How to Kick the Procrastination Habit

"I’ll do it tomorrow." Does it sound familiar? If you are one of those procrastinators that are always waiting for tomorrow, this article will give you some ways to kick the procrastination habit out on the street.

Instructions

1. Make a list of things you need to do. As you complete each item, cross it off. Crossing things off a list shows progress. Writing it down also makes your tasks “official,” and you will feel that those tasks must now be completed.

2. Break it down. If there is an item on your list that you keep skipping over, break the item down. It may seem overwhelming to you, so you just skip over it. Write out the steps to completing that item, and cross off each step as you complete it, finally crossing off the main task.

3. Assign deadlines. Write deadlines for the tasks on your list. With a deadline in mind, you are more likely to start and complete a task.

4. Create a schedule. Assign a regular time every day or every week to complete something on your list, or if your task has many parts to it, assign a time every day to work on that task until it is completed.

5. Tell your spouse or friend that you plan on completing a certain task by a certain hour. This will make you feel that you have to complete the task so you do not feel like a failure or risk getting teased by your spouse or friend for not completing the task.

6. Reward yourself. Allow yourself to do something for each task you finish. Do not allow yourself to leave the project or task until you complete what you set out for yourself. Tell yourself that you can sit and relax for ten minutes or watch TV for a half an hour if you complete a particular task. If you are able to complete more than one task in the time you set aside for the “procrastination list,” give yourself a double reward.