How to stop procrastinating

1) Don’t blow a task out of proportion.

By over thinking and putting things off you are not only trying to protect yourself from pain. You also make mountains out of molehills. The quotes above are so true it isn’t even funny. The more hours and days you put something off the worse it grows in your mind.

Because you are dwelling on it. So it expands in your mind. And since you are putting it off you are probably thinking about it in a negative way. This makes a little thing, a horrible beast that is threatening to ruin your life.

2) Stop thinking. Start doing.

“To think too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.”

You think and think and try to come up with the perfect plan. A plan where you don’t have to make mistakes, where you will never be rejected, where there will be no pain, difficulties or worries. Such a thing does of course not exist. But as long as you work on that plan you can protect yourself.

3) Use a “Time Blocker”

Set a 30-minute time blocker once or several times a day, in which you won’t be distracted by anything or anyone. Use this time to focus and work on the most important task. If you can’t focus for 30 minutes, start with less time and work your way up to 30 minutes.

4) Set Mini Goals

Set mini goals to achieve bigger goals. Do you want to go to the gym more often? Set your goal to pack your training clothes. Do you want to start planning a project? Set your goal to create a worksheet and name the columns. With these mini goals, you lower the barrier of not working on tasks and not making decisions.

5) Leave Your Comfort Zone

A major cause of procrastination is discomfort. If you feel uncomfortable with a task, you will rather avoid it. The solution to this problem? Leave your comfort zone. You need to learn how to get used to the discomfort. Sport is a good opportunity if you want to learn how to deal with being outside your comfort zone. With sport, you get used to the feeling of growing beyond your own limits, and thus your own comfort zone.

6) Develop a Daily Routine

Procrastination is a mental habit. If you develop a daily routine, you can flip it around and use the power of habits for yourself and develop positive ones. With a routine and (partly) fixed daily schedule, you know what to do at all times. In addition, you avoid distractions more easily and get a better order for doing your tasks.