Procrastination is a real problem. I read the other day that the hormones that are released when someone procrastinates are actually addictive. ***Disclaimer: I don’t know if that is actually true. I read it on the internet.***
A lot of people procrastinate. It has been an issue for me as long as I can remember. I know that a lot of my procrastination habits are wrapped up in anxiety. The two issues feed off of each other until I am curled in a ball, crying, completing my assignments one-handed while shoving snacks in my face with the other hand. (The snacking is a problem I will leave for another day.)
First of all, I have not cured my issues with procrastination, but I have definitely alleviated them with two little tricks that I discovered sometime in the last year.
Trick #1 to Stop Procrastinating
I have tried several variations of this trick over the years and this has been the one that has worked the best. Years ago, I would make lists that took TWO hours just to write and then when I was done, I was so overwhelmed that I would just go watch tv instead.
I start each day with a pen, notebook, and coffee. I physically write out a grid like this:
Then, I fill in the blanks. Some days this is easier than others. “Have To” is usually full of school assignments both for me and my kids. “Need To” is typically stuff that needs to be done around the house like laundry, exercising, and cleaning specific rooms. “Want To” is what I schedule for myself to reach personal goals that are also somewhat fun things including reading, writing, spending time with my husband, and a reminder to take my vitamins.
Obviously everyone has different goals, but the main point of this list is that there is only enough space for five items in each group. With practice, I have figured out that if I have more than three or four tasks that are going to take several hours each, the other tasks need to be less time-consuming. Over time, I have figured out a balance, and even though I don’t typically finish the entire list, I feel accomplished at the end of each day because I do usually mark off several items.
Trick #2 to Stop Procrastinating
Set a timer! No joke. My “Have To” tasks are typically more time-consuming, but the rest of my list consists of manageable tasks that I can usually complete in one day. If I don’t PROCRASTINATE.
To motivate myself, and my kids, I will set a timer for cleaning tasks. Typically 10-20 minutes. The one rule is that you have to have a clear goal before beginning. Pick one area to focus on and stay there with ZERO distractions the entire time. I open Pandora for music before I begin so I am not distracted to pick up my phone, and then I hit start on my timer.
Pitfalls To Watch Out For
First of all, use PAPER for your list. Before beginning this habit, I used Google Docs for my daily to-do lists. That didn’t work because I would get sucked into my phone and before I knew it, I would waste an hour (or more) scrolling Facebook or Pinterest. The PAPER list separates you from technology.
Second, be very aware of your capabilities. If you have very young children, don’t decide to clean your entire house in one day. It’s just not going to happen. Especially if you also have issues with procrastination and are easily distracted. Don’t set yourself up for failure. Truly evaluate your abilities and adjust each day as necessary. I don’t typically follow the list protocol on the weekends because my husband is home and we are doing other things.
Third, involve your family! One of my goals for the year has been to focus on habit training for myself and my kids. They have come a long way in being able to complete household tasks in a timely manner, as have I. My husband and I completed a 20 minute timer last night, straightening our bedroom. In the past, he never wanted me to organize or clean when he was home because I wouldn’t find a stopping point. Now, he knows that we can both knock out several tasks in that short time frame because we are both focused and we have a shared end goal.