“Be easy on yourself. You’re a diamond dear, they cannot break you.”
I have to open this post by highlighting that I learnt the word ‘procrastinate’ while watching Sabrina the Teenage Witch and it’s stuck with me ever since 1998… 19 years strong and what do I find myself doing? Procrastinating (fitting as I just spent 33 minutes watching that episode on Youtube before returning to this post…sigh.).
Procrastination is such a sickness because it really makes you feel a whirlwind of negative emotions while you’re actively avoiding whatever it is that needs doing. You know you have sh*t to do, you know you’re capable of getting it done; you know that you’re only hindering your own progression by being lazy but you just can’t help yourself. So what’s a girl to do?
I’ve found and practised the following tips to help overcome that lack of motivation and with patience, they really do help. Don’t bother trying them on a Sunday afternoon though because well…It’s Sunday init. Don’t be an enemy of progress.
- Write down your schedule and give yourself a deadline. A goal without a deadline can be put off for 12 years if you’re dedicated enough. If like me you love silly stuff, go and buy some real cute notepads and stationary to make yourself feel special.
- Work out WHY you’re procrastinating. It’s important to identify whether it’s down to you or the task at hand. Are you fearful? Do you need help? Are you pressured? Once you can locate the source of the issue you’ll most likely find a solution to it.
- Create a vision board. Having your dream achievements, goals, or merely ‘to-do’s’ up in front of you can help you stay in tune with what’s important.
- Take it one step at a time. Don’t get flustered and try complete all your tasks in one day because you won’t do them justice. Use that notepad from tip 1 and prioritise where you’re going to start.
- Reward yourself. You’re a procrastinator after all and what better way to overcome procrastination? Procrastinate with treats. Whether it’s naughty snacks or planned cocktails at the end of the week, reward yourself for slowly (but surely) unlearning those bad habits and trying to be a better you.
- Focus on the start goal, and not the end goal. Once you get going you’ll find yourself knee deep in it.
- Make it fun. Understand that sh*t needs to get done but it’s not the be all and end all. Find a way to accomplish your tasks/goals while enjoying the process. Let’s not take life toooo seriously, but also let’s not procrastinate =/
- Be easy on yourself. You’re a diamond dear, they cannot break you.
Hopefully, these help and you smash the week ahead <3 Let me know how you get on, or if you have any tips of your own… x