Manage procrastination and achieve more

As we prepare for the new year, it's a great time to analyze the things holding us back and make plans for change. If you procrastinate, you are not alone. We all put off doing something from time to time.
Most of the time, the conversation is about ways to stop procrastinating. Have you ever considered managing your procrastination instead? The main difference in that, you can continuously address procrastination every time it happens instead of trying to eliminate a natural trait.
In this post, we will learn about the reasons we procrastinate and explore some techniques to manage procrastination. These techniques help me every day, and I know they'll help you too.

What does procrastinate mean?

• To put off intentionally the doing of something that should be done (Source: Merriam Webster)
• To keep delaying something that must be done, often because it is unpleasant or boring (Source: Cambridge Dictionary)
• If you procrastinate, you keep leaving things you should do until later, often because you do not want to do them. (Source: Collins Dictionary)

Why do we procrastinate?
There are many reasons why we procrastinate

• Fear of failure or not being able to complete the task
• Fear of working towards a big goal or task
• Fear of the unknown future and outcomes
• Feeling overwhelmed with everything you have to do

The benefits of managing procrastination

• You explore new things
• You create new experiences
• You grow and develop
• You live life to the fullest

Five techniques to manage procrastinating and achieve your goals
Are you a procrastinator?
Tip: Observe yourself and discover the reasons your procrastinate
Reflect on the times when you procrastinate. Make a note of what you think the reasons may be. Procrastinating is a natural reaction to a task we are uncertain of. However, there are ways to ensure that you are not missing out on the greatness that awaits you. Being aware of why you procrastinate is the first step.

Are you unable to start working towards your goals?
Tip: Create a plan and get started
The best way to set yourself up for success is to have a written action plan. It will help you prioritize and see what you should be working on. Now that you have a plan and clarity of the one task you should be working on today, start working on that one task. Beginning a task today will get you closer to your goal.

Are you struggling to finish a task?
Tip: Set achievable goals and focus
Often we take on huge tasks that overwhelm us and lead to us putting things off. It has been proven that when we set goals that are too big, our natural reaction is to panic. When I set goals, I'm very particular about making sure I am not taking on too much at once. Focusing on finishing one task before you move to other tasks will give you better results.

Do you feel overwhelmed and alone with your goals?
Tip: Find an accountability partner or group
Find people you trust and ask them to be your accountability partner or join a group. Over the past months, I have started valuing my accountability partners more. I found that the fact that you have to share updates with someone forces you to do what you planned.

Are you discouraged because you don't see progress?
Tip: Measure your progress and celebrate key milestones
Tracking your achievements and progress towards your goals is an excellent source of motivation for your journey ahead. Many times we procrastinate because we don't feel successful. Celebrate all milestones like starting a task not only completing a task. Be more aware of the progress you are making towards achieving your goals.

Final Thoughts

• It's incredible to know that you have all the power required to break the cycle of procrastination.
• Imagine all the things you can get done when you manage procrastination.
• Are you committed to managing procrastination in 2019 and achieving your goals? You can do it.

Great Resources

• Why We Procrastinate When We Have Long Deadlines
• How to Beat Procrastination
• How To Conquer Procrastination Once And For All
• Psychologists Explain Why You Procrastinate — And How to Stop
• Procrastination: It's pretty much all in the mind
• Understanding and Overcoming Procrastination
• 6 Myths You've Been Told About Procrastination and Productivity