How To Beat Procrastination And Get Things Done
I think we all face procrastination issues many times over a lifetime. Procrastination is the evil twin of being in the flow of things, getting things done with seemingly no effort at all. Sometimes, this evil twin can be so annoying that we fall into a pit of self pity and/or depression because we fail to see any progress.
Do you experience these feelings at times? If so, I think I know why you do. While I will never have all the answers, I believe that procrastination is THE MASK of feeling overwhelmed, scared, insecure, or unable to do something correctly.
If we address each of these feelings a little closer, we find some interesting truths. Join me to find out what I have discovered.
Feeling overwhelmed
When we are overwhelmed it is because we are lost of what step to take next. This feeling is often very powerful, so much so that it renders us inactive for days, weeks or even month.
You have probably experienced this gripping fear many times during your life. Perhaps it was a course you wanted to take but never did, a book you wanted to write, a language you felt like learning, or thousands of other things we all want but never achieve.
Feelings of:
- Fear
- Insecurity
- Laziness
- Inability to cope
- and more – are so powerful, they keep us from taking action.
While all of these feelings play a major role with most people’s procrastination issues, ONE SINGLE reason is often the cause of evil amongst them all.
You are trying to bite off too big a chunk to experience progress
Go back and read that last sub-header again.
When we try to take a large bite out of something new it is often enough to leave us feeling in despair the minute we realize that we can simply not cope. To make it easier on yourself your should focus on a step by step process instead.
Interestingly enough, we sabotage ourselves because when we start (or trying to start) something new we are usually excited and really keen to get going. But after taking the first couple of steps we soon realize that more is expected of us than we realized initially.
This is when procrastination hits us at its worst.
But rather than trying to rush things and mentally will them into action I suggest you take a step back and survey the emotional landscape in your head to make order of the whole process.
Doing this will allow you to look at the situation more objectively and this is often the only thing needed to move ahead – out of the tunnel and into the light.
My recipe to beat procrastination
When I get stuck with the evil twin of productivity I do the following:
- I write down my road map which includes each action step to get me where I want to be eventually.
- I then take this road map and divide it up into bite size chunks. These chunks are often measured in time for me, but could well be measured differently for you.
- Last but not least I take action. I start with the smallest step and gradually work my way toward to target.
Remember though, this is not a sure-fire recipe to have you achieve everything you ever wanted to. But it certainly helps to get you moving and movement is key if you want to see results.
Also, there will always be setbacks to everything you tackle. Life is like a tree branch and the branches reflect avenues we choose along the way. Every once in a while you hit a junction – this junction means it is now decision time once again!
Knowing this before you start on your journey will help you a long way to staying productive opposed to keep procrastinating.
Monika
About the Author: I'm a passionate freelance writer and problogger. To further build my business I'm also in the process of building my own niche empire which pays me residual income.
Dave Fowler | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika
I have a constant battle with procrastination. It’s a wonder that I achieve as much as I do.
It usually occurs when I hit a low point so I have to watch out for it approaching and the symptoms are those you’ve already described.
I use a similar system to you to get through it – although it’s clear that I could borrow some of your techniques to refine my own method. I’m better now than I eve was but I don’t think I’ll ever be immune. Thanks. Dave.
Brett Legree | Dec 8, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
I do exactly the same thing as you – if it is all down in front of you, with a path and a plan, you always know the next step.
The other thing that works for me (perhaps not everyone) is that I always have to remember that in spite of my lofty goals – if I get even half of what I set out to do accomplished, I’m still probably further ahead than 90 percent of the folks out there…
(I am perpetually hard on myself!)
-Brett
Cath Lawson | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika – taking bite sized chunks is really good advice. I used to make the mistake of trying to tackle one big project in a short time.
And what would happen was – I wouldn’t get to the end, because I’d become overwhelmed. Also, all the litte jobs would begin piling up because I’d spent too much time on the bigger project.
I guess you’ve got to be reaistic about how long something will take you and allocate a certain amount of time to it. So, if you’re writing a novel in your spare time, instead of saying – I’ll do 2000 words a day, you need to stick to one hour a day instead.
Tumblemoose | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika,
When that dreaded mode hits (and most often it IS due to being overwhelmed) I make a to do list and put it directly in front of me. Then I tackle the easiest/littlest things first, to give me a sense of accomplishment and headway. I find that once I get a few things under my belt it is easier to tackle the bigger things head on.
I also keep a project white board that has a column for “last touch”. This gives a great visual representation for keeping up on projects, and not letting them build to the point where I’m into crisis management.
Cheers
George
Phil King - Workamping | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Great ideas, and yet so simple. As a full-time RV’er making my living on the road this is especially hard for me at time. There are so many distractions when you’re parked in a really cool resort or next to the beach. Maybe I should make my road map and tape it on my window so I can’t see out.
Davina | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Hi Monika. This is excellent advice. And then there are those days when NOTHING works, despite the honest efforts a person makes. Computer crashes; email and Internet is painfully slow; pdf files with valuable info in them are corrupt. Ever have that feeling some days that you are in a plain unlucky streak? Arrrrrgh! Is it a full moon or something?
Monika | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
@ Dave: I think non of us will ever be immune to procrastination issues. They happen to creep up on us in the worst times possible. However, over the years I have learned to circumnavigate them a little better I guess.
