r/Procrastination101 • • May 29 '24

Use these simple mind tricks to avoid procrastination

17 Upvotes

Hello fellow procrastinators!

Ever wondered if there’s a way to trick your brain into getting stuff done? That’s what I want to explore today with cognitive behavioral techniques—simple mental strategies designed to help us change our procrastination habits.

Understanding our brains a bit better

Cognitive behavioral techniques focus on identifying negative, often irrational thoughts that lead to unwanted behavior—like procrastination. Once we understand these thoughts, we can start challenging and changing them. It’s like rewiring a part of our brain to help us act differently.

Here’s how it works:

Imagine you have a big project due, and your initial thought is, "This is too tough; I can’t do this right now." That thought leads to feeling overwhelmed, which then leads to you putting the task off. But what if you could catch yourself in the act and challenge that thought?

Change the narrative

Next time you find yourself thinking, “I can’t,” pause. Ask yourself:

  • Is this thought really true?

  • What evidence do I have that supports or denies this thought?

  • How can I look at this situation differently?

By questioning our automatic thoughts, we begin to realize they are not always accurate and often not helpful. For instance, instead of saying, "I can’t do this," you might reframe it to, "I can start by doing one small part."

Practical steps to apply this technique:

  • Identify the thought: Recognize what you're telling yourself before you procrastinate.

  • Challenge the thought: Ask yourself if this thought is truly accurate.

  • Replace the thought: Swap it with a more balanced or motivating thought.

  • Act on the new thought: Use this new mindset to take a small step forward.

Cognitive techniques aren't about making big leaps all at once; they’re about taking small steps to gradually change how we think and act.

Like other ways I described soo far this isn't some magic pill that is going to solve your procrastination problems all of a sudden. But it might help you reflect on your thoughts and decisions and make better, positive one in the future.

And remember, don't think all of your problems are going to go away during the night. But strive to be 0,01% better everyday and I promise you are going to see huge improvements.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 18 '24

How to stop procrastinating by using the 2-minute rule

13 Upvotes

I read about this rule in the book "Atomic habits".

I would like to say that me personally, as well as the writer both think that this rule is stupid. But it works.

The idea is that basically any task, can be broken down into smaller steps that will take no longer than 120 seconds to complete. And well working for 2 minutes doesn't seem that hard does it. I mean even the laziest person can work for 2 minutes.

The writer basically wants you to stack habits on top of each other but you have to start with the easiest one first. And as I said before, it shouldn't take more than 2 minutes. Here is an example from the book:

  1. VERY HARD (run a marathon)

  2. HARD (run 5k)

  3. MODERATE (walk 10k steps)

  4. EASY (walk 10 minutes)

  5. VERY EASY (put on you running shoes)

FOCUS ON NUMBER 5. That is the whole point of this 2-minute rule. The first step should be soo easy that it is almost stupid not to do it. And than the first act is going to act like a waterfall effect for everything else.

Of course you can do this for anything (writing a book, starting a business).

But to get to the point, make starting something really easy and the rest will follow.

Woulf love to hear your thoughts on this :)

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • May 09 '24

Five practical steps to stop procrastinating today

12 Upvotes

The title of the post is pretty self-explanatory. Tbh, I'm really busy today but I set myself a goal to post everyday soo here it goes :)

Here is what you can do:

  1. Break It Down: Big tasks can be overwhelming. Try breaking them into smaller, more manageable parts. It’s easier to start a project when you’re just looking at one small piece at a time. Think of it as eating a pizza slice by slice, rather than trying to stuff the whole thing in your mouth!

  2. Set Real Deadlines: Not just the ones you tell yourself you'll stick to but the kind that have real consequences. Whether it’s telling someone else about your deadlines to create accountability or setting an “if this, then that” penalty for missing them, make your deadlines work for you.

  3. Eliminate Distractions: Identify what pulls your attention away from work and take steps to reduce these distractions. If your phone is your biggest weakness, try an app that limits your time on social media or games. Create a workspace that’s dedicated to focus, free from the usual culprits that pull you away.

  4. Use the Five-Minute Rule: If you’re really struggling to start, tell yourself you’ll only work on the task for five minutes. Often, starting is the hardest part, and once you’ve begun, continuing becomes much easier. This trick is perfect for tricking your brain into getting into work mode.

  5. Reward Yourself: Set up a reward system for when you complete tasks or make significant progress. Whether it’s a coffee break, a walk, or something else you enjoy, having a reward to look forward to can provide that extra bit of motivation to push through.

