OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION

10 Steps to Avoid Procrastination and Reach Goals

What is Procrastination?

Procrastination is when you put things off for a later time. Forms of procrastination include: Ignoring the task, hoping it will go away Underestimating how long it will take Overestimating your abilities and resources Telling yourself that poor performance is okay Doing something else that is not very important Believing that repeated “minor” delays will not

hurt you Talking about a hard job rather than doing it Putting all your work on only one part of the

task Becoming paralyzed when having to make

choices

Procrastination Problems

Procrastination can lead to: Failing tests and classes Panic and anxiety Development of a cycle that

will continue on in other life situations

Now is the Time to Stop

If you are procrastinating or putting things off for the next day, then now is the time to stop.

If you do not stop, you could find yourself in a whole mess of trouble.

Therefore, this presentation is dedicated to the ten steps you need to take to overcome procrastination.

Step 1: Recognize You Have a Problem

You must first become aware that you have a problem in procrastinating.

You know you are procrastinating when: You fill your “To Do” list with unimportant tasks You decide to do something else that you consider fun instead

of working on the task (ex. Facebook, X-box, iPod, texting) You keep putting important task for the next day and next You easily say “yes” to anything that takes you away from

your work

Step 2: Figure Out Why You Are Procrastinating

Ask yourself why you are procrastinating: Is it because it is boring and unpleasant? Is it because it is too difficult? Is it because you are disorganized? Is it because you are overwhelmed by

the task? Is it because you are a perfectionist? Is it because you do not know which task

to do first? Once you discover what your reasons

are to procrastinate, then you can develop an action plan with anti-procrastination strategies.

Step 3: Get Organized

Make a “To Do” List on what needs to be done and when it needs to be done. Allow time to complete things and set time aside for the unexpected. Prioritize the list on what needs to be done first.

Set reasonable goals and deadlines for each goal.

Once you complete a task, check it off. You will feel great in getting it done!

Step 4: Identify Your Frog

There is an old saying that says, “If the first thing you do when you wake up each morning is eat a live frog, nothing worse can happen for the rest of the day!”

Brian Tracy says that your “frog” should be the most difficult task on your “To Do” list and the one you are most likely to procrastinate on.

If you eat the frog first, it will give you energy to finish other tasks for the rest of the day.

Step 5: Break Task Into Smaller Parts

If a task seems too much or too overwhelming, break it into smaller and manageable tasks. Tasks can be broken into minutes, hours, or days.

By completing these small tasks, you will get a feeling that you are achieving things which will give you momentum to complete more tasks.

Step 6: Eliminate Distractions You may be putting things off because

you are easily distracted by your cell phone, Facebook, friends, iPod, X-box, etc.

To get things done and stay focused, get rid of the distractions around you. If necessary, turn them OFF!

Step 7: Do Not Expect Perfection Perfectionism is one of the

biggest reasons for procrastination.

Do not wait for the perfect time to start because it will just prolong procrastination.

Also, do not expect perfection. No one is perfect. It is better to try your best than do nothing at all!

Step 8: Get a Support Team

Tell your friends and parents to check up on you or to remind you of your priorities and deadlines.

Tell them to hold you accountable for your goals and deadlines.

Step 9: Get Started

Going from doing nothing to doing something is often the hardest part.

Therefore, get a grip and just do it. Dive in and TAKE ACTION!

It takes about 15 minutes after starting to become engaged. Once you have reached this level of engagement, you will see that it will be hard to stop.

Step 10: Reward Yourself

After reaching mini goals or deadlines, reward yourself with a break, a movie, or some kind of treat as you continue towards your ultimate goal.

These little incentives will give you more energy to keep on going.

As a Result…

If you follow all 10 steps, you will accomplish more and be successful in any task you take on.BEFORE AFTER

Video: Eat That Frog

Eat That Frog

Video: How to Stop Procrastinating How to Stop Procrastinating