Trying to achieve a goal can be, well, confusing. We sit and ask ourselves, why is it so hard for me to (as Nike would say) just do it? We know what we want to accomplish, but we don't understand why we can't get our bodies to obey and do what we want to do.
In this article, we will try to help you overcome some of the root issues related to procrastination. We want to give you valuable ideas to see your project through to completion.
It's Never too Late to Begin
"It's never too late to be what you might have been." - George Elliot
The idea that we are out of time is one of the most detrimental states of mind. Well, I better buckle down and just deal with it because nothing better will come along.
We've all made some mistakes in the past and wasted some time. But why would we let mistakes in the past guide our decisions in the future? It's been said; you haven't failed until you quit trying.
Before we give you more ideas to accomplish your goals, just know, whether you're one or one-hundred - it's not too late to start.
Spend Time Investing In Yourself
"Formal education will make you a living; self-education will make you a fortune." Jim Rohn
This quote from Jim Rohn reminds us that taking the time to invest in yourself will lead to significant gains. Of course, this isn't meant to discount formal education, which undoubtedly plays an important role, rather this is meant to encourage everyone: you can learn anything if you'd like.
Also, formal education is geared toward making people competent - and that's great because we want competence. With that said, if you're looking to become a master, then that is usually done on your own time. You must put in the effort to intimately understand your goal.
Just Act
"There is only one way to avoid criticism: Do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing." Aristotle
Our fear of failure is directly related to our fear of criticism. What will people think? This mindset keeps us from doing what we truly desire. Aristotle reminds us that criticism is an inevitability of living.
When you step out there, don't be afraid of what people think, and don't be scared to fail. Eventually, you'll pull through. If you want to curl into a ball and hide in a hole in the woods, then perhaps you'll avoid some criticism (or at least not hear it). Otherwise, fight on.
Always Keep Trying
"Fall seven times and stand up eight." Japanese proverb
If you don't quit, then you can't fail. This is something I've experienced personally. I'll say to myself, I've tried and tried and always failed, why try again?
But the truth is, I've continued trying and then eventually broke through and accomplished my goal. Sometimes the war is more with ourselves than obstacles around us. If you keep trying, even in the face of failure, eventually you will succeed.
If you stop trying, you stop giving yourself a chance at success. But if you have a never quit attitude, you'll break through eventually.
Practical Tips to Overcome Procrastination
Hopefully, the last section gave you some inspiration to achieve your goals. The rally before the big game hypes you up - but then you need to execute the plan. Let's go over several steps to accomplishing your goals.
Here's a list of several ways to do that:
- Take big goals and write them down, then break them down
- Eliminate distractions
- Find a person to keep you accountable
- Use a deadline
- Don't become discouraged if your plan doesn't work
Let's talk about these in more depth.
Break Down the Big Goals
With the end of the year coming up, you may be thinking about all you've accomplished this year and some goals you have for next year. Here's an idea - first, make your big goals - then take those big goals and make them into smaller pieces.
Example Goal: Run a marathon
Running a marathon is a great goal, but it can seem too big to conquer. To better achieve your goal of running a marathon, make a goal to run seven miles each week, and then work your way up from there.
You can break your goal down even further by making a point to run a little bit each day.
So, instead of overwhelming yourself by deciding to run a marathon, choose instead to run a little bit each day. After you've formed a habit, you can let the power of that habit carry you to your goal.
Eliminate Distractions
Simply, if you know something is unproductive and takes you away from meaningful work, cut it out. It's that simple, yet that brutal.
Use An Accountability Partner
This can be a great option. It helps if the person is as committed to the plan as you are. If you can't find someone who shares your goal, you can at least find someone to tell about your goal and then pay them to hold you accountable. If you achieve the goal, they give you the money back. If not, they keep it (a powerful motivator!).
A website like Stikk can be used as a tool of accountability.
Create a Deadline
Nothing yells in your ear like a good deadline. Respect deadlines with a knight's honor. When push comes to shove, a deadline will help you get the job done.
This is another way you could have an accountability partner help you - ask them to set a deadline with you, and then follow up with them.
Don't Be Discouraged if You Mess Up
Becoming depressed because you didn't finish your goal when you wanted will just hold you back from trying again. If things didn't go well the first time, they might the second time. Or third, or fourth.
And that's okay. Because life does throw curveballs and we aren't always on our mojo; however, if we know we'll try again, then we can be assured we will one day achieve our goals.
Bonus: Motivate Yourself with Reward
Charming Shark would love to help you with this - we've got a great line of necklaces and bracelets. Pick one out that you and then reward yourself with it when you've finished your job. You'll have a reminder of the obstacles you overcame and be motivated to climb more mountains in the future.
Written By: Gideon Zielinski
