For as long as I’ve been completing tasks, I have been a chronic procrastinator. I would like it because I work well under stress, but I know it’s very much a mixture of lack of discipline and anxious avoidance. I also love to be lazy and lounge all day as well- so there’s that factor too!

I have been working on myself for the past couple years really just trying to kick bad habits and pick up some more productive one that benefit my well-being and let me tell you kicking procrastination was hard, but here are some tips I used that helped me and I hope they can help you too.

1. Just do it!

There’s been so many times where simply starting was the hardest part, I always thought after I started “oh this isn’t so bad – this was easy!” I do not know what is so hard for me but if there is a task I am dreading I just kick my but into gear and tell myself to get it done!

2. Try Intervals

This is more about easing into the task. I find this helpful when I feel motivated to do something, but I don’t have the energy. I tell myself if you do 15 minutes of working towards getting this done, then you can watch your favorite show or scroll on social media for 10 minutes. The key is to do the task for a longer duration than you’re taking breaks, and often I eventually get tired of breaks and just work to get it done.

3. Reward yourself

I love rewards, especially when it comes after getting something done that I need to. Its like a double treat, I like to reward myself with food-I’m a big foodie! I also like rewarding myself with shopping. If I get this done, I can spend 20 bucks on something I want.

4. Don’t be so hard on yourself

I have mentally exhausted myself by feeling guilty when I don’t complete what I need to. I realize though that I am completely human and I deserve compassion and understanding for myself-so do you! Please be kind to yourself starting task can be stressful for some especially when your sick, tired, or busy.

Following these tips and tricks has put me on a better path to being for productive with my time and not putting things off to the last minute. Of course I have those days where I don’t want to do anything, or I don’t feel good and I fall off track, but using these different methods helped gain the confidence and trust to fufill anything I set out to do.