We all get stuck in a rut from time to time, putting things off until ‘tomorrow’ or ‘later’ when we ‘feel like’ or are ‘in the mood’. In whatever way we like to phrase it, it’s all just different routes to the same destination- procrastination. So how do we get off of that dead end track and on to the highway of activity? Here are seven tips that could help us all out:

1 Start by making a ‘To Do List’

This idea might seem basic, but sometimes the visual layout of all you need to get done really helps you to organise and prioritise outside of the walls of your mind. It also helps you to really see the amount of tasks you have to get done. Also, it provides a good visual of your accomplishments or progress in actually finishing your tasks.

2 Promise yourself a reward

Each time you’ve completed a day’s worth of tasks, treat yourself. It gives you something to look forward to at the end of all your hard work and thus, gives you a little motivation to get going and get it done!

3 Promise to face the consequences

Just as how you have created a reward for completing the tasks, come up with a consequence for when you don’t. This should serve as a deterrent when it comes to procrastinating or slacking off.

4 Focus on the end goal

Usually, when we check up all the things we need to get done what we see is a pile of things we’d rather not do. Rather than focusing on the task before us, looking at the end result is a better strategy. Just keep your mind on the rewards that may come with finishing these tasks as well as that warm feeling of satisfaction and freedom when all has been completed

5 Cut out the distractions

Unless Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other form of social media is actually providing you with what you NEED to complete a task, get rid of it. Now, this doesn’t mean you should get up and delete your accounts now (like seriously why would you?) but, it just means while you’re working on the tasks, you should really try to avoid social media. It’s fun and provides entertainment and most times it serves as a well-needed break, but sometimes those 5-minute breaks turn into five hours, and then nothing gets done. Eliminate all distractions as best as you can. You won’t regret it.

6 Ask for help

Sometimes asking for help serves as motivation because with the assistance comes the other person’s energy, and hopefully, your desire not to waste that person’s time and effort.

7 Just Do It.

Seriously, just do it; just get started! That’s often the most difficult part of the process anyways, so once you get up and start the process, you’re technically already over the hardest part and when you’re through…that’s it! You’ve done it and you realise that it really wasn’t that hard. Then relax, and bask in the feeling of satisfaction.

We hope you found these tips helpful, and if you did, that you get started on kicking procrastination in the butt right away. Harsh, we know, but still…just do it!