Are you a serial procrastinator? Here’s what to do about it…

We all procrastinate from time to time. But when this habit becomes chronic, it can seriously hold you back and prevent you from reaching your fullest potential. Indulging in the occasional distraction might not hurt, but allowing yourself to persistently procrastinate will seriously affect your productivity levels, as well as stunt your personal growth.

Procrastination can also cause unnecessary stress, as by constantly putting off tasks, you may struggle to meet important deadlines. If you have a willingness to combat the issue though, there are certain steps you can take, so you can break free from procrastination’s grip and maximise your time.

Top 3 signs you might be a serial procrastinator

1. If you frequently postpone tasks…. If you’re a serial procrastinator, it’s likely you’ll repeatedly put off completing important tasks, even if you’re aware that doing this might bring unwanted consequences. Serial procrastinators often prioritise trivial activities, or engage in comfort-seeking behaviour to avoid tackling their responsibilities.
2. If you frequently find yourself in a last-minute rush… If you wait until the last moment to begin a task, you’ll often find yourself facing extra stress and your work quality may also suffer.  Though serial procrastinators often thrive on the pressure of meeting tight deadlines, doing this can frequently lead to subpar outcomes, in terms of work quality or performance.
3. If you find yourself time wasting regularly… If you repeatedly engage in mindless tasks that aren’t really important, rather than tackling things that matter, you could be a serial procrastinator. People who persistently procrastinate often engage in unproductive activities, like scrolling social media or watching TV. This takes up valuable time that could otherwise be dedicated to completing more meaningful activity and tasks that matter.

Ten ways to tackle serial procrastination

1. Identify the underlying triggers.  It’s important to understand the reasons why you’re procrastinating, whether that’s from feeling overwhelmed, excessive perfectionism, or due to a fear of failing. Sometimes chronic procrastination can be down to a lack of interest, but whatever the cause, by identifying your triggers, you’ll be in a better position to craft strategies that can address them.
2. Set achievable, clear goals and deadlines. Break down larger tasks into smaller, manageable steps and assign specific deadlines to each. This creates a sense of structure and helps prevent overwhelm. Use tools like calendars, planners, or productivity apps to stay organized and track your progress.
3. Prioritise tasks by importance and schedule time accordingly. First decide which tasks are most critical and then allot a dedicated amount of time to completing them. Creating a weekly or daily schedule that allows for both important jobs, as well as leisure time, helps you set priorities, while maintaining a balance. When keeping to a schedule becomes a regular habit, it will help you stay on track, meet deadlines in good time, and avoid unnecessary distractions.
4. Follow the two-minute rule. Start with small yet critical tasks – as a rule, if a job takes under two minutes to tackle, do it as soon as you can. Once you make it a habit to tackle the little things quickly, you’ll find you’ll build momentum – and you’ll find it easier to stop procrastinating when it comes to larger tasks.
5. Employ short breaks. Breaking down work into 30 minute intervals, then having a quick break can help to enhance productivity. Taking a structured approach to work and intermingling small rewards gives you a sense of urgency and something to aim for, which will help to sustain your focus.
6. Don’t be too hard on yourself. While it’s important to understand that indulging in serial procrastination is harmful, if you do indulge, shy away from negative self-criticism. Everyone has slips and the important thing is to try again and attempt to do better this time around. It’s not about perfection – instead strive for continual progress, and providing you’re headed in the right direction, you’ll stay on the right track.
7. Find someone to hold you accountable. If you’re struggling with persistent procrastination, having someone you trust to check in with when it comes to your goals and deadlines can really help you stay focused. An accountability partner can act as a great motivator, as they will provide essential support and encouragement, helping you significantly reduce your tendency to put things off.
8. Segment tasks into bite-sized chunks. Overwhelm can be a major cause of procrastination and by reducing the complexity and size of certain tasks, it can make it easier to get things done. Break jobs down into smaller, more easily achievable steps to make the work seem more approachable – and you’ll find you’ll gain a sense accomplishment as you complete each stage.
9. Optimise your environment for productivity. Environment can also play a role in contributing to procrastination, so minimise any distractions by creating a workspace that’s away from potential interruptions. Use apps that block distracting websites and keep your phone out of reach, if that’s what’s causing you to lose focus during work time.
10. Celebrate every achievement. It’s vital to acknowledge every accomplishment, no matter how small it is. Celebrating your achievements means you’ll experience positive reinforcement, which will encourage motivation and make you want to continue with your efforts.

Overcoming a chronic procrastination habit takes commitment, as it’s a journey that requires discipline, the will to change, as well as a certain level of self-awareness. Once you recognise the major indicators and triggers of your serial procrastination habit though, you can start to take back control of your time and make adjustments that will boost your productivity.

Combatting a chronic procrastination habit will take effort but the payoff is definitely worthwhile. It will be a challenge, but by incrementally adopting new habits, you’ll gain a renewed sense of achievement and accomplishment, as you take on responsibility for your actions and achieve your important goals.