Procrastination is something we all deal with. Procrastination with work, school, whatever- we all deal with it. For example, I am writing this article when I should be hard at work at homework. Maybe I am not the best person to write an article on procrastinating less, but I will give you some tips that when it gets down to the wire- works even for the best of procrastinators- me.
Sometimes you just have to take all obstacles out of your way. This is what I like to call the “just do it” factor. This is one of the hardest things to do when all you really want to do is procrastinate. Turn off the television, put away the books and magazines, turn off the computer game- whatever the obstacle, just take it out of your way. This takes a lot of discipline, but if you have to do it, just do it.
One thing that works best for me is leaving my house and going somewhere else. I like sitting in a coffee shop. Thing is I can not take my computer. Just me and whatever book or article I need to read for class. If it is a paper I need to work on, I take a legal pad and pen and work the old school way. It helps not to have the distractions. It might be better for you to go to a library or, if it is a particularly nice day out side, to go to a park. This way the distractions of “home” are out of the way and you can concentrate on whatever it is that needs finishing.
Another thing that takes a lot of discipline is doing the project whenever you get it. I absolutely hate doing this, but really it is the best possible thing to do! Just think about getting something finished as soon as it is handed to you – okay maybe this is great in a perfect world, but let us get real!
Another thing that I have found extremely affective, not to mention one of my favorite things to do- make a list. That is right. Make a list of everything little thing you have to do. Anything goes from writing a paper, doing laundry, or cleaning the scum out of the bathroom shower. After making the list, star (or I like using hearts) everything that is the most important to get finished. Start with those things. When you are finished with everything you have starred (or hearted), make another set of stars. Pretty soon you will realize that you have gotten almost everything on your list finished! And oh the accomplishment that you will feel! It is stupendous!!
So these are my tips and tricks on procrastinating less. The ones that work best for me are the leaving the house and all distractions behind and making lists (my husband will tell you I am definitely a list maker! My lists are all over the house!). Whatever your form of procrastination breaking, just remember it is all about what works for you!
