We all have those days where we would much rather check Facebook than do the laundry so how do we find the motivation to conquer those tasks?

I agree with Cheryl that curing procrastination is not about willpower. If not willpower, then how?

 

Cure Procrastination Today

By utilizing these simple tips, you can stop procrastinating and finally complete all of those projects you have meant to do.

1. Turn off the phone.

Distractions are everywhere, and they are draining your focus and making procrastination so much easier. You can minimize these distractions by turning off your cell phone, disconnecting the internet, turning off the TV, and finding a quiet space that allows for concentration. You will have to learn to either ignore or disconnect yourself from these distractions to stave off procrastination. At any rate, multi-tasking is dangerous.

2. Make realistic goals.

Setting goals can help keep you on track and focused. You will want to make goals that are both realistic and attainable. You don’t want to set impossible deadlines for yourself, but you also do want your goals to be somewhat of a challenge to keep you interested.

3. Change your environment.

Sometimes simply changing the environment you are working in can make a big difference in helping you stay concentrated. Our environment can inspire us to focus or keep us distracted. Try going outside or moving somewhere quieter until you find the best workspace for yourself.

4. Break down the problem to make it less complex.

Often we will try to avoid a task because we feel it is too complex. To cure this cause for procrastinating break down the task and tackle each single component individually. It may also help to remind yourself of a time you successfully conquered a difficult task.

5. Put a carrot on the stick.

By offering yourself a reward for getting projects done now rather than later you can stave off laziness. You can tell yourself that once you finish the task at hand you can participate in more enjoyable activities like watch a special movie or eat a certain snack you love. This will provide motivation to tackle the task.

6. Take care of your overall health.

Fatigue, hunger, or overall ill health can make focusing on a task much more challenging. Make sure to take care of yourself by getting enough rest, eating healthy, and exercising. Doing so will promote your overall health and ensure the optimum level of focus. To get more energized, try an Alkaline Diet get your body fired up again.

7. Tell others about your project.

Holding yourself publicly accountable will help prevent you from making excuses and putting off the project. One great way to tell others is through social media. You could post daily or weekly goals to Twitter or Facebook. Feeling like others are watching your progress can help push you forward.

8. Surround yourself with busy people.

Put yourself around other people who are busy getting things done. It will be a good influence on you to see those around you benefiting from completing projects. It will encourage and motivate you to get things done and help you put an end to that procrastination. Make new friends if you need to, it might just change your life.

9. Fight through the fear.

Many times we will put off a task due to fear of failure. We may feel unable to achieve a certain standard or fear social reaction. The best way to manage this is to fight and work through the fear. Fear will not pass by procrastinating and putting off the task.

10. Get inspired by someone who accomplished your goal.

Take time to seek out someone or read someone’s story that has completed the goal you are working on. Seeing proof that these goals are achievable can help encourage you to stay focused.

11. Re-assess your goals after periods of time.

We often outgrow goals or situations change. It is beneficial to re-clarify your goals after long periods of time to ensure that what you are currently doing is in alignment with future goals.

12. Assess the consequences of avoiding the task.

Many times looking at the negative consequences of further procrastination can help you realize that completing the task now is better off than the costs of not doing it.

13. Stop rebelling.

You may be procrastinating because you want control over the task you feel you’re being forced to do. Instead, tell yourself that you choose to do the task to make yourself happy.

14. There is no tomorrow.

Realize that tomorrow doesn’t exist and stop promising yourself that it will get done later. Don’t trust your brain’s logic that tomorrow’s version of you will be a different person ready to work. There is power in the NOW.

15. Don’t stop.

As physics makes clear, an object in motion will say in motion. Once you begin a project, it is important not to lose momentum. You will be much more likely to keep working until you finish if you don’t stop for lengthy periods of time in between. It is important to take breaks, but they should be short to keep you from losing focus.

16. Make the task more interesting.

If you find yourself procrastinating because the task at hand is tedious and boring, then you may want to consider more interesting tasks in the future. Find creative ways to make necessary tasks more exciting. If you loathe folding laundry, for example, change your routine to allow this time to be devoted to your favorite TV show while you get the task done. Soon you’ll look forward to folding the clothes.

17. Don’t work too hard.

Most of the time procrastination is associated with a lack of hard work but if you have been consumed with work and have been neglecting to devote time to yourself, then you may need to take a break. You may have trouble concentrating and completing tasks because you desperately need down time. Take your mind off work and be sure to allot time each day devoted to yourself.

Have other tips to cure procrastination? Let me know in the comments.