How do I stop procrastinating?

reward yourself with something every time you complete whatever tasks you’ve been putting off

“I work better under pressure” is a statement that we procrastinators make to justify our behavior. The truth is, we don’t have a choice. Suddenly a fire is lit under us and the report due tomorrow has to be written otherwise really bad things will happen. We may fail the course, lose our job, or cause someone else unnecessary misery.

In my view, procrastination is just a lack of discipline. It’s so wonderful being a free spirit, telling yourself you just want to do all the fun things, relax, watch TV, chat with friends… and even though you get up and go to school, or work, or have to catch a plane… or help your gran do her grocery shopping, you do it without procrastinating. Why? It’s someone else’s schedule that you readily agree to. So, why not force your own schedule? Be honest with yourself and decide what work needs to be done by you to achieve your goals. Your goals might be simple (pass the course) or complex become a doctor. You then, are the one calling the shots as long as you recognize that if you have a goal, you need to make a plan.

This is a battle you will fight for the rest of your life. I’m 51 and I still struggle with it every day. Intellectually I know that if I just take care of my responsibilities and get them over with that I would be able to relax and enjoy myself but instead I keep putting it off and leave it looming on the horizon. In my case it is part of ADHD. Everyone procrastinates but at a certain point it becomes pathological and a named condition. You might want to get evaluated for ADHD, developmental delays, learning disabilities and mood disorders. Calling yourself lazy and disorganized isn’t productive. Don’t look at this as a character defect but a problem to be overcome.

thats a great answer!!! i’d like to reward you with points but i don’t know how? can you school me on this?

Looks like you figured it out. Just click on Like.

i clicked on like. did that send you points? and if so, how many?