⚡️ 3 Ways to Address Procrastination

Let’s sharpen your procrastination self-awareness — in less than 5 minutes.

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This week: We’re going to help you tackle your procrastination head-on. We’ll run through what counts as procrastination (and what doesn’t), and of course, 3 easy tips you can try this week to beat it. All in less than 5 minutes. Let’s get into it!

☁️ What Counts as Procrastinating?

Procrastinating means postponing a task that you’re unwilling to complete.

“Unwilling” doesn’t mean you’re lazy, unambitious, or bad at managing your time, though.

If you’re procrastinating, there’s a reason for it.

Figuring out why you’re procrastinating is the first step toward getting back on track.

Unfortunately, that’s notoriously hard to do.

But before we explore some tips on making it easier, let’s clarify a few things that don’t count as procrastinating:

  • Putting off a task temporarily because you need something else to complete it

  • Rescheduling a task because you’re sick

  • Postponing a task due to a family emergency

Knowing these exceptions can help you release any guilt about future disruptions to your schedule.

Now that you know what counts as procrastinating, let’s explore one of the biggest hurdles for resolving it.

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Now, let’s dig into how to address your procrastination head-on:

🐣 3 Starter Steps for Addressing Procrastination

Let’s explore 3 easy steps you can take to discover what your procrastination is trying to tell you.

🤨 1. Notice when you’re procrastinating

The first step is to catch yourself in the act.

Don’t worry about changing your behavior at this stage — simply observe it, without judgments or assumptions.

Actively noticing your temptation to procrastinate will take some practice.

If it helps, try “interrupting” yourself with a neutral mantra, like:

  • I just noticed I’m procrastinating on this

  • I feel tempted to put this off until later

🎊 2. Celebrate your small win

Simply noticing that you’re procrastinating is an important step — so pat yourself on the back each time you’re able to do it!

To reinforce this new thought pattern and increase your chances of repeating it in the future, try an affirmation:

“I’m proud of myself for noticing that I’m procrastinating. Well done, me!”

🔬 3. Zoom in

Okay, so you’ve noticed you’re procrastinating — now what?

Ask yourself:

  • What would I rather be doing instead of working on my task?

  • Why do I prefer this activity?

  • Does this activity align with my values?

  • Does this activity drain or replenish my energy?

  • What need is this activity serving? (Examples: Preventing boredom, distracting you from a stressful situation)

  • What are some other, healthier ways I can meet that need?

Your answers will uncover the real reason why you’re procrastinating (and hopefully a few paths for addressing it).

From there, you can take small, gentle steps toward changing the behavior and returning to your task.

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Procrastination is a natural response to difficult tasks — and any tricky emotions associated with them.

Practicing self-awareness will reveal the root cause of your procrastination and what you need to do before you can get back on course.

Until next Sunday,

Flocus Team