06 September 2022

At this very moment, we are entering a new phase worldwide where people are starting to get back into the swing of things. This includes jobs, business, travel, redeveloping one’s business, learning new trades or skills and much more. Because of this, each of us will be facing at some point either frustration or experience procrastination as we go through the changes of what was the ‘normal’ over the last two years. It is a time now where we all enter the new phase where we re-establish ourselves and cultivate a lifestyle that fits the new way of things in all areas of life.

To get ahead faster, one needs to address procrastination head on when it happens. Procrastination is characterised as delaying or postponing tasks that need to be completed. It is a type of self-sabotage, and it can lead to a lot of anxiety and stress. Sadly, many folks face this problem right now and think they are just like this and cannot change. But thankfully, change is possible and is needed more than ever. Having said that, it can be hard to stop procrastinating and start taking action. 

There are many reasons why people procrastinate, but they all have one thing in common: they are all forms of self-sabotage. These steps will help overcome the problem and all one to get ahead faster in these ever-changing times.

Step One: Identify the Cause

Identify the root cause of your procrastination. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed and it's too difficult to start now. Or it could be that you are afraid of failing, so you don't want to try at all. Identifying the real cause of your procrastination will help you make better plans and help you fight those urges to delay your essential tasks.

Step Two: Discover Your Motivations

Now figure out what motivates you. Ask yourself the right questions about your activities. For example, “What activities or results make me feel happy or excited about a task?” If money motivates you, then set up a system where if you complete the task, you get paid for it. If being social motivates you, reward yourself with dinner with the people you love most.

Step Three: Make a Plan 

Once your motivations have been identified, make a plan to get started. A plan may include setting up deadlines and rewards. You may even want to set up accountability buddies with whom you can check in daily, weekly, and monthly to stay accountable. A plan may also include creating an accountability badge or a tracking template and using it to measure your progress.

Step Four: Fight the Urge to Delay 

One way to accomplish this urge is to practice mindfulness daily. First, you need to know when you get into procrastination mode. For many, this usually consists of doubts or feelings of dread. However, it could look different for you. For example, maybe you start on other chores before getting to work. This is another form of procrastination that may seem like valuable and important work but is actually keeping you from doing what you planned to do. Instead, fight this urge and find at least one small thing you can do of that priority task to get you going.

Procrastination can stop you from reaching your goals and keep you from being happy. Thankfully, it is something you control even when it feels uncomfortable or unbearable to face. The sooner you face it, the happier and more successful you will be. If you need some help in getting ahead by having a daily routine that includes motivation and accountability, then I urge you to checkout GrowthDay. I use GrowthDay myself daily and I must say the help and training given there is fantastic. It has certainly given me a boost and the right help in order to go for my goals quickly and re-establish myself in these ever-changing times.