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We can plan.
We can prioritize.
But, if we do not act (perform) on our prioritized plans, nothing gets done.
We do not achieve our goals.
There can be many reasons why we don't perform.
It can be helpful to ask yourself, "What is getting in the way of my doing this task?"
Below are several reasons why we may not act.
Motivation
I'm just not feeling like it.
Motivation is a force behind actions.
It is the process that initiates, guides, and maintains behaviors toward our goals.
For example, motivation is what helps you lose weight, study for a test, or clean your house.
To increase motivation, you can:
set specific goals that are possible to achieve and that align with your interests and values (use SMART goals);
break down tasks into smaller, manageable steps (use Project Planners);
celebrate small achievements - reward yourself;
regularly review your progress (look at your Project Planner Components);
share your goals with trusted friends, family, or mentors and ask for positive feedback;
surround yourself with positive, supportive people;
manage your environment by minimizing distractions and creating a dedicated workspace; and
ensure you are taking care of your physical and mental health (get adequate sleep, eat well, and exercise).
Essentially, focus on making your goals feel relevant, achievable,
and rewarding to you.
Problem-Solving
When we have issues that prevent us from working on our goals, we need to figure out what to do with the issues.
Using the Problem-Solving Cycle shown below can be helpful.
It also is important to use our resources - people, places, and things.
Promptness (Not Procrastinating)
What is procrastination?
What is procrastination?
Procrastination is when a person puts off tasks
even though there is a deadline.
This does not mean the person is lazy or incapable of completing the tasks.
There are many reasons why a person might procrastinate doing a task. Below are some examples:
Feeling overwhelmed by too many tasks or not enough time;
Perfectionism - concerned it won't be perfect;
Over-thinking what needs to be done;
Feeling depressed or anxious;
Having low self-esteem;
Experiencing attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms;
Having habits that result in doing something else.
HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT PROCRASTINATING?
HOW GOOD ARE YOU AT PROCRASTINATING?
If you live by the motto of
Don't Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow,
coming up with reasons to do tasks provides motivation to avoid procrastination.
Understanding the reasons that you put things off,
and there can be different reasons for various situations,
gives you the insight to "fix" it.
8 Ways to avoid procrastination when studying
8 Ways to avoid procrastination when studying
Fortunately, there are ways to combat procrastination. It is important that you do not overwhelm yourself and you do set yourself up for success.
Here are 8 ways to avoid procrastination:
Admit that you are procrastinating
Pick a good study location
Eliminate distractions
Set goals you can reach/Set a deadline to finish before the due date
Work with a study group
Reward yourself
Take a break
Hold yourself accountable
For more information, watch the video below.
College Info Geek's My #1 Method for Stopping Procrastination Video
College Info Geek's My #1 Method for Stopping Procrastination Video
(Click the arrow below to access the YouTube video.)
Effective Habits (with Rewards)
As humans, we are creatures of habit.
We are what we repeatedly do.
Our brains are made to pursue things that make us feel that things are "right."
That gives us pleasure, even when what we are doing has negative outcomes.
Use the way our brains work (habits) to our advantage.
Use habits to stop procrastinating.
Putting off (procrastinating) tasks that make us feel unpleasant can become a habit.
When we have trouble doing (performing) a task, it can help to connect doing that "problem" task to another task that we regularly do. (Habit Stacking)
For example, if we tend to put off doing our homework, we can think of something we already always do.
We begin doing the "problem" task (homework) with what we already do (eating a snack), then reward ourselves right away (watching a video). That will help positively reinforce us to do the "problem" task again the next time we feel hungry in the afternoon.
For more information, watch the Life Skills video below.
Life Skills Workshop Video
Time Management Video 4 - Performing
(Click the arrow below to access the YouTube video)
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