5 Ways to Beat Procrastination and Change the World

5 Ways to Beat Procrastination and Change the World

Beating procrastination is the difference between leading an unproductive life and changing the world.

If you find yourself consistently putting important tasks off, being late for every meeting or appointment, in addition to being unable to get yourself organized. You probably already know that you are a serious procrastinator.

This limiting habit – limiting because it’s the barrier between achieving little and making an impact on the world – is common in every single human being. Nevertheless, the highest performing individuals have been able to overcome this mental obstacle by following a few simple tips, which we will describe below.

So, avoid wasting time and put these into practice straight away.

Focus On One Thing At A Time – Beat Procrastination

One of the essential tricks to beating procrastination is focusing on one task at a time. We often think about everything we have to do by a given time. This makes us feel overwhelmed and we don’t know where to start.

Start by choosing the most important task you’ve been procrastinating and commit to completing it as soon as possible. Organise yourself by writing down and prioritizing tasks. Get your ‘big ticket’ items completed early on in the day when your mind is still fresh and the rest of the day will come a lot easier.

Have The Goal Vision In Hand – Beat Procrastination

When you find yourself delaying actions or activities, remind yourself why you started. Your goal could be career development, financial freedom or even changing the world.

Whatever your objective in life is, make sure to have it in mind at all times. You can either write your goals in a journal that you review every morning upon waking, or if you find this a difficult thing to do, try hanging a few motivational quotes or images around the house or even have them rotate as a your desktop background (my personal favourite).

Apply The 5 Second Rule – Beat Procrastination

Mel Robbin a renowned motivational and keynote speaker. Has shared how how the 5 Second Rule changed her life from the first day she applied it.

By now, you are probably wondering what is this rule and how do I apply it myself?

Well, it’s simple. Every time you are faced with a task you need to complete. Start counting down from 5 to 1. By doing this, our body will start moving before our brain kicks in and derails us from our goals.

In order to better understand the concept. Think back to times you had a tight deadline (delivering a project on the same day, catch the bus etc.) At points like these, our brain isn’t getting side-tracked because our body moves to meet our needs within a specific time constraint.

Put On Your ‘Uniform’ – Beat Procrastination

Have you ever considered as to why when we are at work we are more productive, but when it comes to completing tasks of our own it’s not the same?

In the first example, we are obligated to act in a specific manner which will in turn translate to a salary or some kind of compensation. At the same time, what this entails is the fact that we are mentally prepared to do what we are asked of even before starting it. Wearing that suit or uniform empowers the whole act and it subconsciously reminds us that delaying or saying no is not an option.

In the later example though, the events may not unfold in a similar way. We have the option of turning to our comfort zone and procrastinating activities that may be important. So, optimise your workspace, set aside things that may distract you and find that ‘uniform’ mentality that will keep you focused and productive.

Take Time To Chill And Unwind – Beat Procrastination

Ideally, we will all have tasted a glimpse of efficient task completion by now through commitment and hard work. However, working non-stop can sometimes prove to be counter-productive or even unhealthy.

After an effective day of getting closer to your dreams, take a step back and relax. Practice meditation, watch a movie or even spend some time with family. All activities of recreational nature, self-reflection and strengthening of personal relationships will help your mind take a break, recharge and start again even stronger.

Independent of what route you choose to follow in life. Rest and proper recovery are essential to perform at your best. So take your breaks, recovery and sleeping pattern as seriously as you would plan your work day and you will see a great increase in productivity.