One of the most common reasons we procrastinate is that we can’t get our heads around the sheer scope of our projects. So do what you can and then get up. Yes, you read that right. Literally, stand up and take a break. If you are writing something, start with a sentence. Then stand up, get some water, and stretch. Now go ahead and add a few more sentences, take a break and maybe do a few pushups. Come back and write. You’ll be in the zone in no time.
Researchers discovered that “thinking about the near finish” was a highly common method among their most productive participants, in addition to splitting activities into digestible portions. Simply said, it’s reminding ourselves that we’re “nearly there” – a reminder that can provide us with a last-second energy boost. Goal-oriented thinking is a big part of success for a reason!
At its foundation, temptation bundling is the skill of combining two activities—one we want to do and one we have to do. This radically changes the activity itself, transforming it into something that smoothly combines a tedious-but-beneficial task with something that provides instant rewards. For instance, if you don’t enjoy working out, you can pair it with listening to your favorite podcast!
Cleaning up around the house or sitting down to create a spreadsheet for work, aren’t exactly thrilling activities. To make it more palatable, think about how it impacts and improves your life rather than how much it will suck. Keeping your house clean improves your organizing skills and teaches you to take pleasure in your possessions, and sitting down to do that dreaded spreadsheet will help you get ahead in your job. Keep the above things in mind, and you’ll feel better knowing you’re growing and succeeding as a person. We all have to do things we don’t want to do, but with these ideas, you can make it a bit more palatable.
