Do you have a long To Do list that seems to grow by the day? If so, you're not alone.
Some people have a natural talent for motivating themselves, but most of us struggle to even start achieving our goals. If you need help convincing yourself to get to work, you're in luck.
We've collected the 11 best pieces of advice about how to stop procrastinating once and for all. Whatever your biggest obstacle is, this list has the advice you need to become the more productive version of yourself that you've always wanted to be.
1. Work on a team
If you have a big task to do yourself, the stress of thinking about it can stop you in your tracks. Turn it into a group project instead. Get your friends involved in a big cleanup, ask your fiance to exercise with you. Whatever your goal is, it's less intimidating with two people.
2. Divide big jobs into smaller chunks
It's an awful feeling when you see a big deadline on your calendar. You'll probably avoid starting the job until it's too late just so you don't have to think about it. Instead, plan out four or five smaller parts and do them every few days. Small bits of hard work can add up to a huge project.
3. Learn to find your "flow"
The Pomodoro method is a scientific approach to work designed to trick your brain into staying focused. Work for 25 minutes, take a short break, then start again. After four work sessions take a longer break to refresh and start over. It sounds simple, but efficient people everywhere swear by it.
4. Avoid planning for tomorrow
I bet you already have a list of things you want to do "tomorrow" or "on the weekend," right? Those really means "never." Instead, start working today and don't look back!
5. Don't try to be perfect
When it comes to starting something like an exercise routine or a hobby, our fear of being "bad" at something can make us procrastinate. Accept that you're just starting out and have fun trying something new!
6. Identify things that distract you and get rid of them
No, we don't mean your family members! If you find you're always being distracted by things like the email notifications on your phone or your TV, plan to avoid those things whenever you're trying to get some work done.
7. Move somewhere new
Just like your living room isn't the best place to get some homework done, it's hard to feel motivated to exercise when you're lying in bed. Try to shake up your routine by going someplace new and notice how productive you become.
8. Use the two minute rule
David Allen's book Getting Things Done is a national bestseller, so he knows a thing or two about being productive. His #1 trick is that if you can do something in two minutes or less, do it right now! This way you get used to accomplishing small things all the time.
9. Think about success - not stress
When you're thinking of all the work you have to do, you're already convincing yourself not to do it. Instead, imagine how satisfied you'll feel once your next project is finished. Visualize success and you'll be inspired to make it happen!
10. Follow someone else's lead
Maybe your goal is to train to run a marathon, but you can't seem to motivate yourself. Do you have a friend who's a champion runner? Pick their brain as much as possible. Learn everything you can about motivation from the most successful people you know!
11. Just do it!
The biggest thing stopping you from accomplishing your goals is inertia. Get started right away and don't stop until you've made your dreams come true!
But first, don't forget to share this article with your friends!
