Is Procrastination Getting in the Way of Your Dreams?

Is procrastination holding you back from pursuing your dreams? Do you find yourself planning and planning some more? How can you put a stop to it so you can move forward? Learn the simple tips to overcome that issue so you can pursue your dreams once and for all!

 There’s nothing that can get in the way of your dreams like procrastinating. You primarily do it because you’re afraid of failing or not achieving success. You may also have issues letting go of control or are afraid of separation. Additionally, you might feel like you’re getting things done but you’re ignoring what’s really important. Some of the most successful people in the world have been procrastinators, it can help you think. The important thing is not to let it get out of hand so you can move forward. 

Even though procrastinating can have a detrimental impact on productivity, go easy on yourself from time to time. Overcoming this issue takes work. Here are some tips on how to finally focus and avoid unnecessary procrastination.

Make a Short-Term Plan with Realistic and Attainable Goals and Long-Term Roadmap Moving from Point A to Point Z 

Write down your plans for the future and make a detailed list of defined milestones. If you want to pursue a master’s degree at an Ivy League university or study at a particular school in a specific field, such as PhlebotomyU, highlight the name, program, time commitment, and what you need to do apply and enroll in such a program. You should also write down your larger career goals and practical steps towards achieving them. Then you should reduce these goals into smaller actions; for example, if you’re looking to go back to school, start with an internet search, writing an email, or making a phone call.

To make the process manageable, work your way through the tasks, one step at a time. You don’t have to follow the exact order but at least stick to the list. If the next job on your list doesn’t seem possible today, you can choose something else to do that’s more convenient and then make strides toward achieving the larger goal. Small incremental steps are the way to success.

Switch Off Your Phone to Focus on What is Important and in Front of You at that Time 

It is always a better idea to ditch your phone and social media for a while if you’re trying to focus on achieving your dreams to eliminate distractions. Mute push notifications or if you have to, leave your phone in another room so you have space and concentration to get your work completed. Multi-tasking is more of a detriment to productivity than a benefit, despite what others say. It’s difficult to avoid your phone for a while but sometimes it’s the best way to get back into your own headspace so you can start plowing through all of the things on that long to-do list. 

Indulge and Enjoy Small Achievements without Feeling Guilty

Tick off the things you have done and plan to give yourself a pat on the back in a figurative sense or treat yourself to something like a massage, a new handbag, or an exercise class you’ve been wanting to take for the last six months. Small rewards will have a positive impact on your productivity, even if it’s just the satisfaction you get from a tick. 

As you complete more tasks, your confidence will build, and you will feel automatically motivated to complete more tasks. Consider how accomplished you feel after you’ve studied for an exam and received a near-perfect grade. Completing those most dreaded tasks in a satisfactory manner will provide the same type of gratification. 

Be Self-Aware and Be Smart

Even though you’ve put loads of work into making that spreadsheet of your yearly expenses and gone to town organizing your kitchen, it’s important to realize when it’s actually starting to delay you getting on with what you really need to do. At times, you may bury yourself in unimportant tasks, so you don’t have to focus on those most-dreaded tasks like writing and launching a sales page, drafting, and deploying that long-awaited email sequence, or leading that presentation.

I know that whenever I have to launch a new course or program, that’s a little scary, or sending the first draft of a project to a client for review, I will find ways to procrastinate so that I don’t have to do it. This only causes more problems in the long run. The key is having the self-awareness to catch this tipping point when your planning is procrastination in disguise. It’s important to know when to recognize this happening.

Eliminate the Negative Thoughts and Try to Stay Positive

Getting angry, frustrated, or disappointed with yourself if you don’t do something right the first time, won’t help to motivate you. Actually, it will only frustrate you more. It’s better to take a beat and take the time to focus on self-care or wellbeing activities that make you happy.

Remember your health is the most important thing and being too hard on yourself can be draining. And remember, being unmotivated, unfocused, tired, and drained will only lead to more problems.   

Do What You Can without Overdoing It 

One of the best ideas is to essentially quit while you’re ahead, at least for today. If you’re working through that plan and you’ve managed to achieve something, something that you’re proud of, cut yourself some slack and take a break. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself to do more after you’ve achieved one or two milestones on that to-do list. It’s much better to end on a high note and feel proud of what you’ve done for the day.