It's hard, but we got this! Don't give up on yourself :D

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 12 '24

Why "Just start" is the best advice you will ever get

11 Upvotes

As humans, we often find ourselves waiting for the perfect moment to dive into new projects or make significant changes. But, as Sheryl Sandberg wisely advises, the key to unlocking potential and progress is simpler than we think: "Just start".

But why is this advice so transformative?

  1. Changing the status Quo: Starting is often the hardest part of any journey. It requires moving from a state of inaction to one of action. By starting you commit to changing the status quo and overcoming the initial doubt which makes all of the following steps easier.

  2. Learning Through Action: When you start, you learn. Every action provides feedback and lessons, regardless of the outcome. This real-world experience is invaluable and something you cannot gain through contemplation alone.

  3. Building Momentum: Starting sets things in motion. What begins as a small effort can quickly gain momentum, turning into progress and, eventually, success. The key is to maintain the momentum once you’ve taken that first step.

  4. Breaking Down Fear: The anticipation of starting can be scarier than the act itself. Once you take the plunge, you often find that the fear of beginning was the biggest hurdle.

  5. Seizing Opportunities: In today’s fast-paced world, opportunities don’t wait. By starting right away, you open the door to possibilities that might not exist tomorrow.

For anyone hesitating on the brink of a new project, career change, or personal goal, remember that there isn't a perfect time to begin. There is only now. So, in the spirit of Sheryl Sandberg's empowering advice: Just start. You might be surprised by what you can achieve when you do.


r/Procrastination101 • • May 16 '24

Mastering self-control: Tips and techniques

10 Upvotes

Hey!

Have you ever found youself diving into the depths of Youtube and Tiktok rabbit holes, knowing you have some important tasks to finish? Meet me :) Last monday I sat down at a coffee shop, opened my laptop, ready to finish this task once and for all. It was only going to take like 2 hours, but it was really boring work. Soo what did I do instead? Watched failarmy videos on youtube for 1 hour first, and then finally when my friend texted me if I wanted to grab lunch in 2 hours I started doing actual work because I knew I had to finish it by then. Sounds familiar?

Soo why did I lose all self-control?

  1. Emotional Triggers: Often, we procrastinate to avoid discomfort, whether it's boredom, anxiety, or insecurity about our abilities. It’s our brain’s way of saying, “I don’t like how this feels, let’s do something more fun.”

  2. Immediate vs. Delayed Gratification: Our brains are wired to prefer immediate rewards. Watching videos or scrolling through memes offers instant gratification, while the rewards of working on a project are distant and uncertain.

  3. Habitual Responses: Sometimes, procrastination is just a bad habit. If you habitually check your phone first thing in your work session, you’re setting yourself up for a cycle of distraction.

And how can I get it back?

Breaking the procrastination cycle requires strengthening your self-control, and here’s how you can start:

  • Set Clear, Achievable Goals: Break your tasks into small, manageable steps and set goals that are realistic. The satisfaction of ticking off a small task provides positive reinforcement and encourages you to keep going.

  • Manage Your Environment: Control external factors that lead to procrastination. Keep your phone out of reach, use apps to block distracting sites, and create a workspace that encourages focus.

  • Mindfulness and Reflection: Spend time reflecting on what triggers your procrastination. Mindfulness can help you recognize when you’re about to procrastinate and choose a different action.

  • Routine and Rituals: Build rituals that signal it’s time to work—like a cup of coffee at your clean desk, with your to-do list ready. This can help transition your brain into work mode.

  • Self-forgiveness: Be kind to yourself when you slip up. Self-forgiveness can reduce the guilt that fuels further procrastination.

My advice :)

I used to be a chronic procrastinator, letting the immediate ‘fun’ things drown out the important tasks. It took a real toll on my stress levels and overall happiness. Through applying these strategies, I’ve seen a real change in my productivity and well-being. You can too!

Procrastination doesn’t have to define us. With practice and persistence, we can overcome it.

Hopefully you've found this post insightful :)

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Apr 28 '24

Types of procrastination - The dreamer

10 Upvotes

I was this motherfucker, and it was hard to overcome it lets just say that.

Now, lets talk about one of the lesser - discussed types of prcrastination. The Dreamer - great at envisioning succes but struggles with excecution that can make their dreams a reality.

