Procrastination is a common problem that affects people in many different aspects of their lives, work, study or personal projects. Being aware of the common traps that lead to procrastination can help you break free from this seeming never ending cycle. Below are some common traps, along with small, actionable steps to kick start any project using your planner or journal.
Common Procrastination Traps
1. The Drive to be “Perfect“
The desire to make everything perfect can stop you from starting your project. You may spend too much time planning and not enough time doing.
2. Getting Overwhelmed
When a project seems too big or complicated, it can feel challenging. The sheer magnitude can lead you to put it off indefinitely.
3. Too Many Distractions
Life is full of distractions—social media, notifications and general noise. These can easily distract you from what you need to accomplish.
4. Fear of Failure
The fear of not living up to some lofty expectations can prevent you from starting a task. This fear often stems from a lack of confidence in your abilities.
5. Lack of Motivation
Sometimes, the lack of enthusiasm for the task in front of you can lead to procrastination. This is usually because the task feels tedious or boring.
6. Poor Time Management
Failing to allocate your time properly can lead to procrastination. Without a concrete plan, it’s easy to find excuses to delay.
Simple Steps to Kick Start Your Project
Using your planner or journal, you can implement the following small steps to stop procrastination and get started on your projects:
Step 1: Break It Down
- Action: Divide your project into smaller tasks. Write these down in your planner.
- Example: Instead of “write a report,” break it down into “research topic,” “create an outline” and “write a draft.”
Step 2: Set Task Deadlines
- Action: Assign short deadlines for each of the tasks from step one. This helps create a sense of urgency and reduces overwhelm.
- Example: Set a deadline of two days for completing the research section.
Step 3: Create a Daily To-Do List
- Action: Every day, write down 2-3 tasks in your planner that you can focus on. Prioritize and rank tasks based on their importance.
- Example: Today’s tasks could be “finish the introduction” and “review sources.”
Step 4: Establish a Routine
- Action: Designate specific times in your day dedicated to working on your project. Make this routine a habit.
- Example: Allocate one hour every morning solely for project work.
Step 5: Limit Distractions
- Action: Get real about what distracts you the most and find ways to deal with these distractions while working.
- Example: Turn off notifications on your phone or use apps that block social media during work hours.
Step 6: Celebrate Small Wins
- Action: After you finish each task, take a moment to acknowledge your achievement. This positive reinforcement can help boost your motivation.
- Example: Treat yourself to a small reward, such as a favourite snack or a short break.
Step 7: Reflect and Adjust
- Action: At the end of the week/project, review what worked and what didn’t. Fine tune your approach based on your reflections.
- Example: If you found that working in the evening was more productive for you, make this a regular part of your routine.
By adding these small, structured steps into your planner or journal, you can effectively kick start your projects/tasks and overcome some of the common traps of procrastination. Remember, the key is to start small and build momentum over time.
