We’ve all had those days when you don’t have a single ounce of motivation to cross even just one item off your to-do list. What’s worse is when you know that you still have days to accomplish these tasks until their deadlines so you just sit there, relaxed and stress-free. Familiar, right?
It may sound amusing to agree that you’re not the only one to have these lazy days but as much as we would like to admit, it’s actually hurting not only our productivity but also our ability to deliver high-quality results.
If you no longer need convincing about the unhealthy effects of procrastination on your efficiency as a student or as a professional, this article will help you get back on track and change your life for the better.
Be inspired by these motivational ways to overcome procrastination and get things done on time.
1. Think of the rewards first than the actual work.
It’s not good to count your chicks before the eggs hatch but if you want to overcome procrastination, the best way to motivate yourself is to think of the reward, the prize that is waiting for you if you can actually do and accomplish the job not only right on schedule but also in its highest quality.
Imagine that promotion because of an impressive output that you have delivered in advance; think of the benefits and the incentives that you can enjoy because you did your job with great finesse.
2. Manage your time according to your lifestyle.
Perhaps the reason why you’re procrastinating is that you think working on something in advance is limiting you to do other more fun and exciting things in life. Managing your time according to the type of lifestyle that you prefer is one sure way to avoid procrastination. How? By accepting that your responsibilities as a student or as an employee is a part of your day to day affairs.
Most people deny the fact that their tasks at work or in school should be considered as a natural part of every day. Actually, by thinking that they are outsiders and are just “extras”, you tend to think that actually doing them is a burden.
By changing your perspective and including them in your needed routines just like how you have to brush your teeth or take a shower, you include them as an important day-to-day responsibility that must be attended to no matter what.
3. Focus on the advantages of strictly following a schedule.
Your body easily adapts to the changes – or the routines that we usually subject ourselves to. By strictly following a work schedule, you are training your brain to get used to this type of activity. It’s helpful for students for instance to follow a study plan at specific times of the day. For employees or home-based workers, it’s helpful to be consistent when it comes to setting a timetable.
4. Be realistic.
It’s very important to be realistic in everything we do especially when planning a project and actually doing it. Create a doable and realistic plan to accomplish your tasks at work or in school but don’t forget to include other unrelated activities in the equation.
It’s good to be productive but it’s better if you balance it out by not forgetting to have fun and just forget to work for a while.
5. Stick to your to-do list no matter what.
Your to-do list is there for two reasons: to keep track of what you need to accomplish and to know which tasks you should prioritize first. If you want to truly succeed, you have to stick to your list no matter what.
6. Find an inspiration – may it be a person or a goal.
With a touch of inspiration, everyone can accomplish anything. If you want to feel motivated, you have to figure out what or who inspires you and try to realize how accomplishing your tasks can improve your chances of getting closer to this thing or person that makes you happy.
ALSO READ: 40 Inspiring Quotes about Success
7. Always choose to sleep.
No, you don’t have to burn yourself out or to be a slave of time just to prove that you have overcome procrastination. If you want to feel motivated and have the needed energy to be the best, you need proper rest and enough sleep.
Sleep helps our brain organize our thoughts and it also helps us concentrate better particularly when a task requires mental and physical accuracy.
8. Set your personal deadlines and don’t disappoint.
Aside from the actual deadline, have the discipline and maturity to set your own target. By following this personal goal, you are encouraging yourself to set objectives even without the expectations of other people.
9. Remember how procrastination contributed to past failures.
Learn from the mistakes of the past and if you have ever experienced a failure because you have procrastinated before, you have to remind yourself how you felt and how you have disappointed not only yourself but also the people who believed in you.
It’s true that we learn lessons the hard way and remembering our past shortcomings can remind us that this time, we have a chance to do it right.
10. Have a conscious effort to change and believe that you can.
You should believe that you are capable of change. It’s also important that you have the right attitude and you follow a more positive perspective when it comes to improving yourself, in thoughts and in deed.
11. Give yourself plaudits and celebrate even the simplest success.
Celebrate the little accomplishments that you have achieved. Valuing your effort and recognizing even the simplest success can boost your confidence and can motivate you to do bigger and greater things.
It’s okay if it’s just one task in a 10-bullet to-do list or just one paragraph in a 10-page paper. What is important is you took that one single step.
Many people who managed to overcome procrastination have realized that the best way to truly feel satisfied and fulfilled in everything that you do is to give it your all – your time, your effort and your commitment.
Remember that the kind and the quality of output that you deliver say a lot about you. Make your boss – or your teacher see something that deserves pride and admiration.
Online courses recommended for you:
- Create A Simple Daily Success Routine To Transform Your Life
Introducing ‘The Amazing Routine’ – Boost your Happiness, Confidence, Focus, Motivation and Power. - Life Mastery – Happiness, Health & Success
Practical techniques to successfully master work-life balance, happiness, and goal setting; If you feel like things aren’t turning out as you’d dreamed, you want to progress faster, or you’re overwhelmed with stress and worry, then this course will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Photo by Wokandapix
