hit procrastination mode, no amount of introspection is going to pull me out.

I need quick hit, full-impact ideas to get me moving again. Things like using a timer and starting with the smallest task that will make an impact. If I can get going, I can get past the procrastination.

And then there are times when I just have to wait it out. Sometimes there are no tricks in my magic bag that will help. Interestingly, when this happens, procrastination clears away on its own and the task I was avoiding gets done with minimal effort.

How about you? How do you deal with procrastination? Do any of these tips appeal to you? I’d love to hear your procrastination story. Tell me in the comments below or email me at amanda@pinktoadstudio.com.