Infographic: Overcoming procrastination

[TeenHelp]

Procrastination is a habit that can be detrimental to your studies, career and personal life. Like all habits, procrastination will take time to overcome, but here are some strategies to help you get started.

• To overcome procrastination, you first need to understand why you procrastinate. Is it fear of failure? Do you lack the energy or the resources needed to complete the task? Is the task so big that you feel overwhelmed? Do you lack the motivation? Depending on your reason for procrastinating, you may need to have a different strategy.
  • Fearing failure - Think positive. Even the smallest amount of progress is a success.
  • Lacking energy - Exercise to increase your energy levels. (Think of it like this: On the race track, fit people will have more endurance than unfit people.) Eat energising foods, such as pineapple and almonds.
  • Inadequate resources - Don't be afraid to ask for help, and learn a new skill if you need to.
  • Task too big - Break the bigger task into smaller, more manageable, tasks.
  • Lacking motivation - Think about the value the task will add to your life, and devise a reward system.
• Eliminate distractions from your environment, such as switching off the TV, deactivating social media, and turning your phone onto Airplane Mode.
• Change your way of thinking. Don't think, "I have to do something," say to yourself, "I will do something," as that is more empowering. Having to do something seems more tedious, and like you don't have a choice in the matter.
• Try not to think about the end result (although know what you are aiming for) and focus on starting. Set an alarm to remind yourself to start (and stop!). You might wish to try the 'Pomodoro Technique' to manage your time: tackle your to-do-list 25 minutes at a time - take a short break - then get back to your work. Give yourself a deadline, and work towards that.
• Tell your family and friends what you pledge to do. Sharing your commitments with others will hold you accountable, but also, they will be there to encourage you.

[Astro04]

I should put and alarm on my phone absolutely!