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Recognize procrastination tactics -

The first step in addressing your procrastination problem is to recognize when you're doing it. The habit shouldn't be confused with laziness: a procrastinator will often occupy their time with something that genuinely needs doing, but which is less urgent than the tasks they're avoiding.

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Fear of failure -

Even the most organized and hard-working people on the planet can find themselves putting off important tasks. A fear of failure, and the self-sabotaging demon known as imposter syndrome, can sometimes make it hard to get to grips with a task.

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Perfectionists are often procrastinators -

It can be easy to assume that procrastinators are simply work-shirkers, but that's often far from the case. Perfectionists can often fall into the procrastination trap, because the fear of doing something imperfectly prevents them from doing it at all.

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Fear of success -

As counter-intuitive as it may sound, some procrastinators fear doing something so well that they'll be overloaded with requests to do more. If something feels stressful the first time, the thought of taking on more of it can be intimidating.

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Signs of procrastination -

Do you find yourself frequently leaving tasks until the last minute, and then panicking because the clock is ticking and your to-do list is looming like a volcano ready to erupt? Chances are, you're a procrastinator.

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Low-priority tasks -

A typical procrastination tactic will be to occupy yourself with low- or lower-priority tasks while avoiding what really needs to be done. Find yourself scrolling through social media when you know you have a looming deadline? Prime procrastination.

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Overthinking the issues -

It might be that you are overthinking a task so much that you can't get around to actually doing it. Perhaps you keep reading and re-reading important emails without replying, or going over your tax invoice instructions countless times without making a start.

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You're not alone -

Don't beat yourself up about your task-avoidance habits. According to procrastination researcher and speaker Piers Steel, 95% of the population procrastinates to some degree.

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Too many tasks? -

The procrastination habit can kick in when the list of things that needs to be done is so long that it's hard to know where to start.

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Overwhelmed -

A sensation of feeling overwhelmed can often manifest itself as procrastination. If a task seems too complex or high stakes, panic can set in. Breaking a task into manageable 'chunks' is one way to calm your mind enough to make a start.

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Waiting for the 'right' moment -

If you find yourself repeatedly waiting for the 'right' moment to tackle a task, or expecting to suddenly find yourself in the 'right' frame of mind, you might never get it done. Set yourself a time to start a task, and stick to it.

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Get organized! -

Poor organization can lead to procrastination. Creating effective schedules and organizing your to-do list in order of priority can help you overcome procrastination.

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Break the list down -

Breaking the list down into tasks that you can realistically tackle can help overcome the fear factor. Try to plan ahead as much as you can, so that tasks can be addressed in manageable stages rather than all at once.

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Celebrate small wins -

Try to remember the positive feelings that accompany actually getting something done. When you've ticked something off your list, give yourself a pat on the back.

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Promise yourself a treat -

Even if it's something small, like half an hour reading a book in your favorite coffee shop, promise yourself a treat once you've tackled an unpleasant task.

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Get your priorities straight -

Prioritizing is the enemy of procrastination. Set out your tasks—whether that's via a spreadsheet, organization app, or a physical diary—and work out which ones you need to tackle first.

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Commit to getting things done -

Once you know what needs doing, commit to when you will do it. Specify a time for each task, and make it non-negotiable.

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Ask people to check in -

Telling people what you plan to do, and when, is a good way to stay accountable. Ask friends, colleagues, and family to check in and see what you have achieved.

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Don't let things build up -

Tackle things as they arise, rather than letting them build up. Even if it's just replying to an email to explain your current timetable and availability, take small actions each day.

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Minimize distractions -

Set your phone to priority calls only, switch off the television, and turn off email and social media notifications while you work. Updating your feed can wait until you've finished!

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Get unpleasant tasks done early -

Aim to tackle your least favorite tasks first thing every day. So if you really hate cleaning the kitchen but don't mind settling down to a morning of working from home, get the cleaning out of the way first.

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Commit to getting started -

Focus on getting started—don't put off starting a task because you don't have the time to complete the whole thing. Do what you can in the time available. After all, something is better than nothing!

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Change the dialogue -

Instead of telling yourself and others that you 'need' to do something, say you 'will' do something. When something is obligatory, it can seem especially unappealing. "I'm going to clean the car" sounds better than "I have to clean the car."

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Use time management apps -

There are a number of time management apps that can help you keep work and social life on track. Apps such as Toggl Track, Todoist, and TimeTree can be hugely helpful in boosting productivity.

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Set yourself time goals -

Give yourself a deadline for completing each task on your list, and hold yourself accountable. If you have 15 minutes left to complete something, don't wander off to make a coffee. Aim to meet your own deadlines.

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Know your peak productivity times -

If you're at your most productive in the mornings, use that time to tackle your most challenging tasks. If you're an evening person, tackle easier things earlier on. Identifying when your productivity is at its peak can help you maximize the time available.

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Accountability online -

You can beat procrastination by signing up to have a complete stranger keep an eye on you! Services such as Focusmate allow you to sign up for video sessions with accountability partners anywhere in the world. Both partners state their goals at the start of a timed session, then keep cameras on while they knuckle down to it.

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Accountability partners -

Online accountability can be particularly helpful for freelancers, students, and those who work from home. If you don't fancy working with a complete stranger, try signing up for sessions with friends or family members in a similar position.

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Work in shorter bursts -

If you're prone to losing focus mid-way through a task such as cleaning, try doing it in small bursts. Several 15-minute bursts throughout a day can make a big difference.

Sources: (Mind Tools) (Verywell Mind) (FocusMate)

See also: Amazing platforms that fuel creativity

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