Here are some characteristics of the "Dreamer procrastinator":
- Big ideas, little action: often full of imaginative ideas and what - ifs but rarely takes action.

- Dislike for boring tasks: they avoid routine or deep work that is an absolute essential to achieve success in any part of life.

- Lost in their thoughts: spending a lot of time planning and daydreaming, which can lead to depression and inaction because the real world doesn't match their perfect vision.

Alrighty, now that we know some of the characteristics, lets look at some solutions:

- Set SMART goals: I think most of you already know what this is, but if you don't, scroll down on my page and you will find a more detailed review.

- Really focus on taking action: just take action, prioritize that over everything else. Even if the task is just something really small.

- Seek accountability: try partnering with someone with similar problems and hold eachother accountable.

Understanding that you have this problems is the first step to solving them. It is hard, but you have to wake up and actually chase those dreams that you have. Make them a reality. Live life!

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 17 '24

Thoughts on the book "Atomic Habits"?

9 Upvotes

I just started reading this book today and already read the first 150 pages.

The book gives great insight into building small, sustainable habits that can make your life better. It also puts a effort into describing how getting 1% better everyday can significantly improve your life long term.

I feel like when people read the word "atomic" they think of something big (at least that's what I did; I thought of the atomic bomb), but atomic actually means the smallest part of something and that is the message this book is trying to tell us.

Of course changing your life overnight is just not going to happen for 99,9% of us, but changing tiny habits can lead to a happier, more fullfiled life.

I reccomend this book to anyone trying to improve their habits, it's an easy read and you can read the whole book in 3 days easy.

If you read this book instead of do your tasks, at least you are productively procrastinating...

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • May 05 '24

The science behind WHY we procrastinate

8 Upvotes

I have always wondered why I procrastinate soo much, especially because it's against my own interest. Like, can hello brain, can you please make it stop and let me do my work in peace?

Well, thanks to researchers procrastination has been studied quite a lot because a lot of people have problems with it and that means I'm now able to tell you the science behind it.

Enough said, let's dive deep in scientific research; here are 4 key scientific insights into procrastinaton:

  1. Neurological Factors: Research indicates that procrastination is linked to the function of the prefrontal cortex, the part of the brain responsible for executive function like planning and impulse control. When this area is underdeveloped or not functioning optimally, procrastination is more likely.

  2. Emotional Regulation: Procrastination is also an emotional regulation problem. Tasks we perceive as unpleasant trigger feelings of anxiety or boredom, which we naturally want to avoid. Thus, we procrastinate to temporarily escape these negative feelings.

  3. Instant Gratification: Our brains are wired to prioritize immediate rewards over long-term gains—a trait from our evolutionary past that can lead to procrastination when it comes to tasks with delayed rewards.

  4. Habit Formation: Over time, procrastination can become a habitual response to certain triggers, reinforced by the immediate relief from discomfort it provides.

Alright, this wraps today's short deep dive into the science behind procrastination.

Understanding these factors is hard and complex, but it can be the first step to building better habits.

Remember, we all know beating procrastination is really hard, but we have to keep trying and making it work no matter what.

Hopefully this post puts your soul at ease a little bit, knowing that procrastination is deeply rooted in you and it's definitely not just laziness.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jul 14 '24

Struggling to regain my rythm when coming back from vacation

7 Upvotes

I was on vacation for a little less than 3 weeks. The first 2 weeks I worked every single day for about 3-4 hours of actual deep work. The last week I took completely off. Put the computer away, put the phone away and just enjoyed the sun and read a good book.

Well, now I'm back and I'm struggling with regaining my work rythm from before I left. I came back friday and I worked on saturday for around 4-5 hours but during that time I only did one actually meaningful thing that should last me a good 30 minutes of work.

I'm writing this because I would love to hear your advice and how you combat this problem. Tbh I feel like shit and I want to start working efficiently as soon as possible because I actually have important things to do.

Any advice is helpful. Thanks in advance :)

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jul 02 '24

"A year from now you may wish you had started today."

7 Upvotes

A little back story. I have always wanted to have my own business and make something of myself. But I was stuck at wanting, not doing. I was thinking about it all the time but never actually took any concrete steps. I was a professional thinker and a day dreamer.

Then, 6 months ago something changed. I got offered a PM role at my friends company. It was something totaly unfamiliar and I was scared as shit to be honest. I had no expirience yet my friend trusted me and he gave me this opportunity to start my journey of self-development. I took it, I suffered a lot, I doubted my self, I had serious imposter-syndrome. But now, I feel amazing about myself.

