Eliminate emotion from the equation.
Procrastination often becomes a cycle. We avoid certain tasks, anxiety increases, and it makes us put things off again.
According to some psychologists, there are two main causes of procrastination. Some people are focused on advancement and progress and see tasks as goals. They tend to put things off because of a lack of motivation.
Other people are more focused on maintaining their existing position, income, and position. They see tasks as responsibilities and procrastinate out of fear: What if something goes wrong and they lose money or time?
Both reasons stem from our emotions. We wait for the moment to come when we have enough desire or energy to get down to business.
But the truth is, you don't have to want to take on a job to get started.
You can, for example, set an exact date and time in advance to take at least the first steps toward the task. That way you take emotion out of the situation, and it only takes a little self-discipline.
2. Move by inertia.
Along with the procrastination cycle, there is also a productivity cycle. Once you start completing a task, getting back to it each time will become easier. And once it's completed, it will be easier to start the next one, as your self-confidence will increase.
If you learn to maintain your inertia in this way, you can achieve impressive results. For example, 88-year-old investor Warren Buffett, one of the richest men in the world, increased his capital by more than 12 times between the age of 32 and 44. He maintained this inertia and from age 44 to 56 increased his savings more than 70 times. His capital now stands at more than $80 billion.
3. Create a winning streak
Another way to beat procrastination is based on our reluctance to break a winning streak. Get yourself a calendar and mark each day when you've successfully worked on the tasks you want to do.
If you feel like putting the work away again, just look at the calendar. A visual representation of the days when you managed to overpower yourself will give you strength and desire to move forward. After all, as we know from Newton's first law, moving bodies tend to maintain their speed.
This method was used, for example, comedian Jerry Seinfeld. Early in his career, when he could not bring himself to work, he began Jerry Seinfeld's Productivity Secret to mark the days in which he could come up with new jokes. He is now one of the most successful comedians in the world.
4. Generate Motivation.
It is a very common belief that one of the main components of success is motivation. They say productive people are constantly motivated, so they get great results.
But writer Jeff Haden believes Motivation is Overrated - The Motivation Myth by Jeff Haden , that motivation is a product of work. It comes after hours of hard work. The desire to achieve goals comes after we take the first steps and see the first results.
This is another reason to stop waiting for the right mood, inspiration or a burst of energy. Take action-even small victories add up to major achievements and bring you closer to your chosen goal.
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