Tips To Get Motivated and Overcome Procrastination
(Thanks to Arina Nikitina for reminding us that there are effective ways to combat procrastination! As she points out, it boils down to a mixture of motivation, smart goal setting and discipline. Thanks Arina!)
Tips To Get Motivated and Overcome Procrastination
Arina Nikitina
Procrastination is a complicated behavior that affects all people to some degree. Some experience only small problems with procrastination while with others, it is a major source of anxiety and stress. Lack of motivation and procrastination is related to time management. Procrastinators often fail to complete tasks even though they know what the task is and the time they have to do it. Why do people procrastinate? Often a difficult task is avoided in favor of the less difficult.
Tasks that take longer amounts of time are less desirable than those that can be completed quickly. People sometimes procrastinate due to fear of failure. No one wants to be embarrassed by a lack of knowledge or skills when beginning a new task. Overcoming the fear of failure and developing good work habits will do wonders for those who tend to procrastinate. The first step in overcoming procrastination is to recognize what psychological issues cause you to procrastinate in the first place.
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Self-defeating issues such as anxiety, fear, poor time management skills, indecisiveness, difficulty concentrating, and perfectionism can be major contributors to a lack of motivation. It's important to clarify your goals and then work to achieve them. If you do not know how to manage your time efficiently, there are classes and literature available to help you learn. In order to change, you first have to accept and forgive yourself for your shortcomings. Do not expect to change overnight, expect to backslide on occasion and forgive yourself when this happens.
Give yourself adequate credit for tasks you do accomplish in a timely manner. If you have a friend or coworker who seems to be highly organized and efficient, ask for suggestions as to how you can do the same. Reward yourself for small steps taken towards your goals and be realistic in your expectations. As with any type of behavioral change, overcoming procrastination will not happen instantly. Change your work or study habits to minimize distractions and promote wise management of your time.
Be disciplined in your approach by setting a realistic goal and sticking to it. Setting priorities is critical in learning to manage your time in the most efficient manner. Do not dwell on setbacks or mistakes. Focus instead on success and soon enough you will stop dwelling on failure and instead come to expect the best from yourself. Motivation is the key to achieving success at work and at home.
Motivation comes from within. Coming to grips with personal issues is the first step in realizing why you procrastinate and then taking steps to change. If you focus on self-discipline and proper time management, you will be able to change those habits that led you to be a procrastinator in the first place. You can get motivated and stay motivated by implementing a few changes and observing a few personal rules. Observing and copying those who seem to always be a step ahead is also an excellent tool in overcoming procrastination.
Realizing that procrastination is a self-imposed condition is an important step in changing those bad habits into a lifelong formula for success. Make your plan, follow it carefully, and forgive yourself for imperfections. You will soon transform yourself from a chronic procrastinator into a highly motivated, disciplined individual..
Arina Nikitina is the author of the goal setting tutorial "How to Set and Achieve a Goal". Get 27 proven techniques, 9 worksheets, and step-by-step success plan here: http://www.how-to-set-and-achieve-a-goal.com/.
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Self Improvement Quote for the Week
-- Updated on Sunday, September 7, 2008 --
A man cannot be comfortable without his own approval. –Mark Twain