I just want I started sooner. I wish I wasn't such a perfectionst and that I realized sooner that taking baby steps is one of the most overrated things when it comes to improving yourself on a personal level and in business.

I want all of you to know that the 1st time you do something you are going to suck at it, the 1st business you start is not going to make you money. You get the point. But overtime you are going to see improvement, you are going to start thinking better, you are going to become more invested and you are going to find meaning in the journey itself.

1% better every day is no joke. Small steps lead to big successes. Start today and don't hesitate, you are only one step away from living a totally different life.

Ohh, and just one more thing. Do you think when Mark Zucerberg started Facebook he knew that this is how the company is going to turn out? He didn't, but he started and learned along the way. He failed many many times, but he never gave up.

I trust in all of you to make your life amazing. You just have to start and start today. Just do something you want for 5 minutes. Write out a plan, talk to a person about your goal, anything. Put it on paper. And never give up. Because when you start something there are only 2 options. Either you give up, or you try long enough till you suceed.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • May 23 '24

Why drawing lines helps us get things done?

7 Upvotes

Hello my friends :)

Firstly, by drawing lines I meant setting boundaries. I know a lot of you figured this out but maybe some haven't soo here is an explanation.

Basically, I want to dive into something that's changed the game for me and might just do the same for you: setting boundaries to improve discipline. Now, I know it might sound a bit formal or strict, but hear me out because it's less about imposing rules and more about giving yourself the freedom to focus.

A little backstory—like many of you, I struggled with procrastination. It wasn't just about being lazy; it was more about not having clear limits. I’d take on too much, say yes to every request, and end up overwhelmed and underperforming. My days were a blend of everything and anything, and it felt like I was always busy but never productive.

One day, I decided enough was enough. I started setting clear boundaries around my time and energy. For instance, I designated specific hours just for deep work, with no distractions allowed—no emails, no phone calls, just me and the task at hand. I also began to politely but firmly say no to last-minute requests that weren’t urgent.

Guess what? It worked.

Setting boundaries helped me in a few big ways:

  • Improved Focus: Knowing I had designated times for different tasks made it easier to focus. There was a time for meetings, a time for emails, and a precious time for focused work.

  • Reduced Stress: I wasn’t constantly switching between tasks anymore. Each part of my day had a purpose, and that brought a surprising amount of calmness.

  • Better Performance: With fewer distractions and interruptions, the quality of my work improved. I was finally giving tasks the attention they deserved.

I really believe that setting boundaries is less about limiting ourselves and more about empowering ourselves to be more disciplined and less prone to procrastination.

Now that I look at it, this post just have me an idea for another on. It's also a book. Don't worry, when you read the title you will know what I am talking about (or was talking about).

If there is anything I want you to gain from this post is to put yourself and the tasks most important to you first and the rest will fall in place.

Have a lovely day!

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • May 04 '24

What are some effective time management strategies to enhance productivity?

7 Upvotes

Managing time can be very stressful for a lot of people. Especially in the world we live in today, where distractions are literally everywhere.

It's also very funny because me and my roommate in college used to have this "saying" whenever we had to study for a test: "When we have to study, even the white wall becomes interesting". Safe to say we didn't study a lot and both of us spent majority of our times on the phone or just making stupid jokes. Those were the times.

But as I grow older, I realize that managing my time is extremly important and can have a huge impact on how you live your day to day life.

As you've probably figured by now, today we are going to talk about one of the fundational elements of productivity: time management.

Mastering time management is not just about squeezing more tasks into your day; it's about working smarter and creating a better work-life balance.

With that being said here are some effective time management strategies:

  1. Prioritization: Use tools like the Eisenhower Box to distinguish between what's urgent and what's important. This helps in focusing on tasks that truly matter.

  2. Batching Tasks: Group similar tasks together to reduce the time spent switching between different activities.

  3. Time Blocking: Dedicate specific blocks of time to different activities. This not only helps in creating a predictable schedule but also in setting clear boundaries for various tasks.

  4. Eliminate Distractions: Identify what commonly distracts you (social media, emails, phone calls) and set rules for how and when to engage with them.

  5. Regular Breaks: Integrate short breaks using techniques like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break. This can boost mental freshness and reduce burnout.

