What are you putting off to read this post? If you’re anything like me, when I don’t want to do something, I put it off by any means necessary. I probably put more effort into avoiding the task than it would take to just do it. 

While ultimately it’s up to your own willpower to work on something, there are many ways to help you along. Here are a few.

Mind Hacks

Sometimes the best way to get yourself to do something is to trick your brain. For repetitive tasks, you can create a chain of checkboxes. Each time you complete the task, check off a box. This tricks your brain by giving you a bit of extra motivation to not break the chain.

Another idea is to intersperse enjoyable tasks with each step. In college, I would do this when I had a project I procrastinated. Between each step of my project, I would “reward” myself with an assignment from an elective class I enjoyed. 

You can also try determining the next steps and just take the first one or set a timer and only work on the troubling task until the timer goes off.

Think of your motivation

Do you remember why you have to do this task in the first place? 

Maybe your task needs to be completed for a dream of yours to come about. My motivation for cleaning the house (I procrastinate this way too often) is having an uplifting and productive environment to work in. My motivation for filling out all the forms for a passport is the fact that I get to travel in September. 

There’s always a reason you are doing something or else you wouldn’t be doing it. 

Determine your roadblocks 

What is blocking you from taking the next step? Is it an external or internal factor? 

Popular reasons to procrastinate are fear of failure, perfectionism, feeling overwhelmed, an unclear goal, and choosing too tough a task.

Once you have determined your roadblock, plan a way to overcome it. Make a concrete list of small steps toward overcoming the roadblock.

Make it enjoyable

Something I learned growing up was to find one way an annoying task was actually enjoyable. Sometimes this meant being in the moment. 

I would work to enjoy the breeze or sun on my back while painting the house (an unbelievably boring task for me). Or, I would think about how happy I am that I’m learning piano after I’ve been practicing for an hour already. 

While writing this blog post, I made the outline then jumped from heading to heading as each one caught my fancy. No one said I have to write it from start to finish. By jumping around, I enjoyed writing it much more.

Find a way to think about your task as enjoyable.

Don’t wait for the perfect moment

Too often, I put something off because I’m just not in the mood. Instead of putting it off again, get yourself in the right mood. For me, taking a shower and getting dressed in a cute outfit can encourage me to get productive just like brushing my teeth and washing my face gets me in the mode to fall asleep.

Get someone to do it with you

Honestly, I would do a lot more things if I had someone cheering me on. If you find someone with a similar goal, work on the project together. In this way, if you get stuck, you have someone to talk through the problem with.

Don’t break the flow

Once you get going, don’t break the flow. Try to finish the task if you have the time. If you don’t, write down your next steps so next time you start on the project, you have a clear image of what to do.

 

I hope you found these tips helpful. Remember, it is up to you to decide to just do it. 

Think of a task you have been putting off. Choose one or more of the ideas above and apply it to your task. Share your successes below!

Pin it for later!