By Remi Fisher
Everyone procrastinates things. I’ve totally been guilty of putting certain things off. Whether it’s steering clear of homework, a project for work, or a task that you’re just absolutely dreading, there are things in life that we don’t want to do. In the end, this stuff needs to get done. So, wouldn’t it be much more beneficial to simply get it over with?
As an enthusiastic, type-A student, I have a few tips to get stuff done even when you really don’t want to... Because let's be honest, not everyday is wonderful, and we're not always going to be in the mood. But what iv'e discovered is that delaying it, is just going to give me more reasons to stay down, so Iv'e found ways to push myself especially in times when I feel like doing nothing.
ASK YOURSELF: Why Are You Dodging That Task? There may be a subconscious reason why you cannot bring yourself to do it.
Ask yourself these questions:
is the task difficult, which makes you want to avoid it?
Are there any elements that you can change to make yourself more excited about getting it done?
Lastly, is there anything that is distracting you?
Honestly, the best way to get stuff done is to take small steps. If you are feeling unmotivated, even working on that thing for ten minutes is a good start. There’s no shame in doing a little at a time.
Ultimately, the hardest part of doing the work is overcoming whatever obstacle is standing in the way and beginning.
INCENTIVES: There’s a Reason Why People Love Incentives. Setting up a reward or a treat when you reach a goal can really push you. Sometimes when I’m studying for a test, I tell myself that at the end of each hour, I can have a sweet (like a candy or cookie). If all else fails, this reward system keeps me going.
GIVE YOURSELF A BREAK. Studying For Several Hours-Straight Can Burn Out Your Drive. Maybe after each hour of work, give yourself a fifteen minute break. But most importantly, remember that all of this effort will be worth it in the end. Anything worth doing is worth doing well. Even when you don’t want to get stuff done, you may need to. Sometimes, all it takes is the effort of sitting down and focusing on the intentions you have.
By thinking about your intentions for the work, rather than the result, you might find some of the pressure disappearing. If all else fails, at least you know that you not only completed the work, but also did it to the best of your ability. A secret to getting stuff done is altering your perception of it.
CHANGE YOUR MINDSET: Change The Way You Interpret The Task; it might make it seem easier to work on. When I find myself trying to avoid a task, the thought of my future self motivates me. In the future, envision how thankful you will be that you tried your best on the task that you were avoiding. Imagine getting back an amazing test grade or being in the best shape of your life; those things were only possible because you did your best at studying or going to the gym. You may have procrastinated a bit, but what matters is that you got it done.
Think about making your future-self proud.