I know that I've definitely had something that I knew I needed to get done and just did not want to do it, like at all.
We've all been there and some of us have even reached the stage of procrastination where we will do anything but the one thing we have to do.
Procrastination becomes a bigger issue during the school year than it is during the summer, but with school, college or university starting back up, there is not a lot of room left for procrastination. So, here are my top ten ways to beat procrastination.
Make a to-do list.
Writing down a to-do list will let you know what you need to get done and when it needs to be completed.
You can make a daily, weekly, or even monthly to-do list if you want. Just be realistic with how much you can get done in a certain amount of time.
Use a countdown method.
A countdown method is as simple as picking a number under 10 and counting down to 1. I normally start at 5 and do 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, GO and on "GO" I stop whatever I was doing and go work on what I am supposed to be doing.
The hardest part about this one is actually getting up and doing what you need to when you reach go.
Clean your room/dorm/apartment.
Unless the thing you're procrastinating is cleaning, then this one may seem counterproductive but hear me out.
Cleaning not only will get you up and moving, but it will also make the space you live and do at least some work in more organized so you can focus on what you need to get done.
Clean your work space.
Unsplash
This goes along with the previous step but if you work away from home, then cleaning up your work space will help you be able to focus more on whatever tasks you need to get done.
Try going somewhere else.
If you need to get classwork, notes, a paper, a presentation, or something for work done and sitting at home isn't helping you come up with any ideas, get out of the house.
Finding somewhere new to work can both pull you away from distractions and make you think of new ideas for what you are working on.
Turn off all distractions.
If you cannot seem to get anything done and keep switching between the same three apps and watching Netflix, turn off the TV and get off of your phone.
Eliminating distractions will leave you with nothing to procrastinate with and force you to do what you need to.
Sit down and brainstorm.
Brainstorming new ways you can get an old task done can help you be more excited to get the task done.
Coming up with new ideas that you want to get done after you complete a task can also give you a reason to get it done.
Give yourself breaks while you are working.
I know this one sounds exactly like what you are trying to avoid when you are trying to stop procrastinating, but giving yourself a break after you've been working for an hour or two will give you time to recharge.
You want to be able to finish what you need to get done and breaks will help you do that and help you finish without feeling stressed and tired.
Use the internet.
Sometimes all we need is just a little inspiration to get ourselves moving. Using the internet or sites like Pinterest can help you to get the inspiration you need to get moving.
Just make sure that you actually get up and don't get pulled into an endless loop of looking for inspiration when you've already found it.
Ask someone to hold you accountable.
When all else fails, get someone to hold you accountable. If you tell someone that you are going to do something, you are more likely to get it done. Ask a friend to remind you to get something done.
Ask your mom, girlfriend, boyfriend, or anyone else you know will make sure you get what you need to done.
Hopefully, these tips help you to beat procrastination and complete the things you need to get done!
