Popping the procrastination bubble you’re stuck in
When was the last time you procrastinated?
I’m sure you did it in the last 24 hours, or you’re probably doing it right now. But wait! If you are procrastinating, before you start feeling guilty, stick with me for a few minutes : ).
Procrastination can last for days, weeks, even months at a time, and if it’s a chronic disorder it could last your whole life unless you seek professional help.
If you feel like you are or will be trapped in a bubble of procrastination where goals and tasks disappear into thin air, then read through the tips below and use it to pop a hole in the bubble large enough for you to escape.
Get it over with
This might not sound liking popping the bubble of procrastination but it keeps it from growing bigger. The longer you wait, the heavier the procrastination will hit and the longer it’ll last. Owning up to it will get you in and out of a putting things off mood.
Use procrastination time wisely
If you’re going to give in to procrastination every once a while (like a typical human being) then consider using the time for some positive things.
What do we usually do when we procrastinate? We watch a movie, surf the web, read, clean, or some other simple thing.
So what if we watched a movie that inspired us? Watched a TV show that taught us something new? Or surfed websites that pertained to the goals we want to achieve in life? The time wouldn’t be wasted and might turn out being productive.
Figure out the real reason for it
Are you really putting something off because you’re a lazy person? Most often laziness is not the case, even if it appears that way on the outside.
The most common reason for procrastination is fear. Fear of risk. Fear of embarrassment. Fear of responsibility. Even fear of success.
Tell friends/family what you’re working on
Share the projects, endeavors, and goals you’re working on with your friends and family members. If they’re truly interested, they’ll ask often on your progress. This will give you positive pressure to stay on track so that you are proud of your accomplishments and so are they.
Read over your goal list
If you feel procrastination creeping up on you read over your goal list and remind yourself of all that you want to achieve.
Make mini ultimatums
Set up a reward for yourself, like a slice of cake, some ice cream, or some TV watching time. Then tell yourself “If I get this task done then I can have some ice cream. If I don’t then no reward.”
These mini ultimatums won’t work well on big tasks, but it might spice up the mundane ones.
Look to what’s at stake
When procrastination becomes an every day, several times a day act, then big things are at stake of being lost. There are bills and responsibilities that need to be taken care of. Dreams of yours start to drift away. And fun times are lost because of procrastination.
For the weak, this is what breaks them down and traps them in a long state of procrastination. For the strong, like you, this is all they need to get back up and get things done.
Read this quote over and over
“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” – Abraham Lincoln
Read it every day. Print it out and place it around your house, above your bed, next to your computer, and TV.
Sometimes we need to be reminded of what little time we have.
If you follow one or all of these tips, your procrastination bubble will surely pop.
Have any other ways to beat procrastination? Please share in the comments below.
Related articles:
- The art of getting off your ass
- 30 things to do in the next 30 days
Photo by h.koppdelaney
8 Responses to “Popping the procrastination bubble you’re stuck in”
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Very nice… Can’t wait to translate it in Italian…
Glad you like it enough to translate
-Andrew
Great article. Love the quote.
Thanks Saeed!
-Andrew
Hi Andrew
Thanks for a great article, written in a very friendly way and with a first class picture to boot.
It’s close to one o’clock in the morning and I need to get up early and of course, naturally I was thinking to myself Mañana Mañana and then a phrase popped into my mind…
“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.”
Your article has worked on me already mate.
Cheers Mark
That’s so great to hear Mark! I’m very happy I could help you out.
“Leave nothing for tomorrow which can be done today.” Has helped me get so many things done.
Keep in touch,
-Andrew
I have been in a downward spiraling procrastination bubble since a month ago when I started the school year. I have been very aware that my procrastinating has gone up a few levels–I am now letting it get out of control and to the point where it is threatening to destroy my dreams. I have tried my hardest to keep it at bay.
I have always procrastinated but never with this level of intensity. I have come close to just not doing my work all together.
Mini ultimatums used to work for me, and so did looking at what’s at stake. But the series of events that unfolded in the past school year left me burned out. Since, I have been dealing with a lethargy that knows no consequences.
I have been so frustrated with my immobility. It is now my senior year in high school and I cannot give up on myself and my dreams at such a critical point in my life.
I found this article, while I was scouring the web for ways to break the cycle of procrastination I’ve been swirling around in.
These tips have given me a fresh view on my situation. I love that I can start with just spending my procrastination time more productively.
I have spent so many hours of my life doing nothing productive and, hence, have nothing to show for them. I will from now on attempt to spend my time more meaningfully and tell others what I’m doing so that they keep me motivated to do those things.
You are doing a great service to many people. All of the articles on this site are worth reading. I have learned so much. Keep doing what you are doing.
Thank you.
Hi yvonne,
Thanks so much for your comment and compliments! It sounds like procrastination has really affected you, but what’s great, is that you’re not in denial. You’ve recognized your problem and now you’re fixing it. And I’m so glad that this article and the rest on the site are helping me. It makes all the time I take to write these articles so worth it.
Please keep in touch and best wishes with your battle against procrastination.
-Andrew