Ways to overcome procrastination

Are there ways to overcome procrastination? For many people this being a major problem. As well as hindering their chances success. This quality making them less productive.

But how to counteract this problem and get the most out of yourself? To do this you need to be aware of your habitual patterns. That is the ones causing procrastination.

Below I have compiled a checklist on how to overcome procrastination

Excuses

Most of us are familiar with the urge to put things off until tomorrow and would rather occupy ourselves with less important tasks rather than focus on what really needs to be done. The first step in combatting this behaviour, is to recognise the excuses. Once something has been identified as an excuse, rather than a reason it is much easier to deal with it. Make a list of tasks in priority order and stick to it.

Blaming Others

It’s easy to fall into the trap of blaming others for our slow progress. “It’s their fault that I didn’t achieve what I wanted to” are common thought patterns. This takes the responsibility away from ourselves. If you find yourself blaming others or your circumstances when things don’t get done, be honest with yourself. Is it time you faced up and took responsibility for your behaviour?

Focusing

A great way to stay focused is to visualise your long term goals and write them down. These ultimate goals can be broken down into more manageable chunks; starting with weekly accomplishments and finally divided into tasks that can be achieved on a day-to-day basis. Smaller steps will feel far more achievable and less overwhelming. This strategy will also bring structure to your life, as well as clarity and purpose. “If you fail to plan you plan to fail” Dale Carnegie

Managing Your Time

Time management is a skill that successful people have learnt and follow on a consistent basis . The most effective means of time management is to write a priority list and deal with the difficult tasks first. Effective time management is the key to productivity.

The Negative Voice

Simply by changing your language, you can alter your thoughts, feelings and actions. The negative voice in your head may well be familiar, but it can sabotage your efforts and stand in the way of productivity. Try changing your self talk ,be kinder to yourself and use encouraging words rather than negativity.

What’s the worse that can happen?

Ask yourself “What’s the worse that can happen?” rather than wasting energy on worrying about a problem that may not come to light. Decide if you can live with the worst possible outcome, and then take action. Being proactive with the things that you are able to control minimises the risks of things that are beyond your control.

Visualising

If doing something new for the first time makes you feel anxious or apprehensive, visualisation is a powerful way to combat this. Close your eyes and vividly imagine yourself succeeding at what you are about to do. Bring all of your senses into this picture and evoke as much detail as possible. By absorbing this image you will create new energy and enthusiasm which will help you focus on being successful. Your mind cannot tell the difference between something that has been vividly imagined and real experiences.

Just do it

Often people are looking for a secret to success, or the permission to go after what they really want. The most successful people decide what they want to achieve, commit to it and then simply do it. Many of us hold ourselves back because we are frightened of failure.  Remind yourself that you lose out on 100 % of the opportunities that you never go for. Keep trying and eventually you will get where you want to be.

Consider hypnotherapy

Changing your mind set all by yourself can seem overwhelming. Many people benefit from seeking professional guidance to help overcome procrastination and unlock their sense of motivation. Hypnotherapy is an effective, safe way to transform negativity and self doubt into a deep-rooted sense of empowerment and accomplishment.