My tricks on how to stop procrastination

When I was younger I was the queen of procrastination.

Growing up, my mother would often ask me to clean my room. Like many children, I’d always respond with a “later.” But “later” never seemed to arrive until she came to check on me.

This persisted into my teenage years. For every school subject I disliked, I’d delay homework and assignments. I couldn’t be bothered, and frankly, I didn’t care much about the consequences.

My first year at uni was a wake-up call. I nearly failed due to this behavior. Consistently delaying papers resulted in poor or mediocre grades. Something needed to change.

So, I implemented several strategies to improve my grades, get back into shape, and better organize my life.

Planning with an Agenda

I invested in a detailed agenda. At the start of each school year in September, I’d meticulously record every important date: exams, major bills, and even predictable personal events.

Now, I plan at the beginning of each calendar year and review my goals and plans quarterly.

Every morning, I wake up with a clear understanding of my daily goals. It’s a life changer.

Starting the Day with Small Wins

I begin each day with simple tasks to boost my morale and create a sense of accomplishment that carries me through the rest of the day. These can be as straightforward as journaling, writing in a gratitude diary, reading, or going for a run. The key is to choose activities that align with your lifestyle and goals.

Structuring the Day in Two Parts

I divide my day into two sections. For instance, mornings are Part 1, and afternoons are Part 2. I typically reserve mornings for personal activities and afternoons for work. This strategy creates the illusion of dedicated personal time, which helps maintain balance.

Breaking Tasks into Manageable Steps

I never add overwhelming tasks to my agenda. Instead, I break them down into smaller, achievable steps. For example, when writing about a subject, I might dedicate 25 minutes to research on day 1, repeat this on days 2 and 3, create an outline on day 4, and start writing on day 5.

Dedicated workspace

Designating a specific area for work or study has significantly reduced my tendency to procrastinate. My workspace is free from distractions, well-organized, and clutter-free. I ensure all necessary pens are within reach. And as a personal touch I keep a large jasmine-scented candle nearby to reinforce the idea of a pleasant, productive environment.

So, how about you? In what ways do you combat procrastination? What strategies have worked best for you? I’m always curious to learn from others 🙂

,abreijos