I want to dive into a topic that many of us struggle with: procrastination. You know, that nagging project that you just can’t seem to start? Instead, you find yourself scrolling on your phone or organizing your pantry. Well, you’re not alone, and procrastinating doesn’t mean you’re lazy or lacking motivation.
Here’s the good news: it’s more about how we think about the task at hand. Today, I’m excited to share some mindset shifts that have helped me overcome procrastination. So grab your favorite planner and let’s chat about it!
Mindset Shifts to Stop Procrastinating
- From “I Have To” to “I Get To”
- Often thoughts like “I have to write this course lesson” can feel like a burden.
- Shift your perspective to “I get to create something meaningful.”
- Viewing your tasks as opportunities lightens the load and can make them more enjoyable.
- Progress Over Perfection
- Perfectionism can often be a procrastinator’s best friend.
- It’s more helpful to have a rough draft than nothing at all.
- Telling yourself “it doesn’t have to be perfect; it just has to be done” can be freeing.
- Once you start, it’s much easier to improve an existing piece than creating the perfect version from scratch.
- Break it Down into Tiny Steps
- Big projects can feel overwhelming and intimidating.
- Start with a brain dump: write down every single task, no matter how small.
- Break it into manageable bits and tackle the smallest task first.
- Viewing a big project as a collection of small tasks makes it less daunting.
- The Five Minute Rule
- Sometimes the hardest part is just starting.
- Commit to working on a task for just five minutes.
- More often than not, you’ll find that you want to keep going.
- Find Your Why
- When a task feels tough, it helps to reconnect with your why.
- Ask yourself:
- Why is this important?
- Who will this impact?
- What’s the bigger picture?
- For example, maybe your work helps others feel less overwhelmed, or maybe it’s about providing for your family or building a dream life. Write your “why” on a sticky note and keep it somewhere visible as a daily reminder.
- Switch Up Your Space
- A change in environment can revive your energy and focus.
- Move to a different spot, tidy up your space, or put on a playlist to reset the mood.
- For instance, working at a dining table with a cup of tea and some music can be refreshing and help you focus better.
Don’t Let Procrastination Steal Your Joy
Remember, whether it’s breaking projects into tiny steps, letting go of perfectionism, or reconnecting with your deeper why, these shifts can help you move past procrastination. Plus, it can even make you start enjoying the process! So, what’s your next step? Write it down in your planner or work on it for just five minutes. I’d love to hear about your projects and help you get them done.
📓 Ready to Take It Further?
If procrastination is still sneaking in, check out my Solutions for Beating Procrastination | A5 Productivity Printable. It’s a simple, effective tool designed to help you shift your mindset and tackle tasks head-on.
If you found these tips helpful, let’s keep the conversation going!
Until next time, happy planning!
