How to Break Up with Procrastination

It’s no secret that procrastination is one of the biggest inhibitors to meeting your goals. Am I right? Like, the two main things I consistently procrastinate on are laundry and exercising. They need to be done. But because I don’t like these tasks, deadlines go unmet, as laundry continues to pile up. I’ve done this over extended periods of time, which has created a very unhealthy relationship with getting those bothersome, but necessary tasks done.

Does this sound familiar to you? Things that need to be done that mysteriously never get done? Whether work or home, I’m sure you have at least two tasks you dread doing. If you want to learn how to end your toxic relationship with procrastination, then keep reading.

Tip #1: Get to the bottom of why you’re procrastinating.

Be real - “Because I don’t have time” is no longer an excuse. Especially in quarantine. And definitely when you have enough time in the day to binge-watch Chinese dramas on Netflix or your YouTube favorites. Dig deep and figure out what makes this task unenjoyable for you. Is it because it’s super tedious? Does it take up a lot of time to do? Is it because you have to interact with people to get it done? (I just heard a chorus of introverts say ‘AMEN!’)

The first step to changing anything is understanding why it’s happening. Which brings me to #2.

Tip #2: Find ways to make your dull tasks more interesting.

Hate washing dishes? Turn on some tunes and start a dance party while you get it done. Don’t feel like going through with your exercise routine? Switch up the regimen for the week to keep it entertaining. At the end of the day, the point is to get it done so we can get to the fun parts of our day — no matter what it takes.

Tip #3: Dedicate time and space to that task.

Remember the “because I don’t have timeeeeee acdpsnvaidfjidaospjfpa” excuse? Here’s where we squash it. Make an agreement with yourself that you will do _____ task on Tuesdays from 11-12pm. Or Friday evening from 6-7pm. I don’t care. Whatever works in your schedule — but the point is, when we dedicate time and space to getting that task done, we give ourselves permission to focus only on that task, and everything else comes second. That allows us to prepare our minds, and get our nose to the ground to get it done. Depending on what type of task it is, you can also add it to your morning or evening routine. We have a post about that — check it out!

Tip #4: Offer yourself a reward for completing the difficult task.

As humans, we are wired to push through hard tasks when we can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Offering yourself something as a reward for completing the difficult task can be an effective way to get through doing it. There are a lot of ways to reward yourself — it can be with free time, a nap, or buying yourself that book you’ve been waiting to read. BUT — let’s not get carried away here! If you deal with an eating disorder, or just love food and am trying to eat better (like me), using food as a reward isn’t very wise to do. I personally am cautious about that, but to each his own.

Tip #5: If all else fails, delegate or outsource.

If you find that you just can’t find the moxy to finish your difficult tasks, and you find that it’s still just not getting done, it’s time to delegate or outsource the task. Delegating can mean enlisting a staff member, co-worker, child, spouse, parent, friend, or whoever to the completion of that pesky task. Outsourcing means you’re enlisting the help of a professional, company, or organization to oversee the completion of that task. Depending on what the task is (personal or business), delegating or outsourcing will cost you some money. But if you have it to spare, it could mean a load off of your brain (and to-do list) to focus on other things that matter to you.

Pro Tip: To see if outsourcing or delegation is worth it, calculate how many hours you would have to work to pay for the completion of that task. For all my fellow business owners, calculate how many sales it would take to pay for that task’s completion. If you find that your answer is worth it, do it! If not, that should give you the kick you need to do it yourself!

Love ya’ll. Stay home. xx

-Le’Andra