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Sometimes it can feel like overcoming procrastination is impossible! It isn’t. Here are a few methods you can try to avoid procrastinating again.

Do The Hardest and Toughest Jobs First.

By doing this your self-esteem will be boosted, and you will feel like you have achieved something. This will also have the roll on effect that other tasks will seem pretty easy to do.

When making a to-do list, make sure you follow everything you’ve written chronologically by listing the most important things to be done on top and ticking them off as you go along. Not only will this be more organized but it will be easier for you to follow and focus on what’s next rather than choosing what you think you should do on the list.

Don’t Wait for The Right Time and to Be In The Right Mood.

There is no point hanging out to be in the right mood, or the right time to happen. Waiting around for this “special time” or “special mood” is a hindrance to your productivity!

Perfectionism is a Trap.

Self-esteem is closely tied into a job done well. Some people take things to the extreme however and are constantly delaying tasks because they feel that they cannot do the job perfectly. This will not help with overcoming procrastination!

Often a perfectionist will beat themselves up over trying to get a job done perfectly. Pressuring themselves with unrealistic deadlines and viewing the outcome of their work negatively. This puts a mental barrier in peoples minds - stopping them from getting the task done. Perfectionism actually results in poor work because of their obsession with messing up!

Perfectionists are not the peak performers. This is because perfectionists spend all their time worrying about messing up rather than actually getting the job done!

If you suffer from being a perfectionist, reassess you priorities. Take small brave steps. Create an action plan with realistic deadlines. The key to doing your best is to start really early. That way you give yourself plenty of time to review your work and spot errors. By maintaining a fresh and relaxed attitude, you are able to give your best.

Create Momentum.

If you are sitting down unsure how to start your next task, stand up. This alone can make a lot of difference to your procrastination. Doing something physical is recommended to help increase efficiency.

Clean up your desk. Go for a walk around the block. Do some other small task. This will help create momentum and get you going. The great thing about momentum is that once it is going it is hard to stop! Getting up and doing something will help pump you up to get into that task you have been procrastinating about!

A little procrastination is fine. But some people get really pulled into the procrastination cycle. This can lead to chronic depression. If you are trying to overcome procrastination - be realistic. You are unlikely to stop procrastinating overnight. There is no quick fix. To be successful you need to develop a routine that works for you.

Michelle is the editor of a website about time management skills. You can learn more about overcoming procrastination, time management skills, the importance of time management and a lot more!