Overcoming procrastination is hard, even when you know it's bad for you. I've been working on it since college, and even though I've made a ton of progress, it still hasn't changed. The solution is simple: Find a strategy that works for you.
When I say strategy, I mean something that helps you focus and break down the big tasks into small chunks. It can be as simple as getting up 30 minutes earlier, or as complex as changing your entire lifestyle.
The important thing is finding something that works for you, and using it consistently. Once you start working on it, your brain will begin to work in a new way and you'll feel like you're finally accomplishing something.
My strategies are all over my blog. I also use them in real life. Here are the 5 strategies that have helped me get the most out of every day:
STEP 1: Schedule Every Day
Most people don't schedule themselves properly, and that's why they struggle to stay organized. If you're struggling with getting things done, try scheduling yourself first thing in the morning. You're much more likely to do your most important work during your first 60 minutes of the day.
STEP 2: Get Up Earlier
This doesn't mean that you have to go to bed early. I don't want you to give up sleep completely. But you should set an alarm for whenever you'd ideally like to wake up. This will give you more time to accomplish your goals during your morning routine.
STEP 3: Do Something Simple
There's nothing wrong with starting a task by tackling a really small chunk. Sometimes, the best way to motivate yourself is by setting the task at the lowest possible difficulty.
If you want to write an article, start by making a list of 10 questions you'd like to answer. Don't worry about the length, you're only setting a small, achievable goal. When you achieve that, set a new, smaller goal.
If you want to get more social media followers, take an existing post and make 10 edits to it. It's incredibly easy to get overwhelmed when you're trying to accomplish a big goal. Take baby steps and you'll find yourself finishing bigger and more important projects more often.
STEP 4: Set Goals
If you want to get more done, start by setting goals for yourself. This gives you something to work towards, which helps you stick to your schedule.
There are countless books, courses, apps, etc. that teach you how to set goals, so I'll link some below. Some of my favorites include:
Get A Goal Setter (FREE)
Get As Good At Goal Setting As You Are About Everything Else
Goalcast (FREE)
STEP 5: Focus On What You Love
Most people get into the habit of wasting time by doing the same thing every day. This can be anything from watching TV to spending hours on Facebook. If you're struggling to get motivated, try focusing on one specific activity
Very good tips.