How to Stop Procrastination Today
Posted on October 10, 2016 by Liliana Fung, One of Thousands of ADD ADHD Coaches on Noomii.
Learn how to stop procrastination today, with easy practical tips.
Procrastination is something that I struggle with, no matter how much you know me, or how many clients I have I still struggle with this when it comes to doing my homework. The difference is that I’ve become better at this. But every time I face a new habit, a new assignment (I went back to school to get my second Master’s degree), or a change of seasons (with different amount of responsibilities) it takes me months or even a year to not procrastinate.
I’ve been given a little bit more to do this season, had to say no to a lot, so maybe I can give you a few tips on how to stop procrastination, today:
1. If you are in a season where you have a lot more time in your hands, this is your time to do everything that is not easy for you to do. Because when you start having a lot more added to your plate, it will be much harder to get those not so interesting tasks done. I’m talking about filing, organizing, decluttering, donating, putting items on sale, getting your receipts ready for tax season, saving money, learning about budgeting, learning everything you can about a skill that can bring you profit, etc.
2. Use a timer like the pomodoro technique and set it up for 10 to 15 minutes to get some tasks done. Take 5 minute breaks in between if it’s wise or continue your task. Many people struggle with starting, but once you start it’s easier.
3. Get an accountability partner in whatever you find hard to start doing by yourself. It’s best if your accountability partner is doing something similar to what you are trying to do. It’s also encouraged if your accountability partner prays, so that he or she could both pray and hold you accountable. Relying on God in the process is powerful.
4. Ask yourself, “AM I AVOIDING RESPONSIBILITY BY ENGAGING IN ANOTHER ACTIVITY OR BY BROWSING THE INTERNET?”
5. Just focus on taking action. If it’s a big project like wedding planning, designing your website, or baby shower planning, or starting your own business, etc. You have to get a notebook and write down your different projects, and then schedule in your calendar a day to do 1 action item.
Group related action items into the same day or the same weekend to get them all done.
6. If your excuse is “I don’t have time to work on that.” Ask yourself how long have you been struggling to start that one thing that can change your life drastically? Also look at your schedule, is there anything you can possibly remove so that you focus on what you need to get done?
I had to cancel many opportunities to attend bible study meetings, coffee dates, and conferences, so that I could have time to work and pay for tuition, in addition to studying.
7. Hire a coach ;-)