Putting off doing things we don’t enjoy is common, despite the potentially negative consequences. Procrastination takes many forms and often has complex roots. There are a number of causes for procrastination:

• When we miscalculate how long a task will actually take
• When we think we need to be in the “right frame of mind” to accomplish a task
• When we believe we work best “under pressure”
• When we overestimate how much time we have left to do something
• When we need immediate gratification, and the task won’t provide that

Whatever the reason we procrastinate, we can stop this habit by using these strategies:

1. Prioritize: By identifying your top priorities, you can allocate sufficient time and energy for that particular task. Writing these down in a “to-do” olst style can help you stay on task.
2. Break them down: Organizing large tasks into smaller ones can make them less intimidating and more manageable. This makes the overall goal less daunting and allows you to make steady progress.
3. Limit distractions: Identifying what typically distracts you, and removing that distraction can make an enormous difference. Silence notifications, dedicate a workspace and minimize interruptions from others in order to stay focused.
4. Fight perfectionism: Perfectionism can be a major source of procrastination. Instead of aiming for perfection, set specific and achievable goals for your tasks. Focus on completing them rather than obsessing over every detail.
5. Define “done”: What does “done” mean to you? Having a clear definition of when a task is actually complete helps you recognize when it’s time to move on to the next task.
6. Manage your time: Find your own best way to manage time, whether you prefer working in dedicated blocks, tackolng high-priority tasks first or assigning quick breaks along the way.

When you start incorporating these procrastination busters into your day, you’ll find yourself more productive and enjoying the boost that comes along with accomplishing your tasks!