4 Quick Tricks to Overcome Procrastination by Evelyn Roberts Brooks l Tips to Avoid Procrastination l Ways to Not be a Procrastinator

Why is it that we don't do what we know we should do? We've heard it before, time and again: itemize tasks by priority, then work on our projects in that order. And yet, even if we've made the list, we tend to focus on the most familiar endeavors first, and then we run out of time and energy for the most important ones.

Procrastination is a sly devil that convinces you to put off what you know is crucial, and instead fill your day with busy tasks that do little to contribute to your overall success and happiness. If you feel stuck on a treadmill of missed deadlines and opportunities, these four habits will launch you into a new mindset of timely action.

Picture It Completed

If you've ever needed to clear your desk or de-clutter the house before vacation or a special event, you automatically went into high gear. More likely than not, you were spurred on by the event or trip. Imagine the task has already been easily and efficiently done. It feels great, doesn't it? Now, envision a brief scene that would signify successful completion, such as someone shaking your hand in congratulations, telling a friend "I did it!” or crossing the threshold of your newly organized home. Feel a deep sense of appreciation in advance that the project is done satisfactorily. And then, while keeping the successful outcome and that brief creative scene in mind, dive in and do the work.