BEATING PROCRASTINATION

Procrastination is said to be the thief of time, and rightly so because time is always on the move, and we are time-bound creatures. The clock does not go backward but ever forward. So, when we keep putting off a task to "later", it could result in wasted time that can never be recovered. Also, most of the time we procrastinate, it is always an important task that we put aside, to rest a little, sleep some more, check out the latest on social media, hang out with friends, just something that may not be very productive. 

Other times, the reason behind our procrastination could be fear of the unknown, fear of failure, we want everything to be perfect before we start or lack of motivation. Whatever our reasons may be, the resultant effect of procrastination is missed opportunities, delayed progress, reduced productivity, stress, and last minute rush.

Back in school, students would just attend lectures and that was it. Then comes the exam timetable, then you will now see those who are looking for people's notes to photocopy, night classes for reading, emergency tutorials etc these activities lead to stress. You definitely will not beat someone who daily went through their lessons and extra tutorials to boost their performance. The reason is because success is a cumulation of small right efforts over time.

A little extra sleep, a little more slumber, a little folding of the hand to rest- then poverty will pounce on you like a bandit: scarcity will attack you like an armed robber (Proverbs 24:33-34) The poverty and scarcity mentioned here is not necessarily about your economic
status, how about the quality of your life, regrets, missed opportunities, etc. Also, bandit and armed robbery attacks happen suddenly and unannounced. You may not have intended for it to happen but then time does its thing and you look back and wonder where did time go to?

HOW TO OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION

To overcome procrastination, it begins with working on your mind. Reengineer your mind to be result-oriented, while infusing some practical steps to help you manage your time wisely.

1. Identify the Problem: When a problem is known, it is half-solved. Why do you procrastinate? are you afraid of failure? are unproductive ventures stealing your time?

2. Break down your tasks: Large work may be daunting. Break it down to something that is workable per time. The most difficult part may be to start the task, but when you do, you may just keep going.

3. Focus on Your Goal: Be specific about what you want to achieve, and work towards achieving it. When your goals are clear, its easier to put in the work.

4. Avoid Distractions: Your phone could be your greatest distraction. Try putting it on silent. You might identify any other distractions that are peculiar to you and eliminate them.

5. Get an Accountability Partner: Have someone to ask you about the goal you set out to achieve. This can help redirect your focus and the desire to give a positive answer when asked could also be a push for you. You can also use accountability apps to do this.

6. A change of environment can also help you to avoid procrastination. If working from home gets you easily distracted, you may need to work from outside your home to help you complete your task.