I suppose it also depends how IMPORTANT the end result is to the output we invest into the stepping stones. Thanks for stepping by, by the way I love your blog concept.
@ Brett: What you said is actually a VERY powerful motivator for those times. I sometimes do the same and when I do, I usually find a renewed drive straight away. Seeing how far I have come on my journey so far makes it easier to just keep going I guess.
Thanks for sharing your views.
@ Cath: Yes exactly. I’m like you and often tried to bite too big a chunk off something I was trying to achieve. Saying it was a frustrating experience is probably an understatement as well.
I love your last suggestion as well – looking at solution from a different perspective. Wise words.
@ George: Isn’t this interesting. You know, I actually do the opposite to what you do and tackle the hardest part of the list first to REALLY take off the stress.
It’s great to see that those very separate ways still work for either of us. Loved your whiteboard suggestion too. I actually tried this when I was in mlm, but it never worked for me then. I found by just using my Moleskine instead I had as little extra clutter as possible while keeping track of what needs to be done.
@ Phil: Uuh I am so jealous right now.
You are doing what I will be doing in the future for good. Guess I just found myself a new website to read.
Ricardo Bueno | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Breaking things up into smaller pieces *definitely* helps me complete a bigger project. Of course I still procrastinate a little (I take more breaks than maybe I should) but it helps me finish the project.
Carla | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
This post is going on one of my future blog posts.
I so love the idea of breaking things up. When you’re constantly looking at the bigger picture, its easy to get lost and give up.
Alex Fayle | Someday Syndrome | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Oh, that’s so me. When I’m feeling overwhelmed I freak out. Usually it’s because the big picture turns into all the details that need to get done and I see every single detail at the exact same time with the exact same priority.
I get over it by talking to others who help me refocus my eyes so that I see the big picture and only the details that affect me in the moment.
Dave Fowler | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
Monika, thank you for the kind compliment about my blog concept. I’m in the very early stages with much to learn, but it’s fun… and tough, but mostly fun.
Something that struck me about procrastination after reading your reply (you used a phrase that triggered a memory): There was a time when I didn’t even know what procrastination was or even that I was doing it. Those were the truly scary times in my life. I thought I was hopelessly lazy – when in fact the contrary is true. At least now I see the signs and I can choose to do something about it (even if I don’t always do so).
Dave Fowler | Dec 9, 2008 | Reply
ooops. It’s just dawned on me that you’re not talking about the blog I thought you were. Sorry, it would be correct to say OUR blog and not MY blog – but the rest is still true. Sorry. Dave.
Monika | Dec 10, 2008 | Reply
@ Ricardo: Doing what you do is a good way to lessen the pressures I think. I also find myself acting in a similar matter when I REALLY don’t want to act on something because I’m freaking out about it.
It might be a little slower, but as long there is movement I think it is good, don’t you think?
@ Carla: Oh yes, I’m so with you on that one. Strangely enough even though some of us know this, we still tend to repeat the process every now in a while.
@ Alex: LOL, your comment made me laugh but is actually spot on.
You hit it right on when you said, “Usually it’s because the big picture turns into all the details that need to get done and I see every single detail at the exact same time with the exact same priority.”
Aren’t we humans a self destructing mob at times.
@ Dave: Yes I did mean your fitness blog. The collaboration of the three of you. Since many of us bloggers sit in front of a computer far too long at times I think your message hits home loud and clear.
Interesting how you felt about being lazy. When I look back though I also felt like that when I was a teenager and a young adult. I too felt like being a lazy person but in reality I wasn’t. It was the fear of procrastination that stopped me from doing certain things.
I actually think these topics need to be taught in school to help young adults in the transition process as it would stop many from self sabotaging.
Dave Fowler | Dec 10, 2008 | Reply
Monika, I think you may be onto something there. I think they should teach it in schools and that way generations of children might grow to understand themselves better.
Ricardo Bueno | Dec 15, 2008 | Reply
@Monika: speaking of procrastination, there are a few projects now that I’ve been meaning to get done and haven’t. Looks like stumbling across this article was meant to be… Now I”m off to organize for tomorrow and break things into smaller pieces. Some movement is better than no movement at all after all!
steph | Dec 18, 2008 | Reply
I’m exactly like Alex! The only thing that helps me is to write out all the details and try to prioritize…
Tommy | Jan 16, 2009 | Reply
I have read the posts and can relate to all of them. I sometimes procrastinate until I give myself a good scare and then I think I work better in crisis mode. This is only partially true. I want to share a solution I learned in a course I took years ago (The Silva Method). This only take a few seconds. As soon as you realize you are procrastinating, close your eyes and visualize yourself with the completed project in your hand or visualize yourself standing next to the conpleted task. I picture myself with manuscript in hand, looking thinner, smiling, dressed nicely and maybe looking out on the beach at sunset. I picture myself landing on the moon and instead of planting a flag I have my completed project with me or reaching the top of Everest with my paperwork done and a big smile on my face. I am posing for pictures in my big fur coat and snow goggles on. Tune out the noise in your head until it is as right and realistic as possible. I open my eyes and I am ready to go and do even if it’s tedious and boring work. Try this and it will improve many areas of your life. I need to get back to it. Tommy
sophie | Feb 19, 2009 | Reply
hi the best thing to
beat procrastination is to get whatever
your putting off done, because if you keep avoiding it then it will snowball on you. so get it done and you have more time to do other stuff and youll feel great that its off your chest