What's the best and the worst thing about being able to do your work at home? Well, of course it's the fact that you don't have anyone watching over you, seeing how you are spending your time and generally making sure you're doing what you're supposed to be doing!
The point is that when you do have deadlines approaching you are far more likely to take action and avoid negative consequences for not hitting those deadlines. But when you are left to your own devices and there is nothing keeping you accountable you are far more likely to chill out and spend your time playing computer games or checking out the latest fashions online. So why does "being accountable" have such a dramatic impact?
When there are no due dates and no negative consequences for not completing tasks then there's also no reason to be hard on yourself, is there? Everyone knows that you should live a life you love right? No reason to spend your time doing things you don't enjoy! Time to live it up! And don't feel bad if you do feel that way because it's totally natural and life is definitely to be enjoyed.
But you don't also want to be thinking "I should be doing this" or "I should be doing that" because it takes the fun out of your super fun time doesn't it? When you're trying to have a good time but deep down you know you really should be getting your assignment or study done, it's a real downer. So instead of doing that, we suggest you get your work done first and then you can truly enjoy your super fun free time. Here are our top five procrastination crushing tips to really help make this work for you:
Tip number one. Nothing in life is perfect and neither are you. Sorry if that hit you between the eyes but seriously, you are not perfect! So stop trying to be. Many people procrastinate because they would rather not do anything out of fear that it won't be perfect. Well guess what, it won't be! So get over it and get on with it.
Tip number two. Tasks always appear huge at first and that's why you break them up into smaller tasks. You would really think this one would be self-explanatory! Nobody says "I am going to build a house" and then starts hammering a nail into some wood and then all of a sudden the house is built. There is so much more involved than that. You need to look at the big task as a series of much smaller tasks and then start working on those. Soon you will find you are half way done and that big task is now much smaller than it first seemed! But the most important thing is to make a start.
Tip number three. Find an action buddy. Try to find someone who has a similar or the same goals or ambitions as you and then start holding each other accountable. Please note that the only way this will work is if you buddy is not a procrastinator as well! You need to buddy up with someone who will kick your butt if you don't do what you promised. The good part is that you get to kick their butt if they don't do what they promised. Good times. Kick some butt.
Tip number four. Spend as much time as possible with people who want to do something special with their life. When you spend time with drop-kicks you also become a drop-kick. It's just human nature. Find people who have already achieved what you want to achieve (many of them can be found online these days!) and start listening to them and learning from them. You deserve to give yourself an opportunity to do something awesome with your life so don't mix with the wrong crowd.
Tip number five. Identify distractions and do something about them. You would already know what your major distractions are so it's really up to you to make a choice about what is more important. If you spend 30 minutes doing some work each night from Monday to Friday you will have completed 2.5 hours of work. That's an extra 130 hours a year. Honestly, what could you get done in 130 hours? Focus for short periods of time can result in massive pay offs later.
Whatever you do, just remember that you are ultimately responsible for all of your outcomes and only you can change your life. Good luck!
The point is that when you do have deadlines approaching you are far more likely to take action and avoid negative consequences for not hitting those deadlines. But when you are left to your own devices and there is nothing keeping you accountable you are far more likely to chill out and spend your time playing computer games or checking out the latest fashions online. So why does "being accountable" have such a dramatic impact?
When there are no due dates and no negative consequences for not completing tasks then there's also no reason to be hard on yourself, is there? Everyone knows that you should live a life you love right? No reason to spend your time doing things you don't enjoy! Time to live it up! And don't feel bad if you do feel that way because it's totally natural and life is definitely to be enjoyed.
But you don't also want to be thinking "I should be doing this" or "I should be doing that" because it takes the fun out of your super fun time doesn't it? When you're trying to have a good time but deep down you know you really should be getting your assignment or study done, it's a real downer. So instead of doing that, we suggest you get your work done first and then you can truly enjoy your super fun free time. Here are our top five procrastination crushing tips to really help make this work for you:
Tip number one. Nothing in life is perfect and neither are you. Sorry if that hit you between the eyes but seriously, you are not perfect! So stop trying to be. Many people procrastinate because they would rather not do anything out of fear that it won't be perfect. Well guess what, it won't be! So get over it and get on with it.
Tip number two. Tasks always appear huge at first and that's why you break them up into smaller tasks. You would really think this one would be self-explanatory! Nobody says "I am going to build a house" and then starts hammering a nail into some wood and then all of a sudden the house is built. There is so much more involved than that. You need to look at the big task as a series of much smaller tasks and then start working on those. Soon you will find you are half way done and that big task is now much smaller than it first seemed! But the most important thing is to make a start.
Tip number three. Find an action buddy. Try to find someone who has a similar or the same goals or ambitions as you and then start holding each other accountable. Please note that the only way this will work is if you buddy is not a procrastinator as well! You need to buddy up with someone who will kick your butt if you don't do what you promised. The good part is that you get to kick their butt if they don't do what they promised. Good times. Kick some butt.
Tip number four. Spend as much time as possible with people who want to do something special with their life. When you spend time with drop-kicks you also become a drop-kick. It's just human nature. Find people who have already achieved what you want to achieve (many of them can be found online these days!) and start listening to them and learning from them. You deserve to give yourself an opportunity to do something awesome with your life so don't mix with the wrong crowd.
Tip number five. Identify distractions and do something about them. You would already know what your major distractions are so it's really up to you to make a choice about what is more important. If you spend 30 minutes doing some work each night from Monday to Friday you will have completed 2.5 hours of work. That's an extra 130 hours a year. Honestly, what could you get done in 130 hours? Focus for short periods of time can result in massive pay offs later.
Whatever you do, just remember that you are ultimately responsible for all of your outcomes and only you can change your life. Good luck!
About the Author:
HelpMeToStudy.org is the best resource for learning new study skills, changing your study habits and finding the best study tips available. We will help change the way you think about study - and even better - we will show you how to study effectively: How To Stop Procrastinating | Studying Tips
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