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Hi my name is Shalethea and I’m a recovering perfectionist. A few weeks back, we talked about perfectionism. If you missed it, I’ll leave a link for you here. If you're listening, you can click there when you're done or find "Embrace Imperfection and Thrive" on our newsletter page. The reason I bring this up is because many times, perfectionists tend to be procrastinators because they're trying to be perfect. They’re thinking of all the things that need to be done and put in place. So, if you're a procrastinator, you might also be a perfectionist, and something in that newsletter might help.

Procrastination is something we all deal with at some point. There is probably not one single person on the planet that hasn’t put something off until the last possible minute. But, we’re not talking about the occasional procrastination, we are talking about when a lot of things become pushed off and often. Whether it's putting off a work project, delaying chores, or avoiding difficult conversations, procrastination can hinder our progress and create unnecessary stress. Fortunately, there is always a way to combat any habit and this habit is no different so let’s talk about ways to reclaim your time and energy.

1. Set Clear, Achievable Goals

One of the main reasons we procrastinate is that tasks seem overwhelming. The task we see in front of us seems so enormous we have no idea how we might accomplish it. It usually is so massive it stresses us out before we can get started. To help combat this, break down your tasks into smaller, manageable steps and set clear, achievable goals. Instead of saying, “I need to write a book,”, try saying, “Today, I’ll write the dedication.”, “Tomorrow, I’ll write the first 2 pages.” etc. By focusing on one step at a time, you can reduce feelings of overwhelm and make steady progress.

2. Use the Two-Minute Rule

The two-minute rule is a simple yet effective strategy that’s easy to implement. You see if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. This approach helps eliminate small tasks that can pile up and lead to procrastination. This immediate action on quick tasks, allows you to build momentum and create a sense of accomplishment that propels you into tackling larger projects. Let the momentum take you as far as you can go. Also quickly eliminating tasks can give you a feel of accomplishment which is always a great boost.

3. Create a Productive Environment

Your environment plays a significant role in your ability to focus and stay on task. Create a workspace that minimizes distractions and encourages productivity. This can be slightly different for everyone depending on how you work best. Some people find this means they need to declutter their desk, setting up specific work hours and maintaining a schedule helps others, and others use tools like noise-canceling headphones to block out background noises. Whatever it may be for you just make sure it is a conducive environment for you, an environment that makes it easier to concentrate, and reduce the temptation to procrastinate.

Moving Through it

Procrastination is a habit that requires intention and effort to overcome, but with the right strategies, you can break free and boost your productivity. By setting clear goals, using the two-minute rule, and creating a productive environment, you can kick this habit to the curb.

We’d love to hear from you! Feel free to start a conversation in the comments section. Share your thoughts, experiences, or any strategies that work for you. And if you find this content interesting or helpful, please share it with someone who might benefit from it.

Together, let’s continue our journey toward greater productivity and success.