Return to article: How to Stop Procrastinating
on 11/22/2005 I've recently almost completely stopped watching TV. I've found that if you always try to do something other than glue yourself to the tube every time you have a few minutes free, it becomes way easier to get down to business when it's important.
on 11/22/2005 My biggest procrastination is housecleaning, but after I get tired of looking at the same mess day after day, I tell myself, "Okay, you've got one hour to clean up just this section and tomorrow you'll do this section. Now, get ready...GO!" Make it fun!
on 11/22/2005 Not believing in yourself is always the kiss of death when trying to accomplish a task. Don't allow anyone, not even yourself, to tell you that a desired goal is beyond your reach. Surround yourself with positive influences.
on 11/22/2005 Can't make yourself clean the house? Set the stove timer for 10 minutes only and hit it hard. You will be surprised. This brief commitment works for many mountainous tasks you're unable to start.
on 11/22/2005 Don't tell yourself or others that you always procrastinate because that characterization becomes an automatic excuse. Instead, get going and do some things; every evening review what you've done - you're no longer a procrastinator!
on 11/22/2005 Sleep is vitally important to being awake, and hence being motivated. Try to set some exorbitantly early bedtime, because being the procrastinator you are, you won't actually get to sleep until a good deal later.
on 11/22/2005 Man's laziness may be what has inspired many of today's technologies, but it is still no excuse. Get off your behind and start it; never, ever, ever say "I'll do it later." That line creates more problems than it solves.
on 11/22/2005 It takes 21 days to develop a habit. Try to work on a piece of the project or set a time for homework, etc., the same time everyday. Eventually, the task will be easier to do.
on 11/22/2005 It is like jumping into a cold tub of water: Getting in is the hardest, but if you soak yourself in it, you will feel very comfortable (after some time).
on 11/22/2005 I've found that, being the logical thinker I'm cursed to be, I tend to talk myself out of doing things by figuring out ways I could not do them, but still be more or less okay. Once again, the best tip I've seen is on a shoebox: Just do it.
on 11/22/2005 The best advice I ever received to combat procrastination came from a novel and it only has four words: Get started. Keep going.
on 11/22/2005 For some people it's easier to do homework in the same place every day. For others it is easier to do it in a diffrent place every day. Find out which person you are.
on 11/22/2005 Set a reward for yourself so that you look forward to receiving the award after you have finished the task. For example, don't go to the movies until you've done the work first. But, like always, self control is necessary for this method to work.
on 11/22/2005 Try to keep computers, TVs, food, CDs and even clocks out of the room you are working in. These will just make it harder for you to concentrate on what you're doing and make you want to put your project off.
on 11/22/2005 If you find yourself worrying about a project, planning every detail, mulling it over in your head without actually starting the project, stop and tell yourself very plainly..."JUST START!!"
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