Let’s talk about procrastination. As a recovering procrastinator who once took down the Christmas tree the week before Easter, I think I have some ideas to share. First off, the best way to stop procrastinating is to ask yourself why you’re procrastinating in the first place. What are you avoiding? What’s the benefit of not taking action? Does it really feel better to not do the task at hand? At what point will the choice to not do, become uncomfortable? Will it ever? Once you know what’s driving your behavior, you’re better positioned to shift your thinking to find a way to get past your roadblocks. ✨ For example, if you’re avoiding a task because you don’t think you’re good enough at it, try focusing on the fact that we all make mistakes. Remind yourself that it’s okay to be a beginner and that with practice, you’ll get better. Or, if the thought of starting the task is overwhelming, difficult or uncomfortable —break it down into smaller steps so it becomes more manageable. Or if your resistance to the project, is that it is huge, set a series of smaller deadlines for yourself, and reward yourself by doing something fun once you’ve met each. Ultimately, the key is to find strategies that work for YOU and that help eliminate the excuses that postpone the inevitable while likely adding more stress. ✨

Try this: 

1. Write down your reasons for procrastinating

2. Create a list of small tasks you can do, like cleaning up the kitchen or taking out the trash

3. Take care of little things that you can do online or via email while waiting in line at the grocery store 

4. Learn to say no to people who ask you to do something that may be counterproductive for your goals

5. Reward yourself with something you enjoy after completing a task 

6. Find someone else who is also struggling with procrastination and create accountability together by checking in on each other’s progress every day or week

Let me know how it works as you tackle this New Year! 

I’m @DianGriesel aka @SilverDisobedience a perception analyst & strategist; creative attitude disrupter & adjuster. More info in my bio and at Wilhelmina Models. Silver Disobedience® is a Registered Trademark.