Stop Procrastination Forever

Why do we procrastinate?

Have you ever said you’ll do something later, but before you knew it the day was gone and you haven’t done it. Do you ever wish you had a magic wand to stop procrastination?

We all procrastinate from time to time. Sometimes it’s those mundane things – like sorting through old files, reconciling accounts, or tidying the linen cupboard.

But often it’s the bigger things that require more time, more commitment, and put us at more risk of failing, looking foolish or feeling emotionally bruised. Things like updating our resume to look for a new job, confronting a situation that weighs us down, or pursuing a long held aspiration.

I bet you know exactly what I am talking about; once you reach a certain point, you just can’t do it anymore.

You can’t force yourself to do a major task or change some habit because you hate that feeling of anxiety and pressure.

So, could it be that there’s just not enough time to find inspiration and complete those important tasks?

A Common Mistake

Let’s be honest.

We all have exactly the same amount of time in a day. Yes, we all have 24 hours in every single day.

Most people think, procrastinating is about time management, they say you can get anything done if you manage your time effectively.

It’s not true!

Nobody can “manage time”. Time will tick by whether you are busy or not. You can’t stop it and you can’t make it go faster. Time manages itself and it never stops for anyone.

Procrastination therefore has nothing to do with time management, it is all about self management.

After all, you are the only thing you have control over.

First, you have to understand procrastination.

What Is Procrastination?

There has been a lot of misunderstanding when it comes to procrastination.

Procrastination is the avoidance of doing a task which needs to be accomplished. It is the action of delaying or postponing something.

You’ve heard it many times, “to stop procrastinating, use your time efficiently and you will get things done.”

But it goes beyond that.

Procrastination is simply knowing the right thing to do, but not doing it right now.

If you are struggling to stop procrastinating, it’s not because you need to use your time efficiently. It’s also not that there’s something wrong with you, or you don’t have enough willpower; it’s just that you’re not mentally prepared enough for the task you’ve created for yourself.

The solution is to strengthen your mind.

And this post is your training regimen.

To end procrastination forever and create a fulfilling life, here are a few things you need to do to train your mind for success.

1. Start With Why

The secret of ending procrastination is to recognize your reason for doing what you chose to do. Recognise the pain you’ll experience by not doing the task; and then consider the pleasure you will experience when the task is completed or the goal is achieved.

Most people are overwhelmed by the pain during the process of working on an individual task and will often end up ignoring the task because they lack the long-term vision that excites them and carries them through the tough times.

They concentrate too much on the pain and forget the pleasure.

To reach your goals quickly, start by setting a task and then highlight the reward that follows the task.

For example,

The reward of going to the gym regularly will be the gorgeous, healthy, toned body you’ll soon see in the mirror.

Maybe your goal is to lose 10 kg by getting up earlier, exercising and eating healthy meals.

Always set a reward that will motivate you through to completing the project and keep you engaged while working on that particular task.

Think, how will I feel if I complete this task right now? Go for it, remember the time is now.

2. Stand By Your Decision

“It is in your moments of decision that your destiny is shaped.” – Tony Robbins

The best way to train your mind for success and to get things done is to make a decision and stay with it through to the end.

Think about it. How many decisions have you made and stayed true to?

Chances are, you have made a decision to achieve a certain milestone, but soon enough you lose your vigor and your attention drifts in and out of the inane dialogue in your head.

But the ugly truth is……

Successful people do have something valuable that quickly paves the road to their success, and that’s staying true to their decision.

Perhaps it’s time to activate this drive in your life. Start by making a single decision that could enhance your life every day and stay true to it.

Little by little you will be learning to thrive without forcing yourself.

Okay! You’ve got it! Now, let’s talk about creating awareness.

3. Reset Your Awareness

“I must work the works of Him that sent me while it is the day: the night cometh when no man can work.” – Jesus Christ

Start by finding some quiet time and reflect on the reasons why you procrastinate. What are the habits and thought processes that lead you to procrastinate? Write them down, then list only what you can commit to and complete.

Once you write it down, always follow through no matter what; by doing that you will be rebuilding the trust in yourself and you will start getting things done with results that will make you feel proud again.

4. Believe In Yourself

Be confident in yourself and believe you’re doing the right thing and keep moving forward even if you’re not seeing any meaningful results right now.

Celebrate even the smallest wins to keep you focused on the feeling of success.

Think of the bamboo tree, it grows under the soil for a long time, you can’t see any results happening for almost a year.

But the plant is definitely not dead or even dormant. A whole lot has happened under the surface. It’s building its root structure far below the ground. Then, one day, all the underground work is done.

Suddenly the shoot pops up, a full-width stalk, and the tree starts growing at an insane rate of several inches to as much as a foot a day.

This should be similar to the kind of growth you will experience; you might have months or even years, where it feels like nothing is happening.

Then suddenly, you’ll take off, as if it’s an explosion!

So you can’t let yourself get stuck, as long as you put in the effort consistently, believe you can power through it.

Success breeds success.

Once you start experiencing the small wins every day you’ll be hooked and you’ll want more.

To end procrastination, be clear on your why, stand by your decisions, be aware of things that slow you down, and believe in yourself.

Then you’ll be making progress every day and finally be living your dream.

So start today, There is no better time than right now. Your future self will thank you for it.