Let’s be honest—procrastination is the sneaky little devil that creeps into our minds with promises of “later.” But “later” rarely comes, does it? Instead, we’re left scrambling at the last minute or stuck in the endless guilt of not getting things done. The good news? You can beat procrastination and break free!
This post dives into seven practical ways to overcome procrastination, backed by wisdom from some of the world’s greatest thought leaders.
7 Tips On How to Beat Laziness And Take Action
1. Understand the Root of Procrastination
Before we start with the steps to overcome procrastination: first, let’s get to the why behind procrastination.
Is it fear of failure? Perfectionism? Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed? Tim Urban, the genius behind Wait But Why, visualized dealing with procrastination as a battle between the “rational decision-maker” and the “instant gratification monkey.” Sound familiar? The monkey wants you to binge Netflix instead of working on your dream project.
But here’s the trick to beat laziness: recognize when the monkey’s in control. Keep a journal for a week and jot down when you procrastinate and why. Once you understand your triggers, you can tackle them head-on.
Example: Let’s say you avoid starting a big report because you’re afraid it won’t be perfect. Instead, focus on just writing the first sentence—done is better than perfect.
2. Break Down Big Tasks
Big tasks can feel like climbing Mount Everest. How to get rid of procrastination? Take advice from productivity guru David Allen, the author of Getting Things Done (GTD): break everything into bite-sized chunks.
For instance, if you need to write a 20-page report, don’t think about all 20 pages at once. Instead, start with the outline. Once that’s done, write one section at a time. Before you know it, you’re halfway there.
Allen calls this the “next action” principle. So, to overcome procrastination, focus only on the next step, not the entire staircase. Trust me, your brain will thank you.
3. Use the Power of Now
Eckhart Tolle, in his transformative book The Power of Now, emphasizes the magic of this very moment. Most procrastination happens because we’re too busy worrying about the future or replaying the past. But the truth? The only time you have control over is now.
Try this: to get rid of procrastination, set a timer for 5 minutes and promise yourself to work on the task during that time. Often, starting is the hardest part. Once you’ve begun getting over procrastination, momentum kicks in, and those 5 minutes can turn into 30.
Example: Instead of saying, “I’ll clean the kitchen later,” tell yourself, “I’ll wash one plate now.” You’d be amazed at how one small action can snowball.
4. Beat Perfectionism with Action
Perfectionism is procrastination’s evil twin. You think, “I can’t start until I have the perfect plan,” and then… you don’t start at all. Elizabeth Gilbert, the author of Big Magic, says creativity thrives in imperfection. “Done is better than good,” she reminds us.
The trick is to successfully fighting laziness and procrastination is to stop overthinking and start doing. Give yourself permission to create something mediocre—whether it’s a draft, a workout session, or a presentation. You can always refine later.
Example: If you’re afraid of writing a bad email, write a rough draft in 5 minutes. Once it’s on paper, it’s easier to edit than to stare at a blank screen.
5. Leverage Accountability
Accountability can be a game-changer. Productivity expert James Clear, the author of Atomic Habits, explains that humans are wired to keep promises to others more than ourselves. So, find an accountability buddy and conquering procrastination becomes easier.
Tell a friend your goals and set deadlines together. Better yet, put some money on the line! Apps like Beeminder charge you if you miss deadlines. It’s like hiring your own procrastination police.
Example: Want to finish a project by Friday? Text your friend: “If I don’t send you my first draft by 5 PM, I owe you $10.” Watch how fast you work when money’s on the line!
6. Reward Yourself for Progress
Why not make productivity fun? Behavioral scientists agree that small rewards boost motivation. BJ Fogg, author of Tiny Habits, suggests pairing tasks with positive reinforcement.
Example: Love coffee? Promise yourself a latte after completing an hour of work. Big project? Celebrate with a movie night once it’s done. Your brain craves dopamine, so use it to your advantage for managing procrastination.
But here’s the kicker—make the rewards meaningful and directly tied to your achievements. Avoid treating yourself to distractions like scrolling on TikTok (that’s procrastination in disguise!).
7. Create a Procrastination-Free Environment
Lastly, to beat procrastination, set yourself up for success. It’s hard to focus when your phone buzzes every 5 minutes or your workspace looks like a tornado hit. Marie Kondo-style your surroundings—clean and declutter.
Productivity coaches like Cal Newport, author of Deep Work, recommend eliminating distractions. Turn off notifications, use apps like Freedom to block social media, and set designated work zones.
Example: If you tend to procrastinate on writing, create a cozy nook with a candle and a no-phone rule. Environment matters more than you think.
Conclusion: How to Beat Laziness & Overcome Procrastination
Here’s the truth: fighting procrastination is just like fighting any bad habit. And like any habit, it can be changed with the right strategies.
To recap:
- Understand why you procrastinate.
- Break tasks into small, manageable steps.
- Harness the power of the present moment.
- Beat perfectionism by embracing imperfection.
- Stay accountable to others.
- Reward yourself for every win.
- Set up a distraction-free zone.
Remember, you’re not alone in this struggle. Even the most successful people fight the procrastination devil daily. The difference? They’ve learned how to overpower it.
So, what’s the one task you’ve been putting off? Start small, start now. Beat procrastination and your future self will thank you!
