Today is your day! Today is the day you conquer that to-do list. Today is the day you clean that attic or storage closet. Today is the day you enroll in classes. We all start the day with the best intentions. We all plan to tackle and complete everything on our list but then procrastination sets in. Procrastination is like a pimple you never asked for but somehow won’t go away. I am a procrastinating lifetimer. It was the only system I knew.  If I wanted to complete my goals, I needed to figure out how to work through my procrastination. I read on several occasions that procrastination is a symptom of perfectionism. Perfectionism is not excellence, it is procrastination based in fear. That really resonated with me. I have a tendency to put things off for fear of not meeting high standards. Also, I will prolong doing things that I’m not confident in. Instead, find a task less threatening to complete.

I had never thought of procrastination as having any association with perfectionism but it all made sense. Over the years, I had begun to pick up perfectionist traits. I always wanted to be the best at my job. My work had to be perfect. I worked very hard to get promoted in all of my work experiences.  I have always been a color outside of the lines kind of person but somehow I had picked up this habit that had become apart of me.  I like things a certain way. I will redo minor details a million times until I think its as perfect as I can get it, at that moment. The hardest lesson that I have had to learn is done is better than perfect.

I had to really examine where I was in my life so I could become more effective. I have tried and tested many strategies to cure my procrastination. I have learned that I need to work through my procrastination.  Here are a few sure-fire tips to help you fight your procrastination monster. I am a mom of four-year-old twins and a nine-year-old. I work full-time and by full-time, I mean about 50+ hours. I also at one point was going to school full-time on top of that. It can feel impossible to get things ACTUALLY done. Even the thought of having to come home to do “work” hurts my head. Unfortunately, there is no way we can position ourselves for success unless we learn to be effective in our day.

Follow these 7 easy tips to take hold of your day and kick procrastination in the face!

1.Motivation

Motivation will come and go. When it strikes. You strike!! Even if you feel slightly motivated, run with it. You will be amazed at what you can accomplish with a short spout of motivation. Keep things around you that help with those moments of motivation. Whether those be people, music, or for if you’re like me stationary. There is something about a new sleek planner or fancy writing utensils that gets my mojo going. I feel so much more motivated to tackle my to-do list in a fancy planner or using my color coordinated pens. It’s the little things.

   Make sure to surround yourself with constantly supportive reminders of your goals. I read self-help books and encouraging podcasts to help remind me of the goals I have for myself. I need constant reminders to stay on track with completing tasks that I am less confident in, those uncomfortable tasks. It’s very important to aware of your areas of opportunity and find strategic ways to overcome them.

2. Pick one or two things to accomplish at a time.

When you attempt to accomplish 10 things at a time. Your mind is already tired with the thought. I’d rather take a nap than tackle my dreaded storage closet but if I only plan to just clear out my old clothes it feels more realistic. I had a big problem of overloading my todo list with unrealistic expectations then feeling defeated when I didn’t complete everything on my list. 

3. Keep a master list

I am an overthinker. It relieves so much stress to write down everything I need to do, even big and small. Sometimes, I give myself freebies and write down super minor tasks or something I just completed to get me motivated. Sometimes, the overwhelm comes from trying to keep all the things we have to do in our head.  You need to give all of that stuff a place to go.  Your anxiety and stress will thank you later. I have a master list in on my cell phone under one of the Note apps but I enjoy the satisfaction of crossing things off with a good old fashion pen. There is nothing more gratifying. I feel so accomplished when I cross something off my list. Save yourself a headache and write it all down. 

4. Reward yourself

We need to stay motivated to accomplish our daily list. We need to get in the habit of rewarding ourselves when we stay on track. As moms, we are constantly in the business of reassuring and rewarding our children and families.  We need positive reinforcement as well. You should get in the habit of rewarding yourself. It could be something that you were already going to do. It would be a glass or two of wine or a guiltless nap. Whatever tickles your fancy. I personally, prefer wine. 🙂 (Do you want me to finish the list or not) 🙂

5.Set yourself up for success!

Pick only your top three things that you want to get done daily. You shouldn’t have a to-do list of 25 items to complete in one day. You are setting yourself up to fail. I get super discouraged if I don’t complete most, if not all, of my todo list. You

6. Try to work when you are most focused.

I find mid-mornings are my peak hours. I try to plan my work that requires writing or extra focus around those times. I know I am no good late afternoon. I just can’t seem to focus. Make sure you are setting yourself up to win. The more encouraged you feel, the better your results will be. Figure out what part of the day are you most focused and energized and work your to-do list around that time. You may be trying to complete things when you tired and unfocused, which may be exacerbating your procrastination.

7. Set time limits for each task.

This one was a game changer for me! I would write my to-do list and stare at the 10+ items on my list. When I would see the long list, I would start to feel overwhelmed. It was life changing to start adding the allotted time next to each task. The total time would add up to about 1-2 hours. When we identify the time commitment and not just a list of tasks, we have better chances of completing our todo list. Procrastination is heightened when you feel like you have too much to do. What incentive do you have to start now? If you reexamine your list, based on the time commitment. It feels much more manageable. I also feel so much more in control. I even set a timer on my cell phone. I have a hard time getting focused if something(unpleasant task) isn’t urgently due. I would notice a fleck of glitter and get derailed for an hour. I need a specific time frame to stay within. I work better under pressure. I always me to focus.

I know you would l0ve for me to tell you that if you take these special vitamins your procrastination would no longer exist.  Unfortunately, there is no perfect cure or remedy. The whole purpose is to trick yourself into getting your work done and building new habits. Considering we are adults now…right?

Don’t stress yourself out! You already have so much to manage. Take it one day at a time! Just like wine..motivation and time management is an acquired taste.

As always, #Fear Less #Love More #Drink Moderately 😉