Let’s be honest. Even the best of us- the most motivated and dedicated workaholics- deal with procrastination in some form or fashion. The Association for Physiological Science says that as many as 20% of us may be chronic procrastinatorss! Although the couch looks comfy, those Doritos look tasty and Netflix has a new season of whatever you like to binge- it’s Monday and you are striving for better things! So how do you give procrastination a run for its money and conquer the most challenging days?
Find something you are passionate about. You’re going to be much more likely to find the motivation to get to work on something that you love. Find what you’re passionate about and go for it! Life is too short to be working at anything less than your dream job.
Make a plan of attack and set yourself up for success.
With long term goals it’s easy to get lost along the way. From the beginning, know where you want to go and how you’re going to get there. Having a plan will help you have a more clear idea of what you’re getting into. You will be much less likely to be derailed if you know what you’re about to step into.
Find motivation by encouraging yourself and with rewards.
You’re going to have to hype yourself up. Be your own encouragement. Actually speak to yourself. You will need a pep talk at some point and you should be ready to give it yourself. According to the Cornell Chronicle, “…an immediate reward strengthens the association between the activity and the goal of the activity, making people feel like the task is rewarding in and of itself.” If you set up mile markers along the way, each one will feel like a little victory as you achieve them and encourage you to keep going. Another way to reward yourself is by allowing an off day or cheat day. If you’ve worked your fingers to the bone and haven’t stopped grinding in 60 hrs then have yourself a break. Go out one night with your friends or relax on the couch and watch a good flick.
Beat your future lazy self.
Regardless of whether or not you’ve already dove into the career of your dreams, there will always be days when you lack the motivation to start swimming. Everyone
experiences days when it can seem more desirable to put off doing anything at all- even if the task at hand involves their passion.
Find someone to pull you off the couch and get to work.
One of the most effective ways to help achieve your goal is to have someone that holds you accountable. In fact, according to signatureanalytics.com, your chances of success jump to 95% if you have an accountability partner. A friend who can call you out for being lazy. A co-worker who will work alongside you and get you motivated every day. Maybe it’s your significant other who suggests that you shouldn’t have that fourth drink because you’ve got an early morning. Regardless of who it is, find someone who will push you and hold you accountable. The majority of goals that are achieved have utilized an accountability partner to some extent.
Set aside time everyday to work with your phone off.
Today, the best tool for productivity (and tempting form of wasting time) is always at our fingertips. You can invest in the stock market, further your education, and apply for a business loan. Many people, however, get lost scrolling through TikTok and Instagram or researching the most comfortable mom-jeans. Michael Monx with WXU.org says that the average employee wastes approximately 5 hours a week on their phone. We realize that for some entrepreneurs, their business is run from their phone. Nevertheless, if possible, make time every single day to work without distractions.
Roll with the punches.
Things always happen. Plans always change. Some days you won’t have the perfectly lined out day for optimal success. You must find a way to roll with the punches. With technology you can do work almost anywhere. Your plane is delayed? Work on other pressing matters on your laptop. You kid has a school play that you want to make a priority? Maybe you push back a lunch date with a friend to make up lost time.
What are you waiting for? Stop going through the motions and letting time pass by in your mundane world. Do some soul searching, find out what you want, and go get it. There will be days that you don’t feel like grinding for what you are passionate about, but with these procrastination killers in mind, you will be more equipped to handle the challenges.
