How to Overcome Procrastination

I’ve been really bad lately, putting off the public release of a couple projects I’ve had on the back burner (a Wordpress theme and an icon set). So I did a little reading to see what I could do to ward off my temptation to procrastinate. Here’s what I came up with. Maybe it will help you too…

Break down large tasks ~

Sometimes the mere idea of a large, looming project is enough to make you want to do an about-face and march down to the nearest pub instead of getting started. Break down big jobs into small, manageable tasks. As each task is completed, you’re one step closer to the finish line, and it won’t seem like such a monumental effort.

Avoid perfectionism ~

Admittedly this is my biggest problem, and I usually end up disappointed with the results of my efforts. It’s not that I don’t have faith in myself, I just set my expectations too high. It took me a long time to recognize this as a fault, but that’s the beauty of hitting your 30’s I think - you see things you couldn’t before. :) It’s tough, but you must accept that it’s better to produce something although it’s imperfect, than nothing because it’s imperfect.

If your line of thinking has been anything like “Should I release this? Is it really done? I think it could be better. It’s not ready.” then you have to make an effort to shift your thinking to “This is complete. If I don’t stop working on it now, it’s going to be worthless. Now is the time.”

Do what you dread first ~

There’s a shitty part of every job. We all know it. We all hate it. We all avoid it. Do the worst part of your job first, and the rest of your tasks will seem easier to accomplish, not to mention more fun since you don’t have the dreaded tasks waiting for you anymore.

Go public ~

Sometimes telling everyone your intentions will give you the push you need to follow through. Otherwise you look like a fool (or a liar). I can’t stand it when someone tells me they’re going to do something, only to sham out. Because of that I tend to avoid announcing an event or idea simply because I’m afraid of not being able to deliver, and I don’t want to be like those I can’t stand. This is a technique I think will work for me, however, so I’m going to try it. Then I’ll be forced to follow through because I care about my reputation.

Be a list-maker ~

There’s something about checking things off a list that really lifts your spirits and keeps you focused. I underestimated this tactic for a long time, but when I got into it and saw that I was actually accomplishing things, it was a great feeling. It really makes you want to do more. Get into the habit of list-making and work toward crossing things off. See if it makes a difference in your ability to get things done!

Tags: getting-things-done