Procrastination. We all do it. The excuse is typically we’re “not in the mood”, so instead of completing the task at hand we find ourselves cleaning the fridge, or pinning recipes on our favorite social app. Soon enough, half of our day has passed us by, and it’s crunch time. So how exactly do we get focused? Today’s #MotivationMonday chat will help answer the question how to stop procrastination now!
How to Stop Procrastination
Avoidance, procrastination, dread…whatever the feeling is, it causes you to get off-task and lose focus. So what do you do to get back on track? First, let’s dive into why people procrastinate. Psychologists have said people procrastinate to “give into a good feeling.” However, that feel good feeling is only temporary. Afterwards reality sets in because that avoided task still requires completion.
So what do we do? First, we have to forgive ourselves for getting off task. Procrastination is linked to negative feelings. We feel guilty afterwards, so in order to move forward we have to reduce the guilt. Say it with me: I forgive myself for procrastinating.
Sticking with the mental pep talk, we also need to recognize that we don’t have to be “in the mood” to do our task. Taking away our excuse allows us the freedom to move forward.
Next, take small steps to work towards the task at hand. If you’ve been avoiding making phone calls for health appointments, start with opening your Google calendar, or appointment book if you have that. See what days you have available in the next month to book your appointments. Now that you have an idea what your schedule looks like, start with one appointment. Call and book it. You’ll feel much more accomplished once you get the ball rolling, and have less of an excuse to procrastinate too!
Another way I find helpful on how to stop procrastination is with essential oils. Applied to the skin or diffused in the air, these three Young Living essential oils are a procrastination crusher!
Motivation does exactly as its’ name describes. The powerful scent helps to promote feelings of action and accomplishment, which we’ve just discussed is the main stumbling block on why we procrastinate in the first place.
Envision™ is the least expensive essential oil of the three, at less than $19 wholesale (when ordered from Young Living). This essential oil contains scents that stimulate feelings of creativity, and encourages strength in achieving goals.
Magnify Your Purpose™ is a blend that stimulates creativity and focus.
Only Good Vibes
It’s all about feeding your mind with positive affirmations. That’s the motivation you need to keep moving forward.
- Forgive yourself
- Take away the excuse
- Take small steps
Share your thoughts below on this week’s How to Stop Procrastination chat. Let’s discuss it as a community. Tell me what you need help with – you may just see it in next week’s series!
Don’t miss next week’s Motivation Monday! Sign up for our weekly emails (received on Monday and Friday mornings).
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Sandy Klocinski says
Taking away excuses is an awesome tip! I keep a running list of things I need to do on my computer. I assign them on my calendar by the day. If I don’t complete a task on the day I have it earmarked for, then it absolutely MUST be done by the end of the week, no excuses accepted. Sometimes, I will complete part of a task and leave the rest for later in the week if I am really not into it
Helen Wagner says
Great tips….thank you! I have always been prone to procrastination. Love what you wrote about forgiveness. I do best when taking things a little at a time.
Cori says
Great tips. As I sit here procrastinating on a Monday morning I needed this. LOL
Cynthia R says
Figure out what motivates you- for me I love that feeling of checking something off my list even if it’s a pain. I also switch between a harder/more time consuming task followed by an easier one and back and forth with breaks to do something I actually enjoy in between. Like catching a show or reading a chapter.
Jennifer says
That’s such a great way to get through the procrastination Cynthia. Nice tip!
Rosie says
This is good! I am now starting to tackle things that hadn’t gotten done for ages, none which are fun, and I do procrastinate. Sometimes for things that have 10 steps, I do 1 step, no matter how small. I also make to-do lists – some that are long, but don’t look at every day. I make a REAListic list that has only a few small things on it that I don’t like/want to do and then do them. I DO use essential oils to help me get through doing things I feel like I have to drag myself through – lately tangerine and right now lemon. I mix it with water and rub some on my face and hands, sometimes put some in my hair. It is a huge help and perks me up. Sometimes it can be such a drag I feel like giving up and flopping down on the couch, bed, floor, but instead I NEVER cave in, and go for my essential oils. Luv!
Jennifer says
That’s awesome! 🙂
Rosie says
thanks
Becky Kinard says
You have some very good ideas. It is helpful for me to keep a notebook and jot down things that need to be done for that day. I cross them off once I complete them. This also helps me not to forget things when we have such a busy life!
Meagan BS says
These are good tips, I think we all need to procrastinate less!
Janet W. says
Taking away excuses is a great tip! I keep hearing about essential oils and would love to give them a try.