How to Stop or Deal with Procrastination

Procrastination leads to undue stress and chaos. Some people work better under pressure, however procrastination can also be very unhealthy. For some people procrastination can turn into a serious problem.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer
• pen
• paper
• organization
• time
• discipline

1. Identify the reasons behind your procrastination. Most likely it will be difficult to stop it completely, but there are ways to decrease it. Are you putting off doing something because of fear, success, or some other reason? If you can identify the cause then it is more likely that you can find a solution.

2. Get organized. Easier said than done, but it is possible. Organization is a helpful tool in helping to deal with procrastination. Start by making a list of all the things that you have put off doing. Make this list comprehensive so that it covers the very small and mundane to the extremely important project that you have not done yet.

3. Make marks on your list to signify importance, such as numbering or stars. If you are putting off having the oil changed in your car or the brakes checked then give that a mark of priority, so that you do not have to deal with costly repair bills later from your procrastination.

4. Categorize your list into things that are time sensitive or very important and pressing. This will help you to stop your procrastination. By making this list you are actually not procrastinating, but working toward a solution.

5. Organize your time. Dedicate an amount of time each day or week to work on the items on your list. Most people have several things that could go on their list and be done quickly, but still avoid doing it. Remember how good it feels to accomplish tasks that you have been putting off.

6. When you get something done cross it off of your list. Having a list with lines through chores and jobs that need to be done can be rewarding and show progress.

Tips & Warnings

• since procrastination is a bad habit to break, go easy on yourself
• when you make the list of all the things that you have not done, don't berate yourself for having a huge list, but instead be proud that you are doing something to stop your procrastination habit
• this is only one method to deal with or stop procrastination and may not work for you

Resources

• How to set goals using the SMART technique.
• How to get to work on time.

[izzytellsall]

on 5/2/2009 Thank you for the tips on dealing with procrastination--these will definitely come in handy!

[pamelaa75]

on 4/24/2009 I don't like to procratinate. I rather get it done right then. Great article 5*s and rec

[eyeopening]

on 12/19/2008 This is a tough one, but your suggestions are great. :-)

[e-Rambler]

on 12/13/2008 Excellent how-to article :)

[Bfastattiffanys]

on 11/19/2008 Very very helpful info. i needed to read this so i would stop procratinating at everything except ehow. lol