How to Fix Your Procrastination Problem
Is there something on your To Do list that has been gathering dust for a while? You’ve been successful at avoiding it, but it keeps knocking on your brain every so often, reminding you it needs your attention. For some reason you just can’t bring yourself to do it, right?
Sounds like procrastination has paid you a visit.
You are in good company. Everyone procrastinates. The difference lies in why you procrastinate and what you can do about it.
There are three types of procrastinators. See if you recognize yourself in any of these.
- Thrill Seeker – Deadlines give these procrastinators an adrenaline rush, and they like it that way. They need the push of the last minute to get something done. Their momentum builds at the thought that time is running out.
- Avoider – This procrastinator has a fear of the outcome, be it failure or success, rejection, being exposed as fraud. They are overly concerned with being judged by others and feel paralyzed by the task at hand.
- Lazybones – The task is so boring and mundane to this procrastinator, they can’t bring themselves to do it. They require something to be interesting and exciting in order to allocate any of their attention to it.
So what’s the solution to your procrastination dilemma? There is no quick fix nor is there a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on your procrastination type, here are some ideas that might push you past procrastination and shift you into action:
Thrill Seeker
If you are a Thrill Seeker, the key to overcoming your procrastination is setting false deadlines. Use DOING DASHES, which are timed intervals of getting your work done … and you’ll be off to the races in no time.
Avoider
As an Avoider, the only way you’ll get something accomplished is to remove (or shrink) the fear that stands in your way. Ask yourself these three guiding questions:
- What’s the worst thing that could happen if you do this task?
- How likely is that to happen?
- What’s the best thing that could happen if you do this task?
- How does accomplishing the task make you feel?
Your answers will alleviate your apprehension as you move forward with the task.
Lazybones
Gamify the experience.
Reward yourself for getting it done with something you desire, that delicious cupcake you’ve drooled over in the coffee shop, a new outfit or a trip to the spa. Once you make the outcome a fun experience, something you really desire, your procrastination will fade.
Wouldn’t it be amazing to get those tasks off your TO DO list once and for all?
Your next step is to identify with one of these 3 types of procrastinators and try out the solution associated with it. In no time you’ll see how simple it can be for you to push past procrastination once and for all.