Are you tired of procrastinating and want to find ways to reduce it?
While you can’t completely eliminate procrastination because it’s part of being human, you can use strategies to minimize it.
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, procrastination is intentionally or habitually putting things off.
Grant Cardone has a great point when he says, “Waiting only makes things harder.”
The longer you delay doing something you need to do, the harder it becomes.
So, why do people procrastinate?
Fear is often the root cause.
Everyone struggles with procrastination, including successful people, although they may struggle less.
Here are some strategies to tackle procrastination and boost your productivity.
- Live intentionally: Many people live reactively, letting time slip away. Instead, be proactive and intentional with your time. Plan ahead by determining what you need to do tomorrow or next week.
- Do what you love: Procrastination is less likely to occur when you do something you love. Reflect on whether the task at hand is something you genuinely enjoy or something you don’t like. This can help you prioritize and focus on tasks that align with your interests and passions.
- Surround yourself with the right people: Pay attention to who you follow on social media, what books you read, and what videos you watch. Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be in terms of productivity and success, such as Grant Cardone, Mark Cuban, Tony Robbins, Oprah Winfrey, etc.
- Say no to things you don’t want to do: Politely decline commitments you are not interested in or incapable of doing. It’s okay to say no and prioritize your time and energy for things that truly matter to you.
- Make time for rest, exercise, and fun: Don’t let work consume your entire life—schedule time for rest, exercise, and activities that bring you joy. Taking care of your physical and mental well-being is crucial for overall productivity.
- Know your limits: Listen to your body and be mindful of when you start feeling overwhelmed or exhausted. Take a break and assess what you need to do to recharge and refocus.
- Outsource, delegate, automate, and eliminate tasks you dislike: Use the ODAE approach – outsource, delegate, automate, or eliminate tasks you don’t enjoy or take up unnecessary time and energy.
- Set exciting goals: Goals are crucial for success. Set goals that excite you and write them down daily, following Grant Cardone’s suggestion. This keeps you focused and motivated.
- Have a big mission: Define a big, hairy, audacious goal that inspires you and gives you a sense of purpose. Having a clear mission can help you stay motivated and focused, reducing the urge to procrastinate.
- Do things that scare or stretch you: Stepping out of your comfort zone and taking on challenging tasks can help you overcome procrastination. Once you start, you’ll be too engaged in the task to procrastinate.
Procrastination is a part of life, but by implementing these strategies, you can minimize it and unlock your inner greatness. Don’t let procrastination keep you from achieving your goals and living a productive life.