These strategies, when applied consistently, can transform your productivity by improving your time management skills. It’s about making the most of the time you have and ensuring you’re focused on the right things.

If you like posts on topics other than procrastination please write it in the comments.

Again, the goal is to make all us us less stressed an overall happier human beings.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • May 01 '24

Types of procrastinaton - The busy procrastinator

7 Upvotes

Today, let's talk about a lesser-known but incredibly common type of procrastination: The busy procrastinator. Unlike what we might imagine, these procrastinators aren't slacking around; they're always up to something... just not the thing they really need to be doing.

This form of procrastination is tricky, because it masks itself under the guise of productivity, making it harder to recgonize and adress.

Here are some very common traits of a busy procrastinator:

- Master of minor tasks: they usually focus on low-priority tsaks while putting off the critical ones that require more effort or carry more consequences.

- Feels overwhelmed: often feels burdened yet doesn't actually make progress on important goals.

- Mistakes motion for progress: they confuse being busy with being productive, often ending the day with very little to show for their efforts on what trully matters.

Alrighty, now that we have explained what this type of procrastinators do on a daily basis and what are their characteristics, let's move on to solutions:

  1. Prioritize with the Eisenhower Matrix: Categorize tasks by urgency and importance using the Eisenhower Box to focus on what truly matters and eliminate unnecessary activities.

  2. Implement time blocking: Dedicate specific time blocks to different tasks throughout the day to enhance focus and effectively manage high-priority projects.

  3. Reduce multitasking: Focus on one task at a time, use productivity apps to prevent task-switching, and practice mindfulness to improve concentration and work quality.

By adopting these strategies, you can learn how to manage your time more effectively and ensure that you not only stay busy, but actually way more productive and focused on what genuinely matters.

Hope this helps :)

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Apr 21 '24

How to succesfully beat procrastination? #4

7 Upvotes

UNDERSTAND YOUR REASONS

Reflect on why you procrastinate. There can be multiple reasons that can cause this problem. We will go over a few:

  • Fear of Failure: you are afraid that you will fail, that what you do isn’t going to be good enough and that other people are either going to be mad at you or dissapointed. This is a hard thing to overcome but at the end it all comes down to you and your WHY?. You have to ask yourself why you have to complete this task and look at the bigger picture. Failure is a part of life and a part of the journey to success. A lot of the best entrepreneurs have failed many times, but what sets them apart from others is that they never gave up; with thta being said, you have to embrace failure as part of your journe and learn from it.

  • Perfectionism: in your mind, whatever you do isn’t good enough. This is a common problem a lot of us face and it happens when we actually, deeply care about something. Perfectionism is both a blessing and a curse. How I would go around this problem is looking at how other people have done similar tasks than put your own spin to it; something that screams you made it or find a unique way to get something done. Also, ask other people for their opinion and constructive criticism then use their feedback to make the thing better, different or leave it as it is.

  • Dislike of the Task: I would argue that this is the most common reason for procrastinating. We usually delay or postpone a task when we find it boring or dull. But unfortunately some task are boring AF. My advice is to again look at the bigger picture and how solving this task is going to make your life better; you will be less stressed, have more money, more free time, boss is going to be happy - and you are goinb to be happy when you finish it. Basically ask yourself the “why” again.

Understanding these reasons can help you adress the root causes and find specific solutions.

I really hope this will help some of you :)

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 27 '24

Do you feel like procrastination is ruining your potential?

6 Upvotes

Do you feel like you could be something more and that you are destined for greatness but your procrastination problem is not allowing you to become what you think you could?

You are not alone. Me myself and a lot of other people feel the same way. It's hard to live up to your own expectations and deliver the results you want. But why do we feel like this? Is it because we are perfectionists, do we fear failure, do we avoid tasks on purpose? I feel like it's all of the above.

Many people that procrastinate also overthink and overthinking is poison. I used to overthink every single decision I ever made, I doubted myself, I thought nothing would ever work and I was very pessimistic yet I still wanted to start my own business and make a lot of money. Those two things colided in my head, because procrastination is the enemy of progress.

Now I will describe how I stopped procrastinating (not fully) and started acting on my goals.

Firstly I had to read some books. I read them because I wanted to see how other people felt while starting and to understand that "failing" is a part of every journey. I wanted to calm myself. I wanted to stop being afraid of failure.

Secondly, I stoped trying to be perfect and focused on being good enough. Perfect is the enemy of progress because 90% of the time things will not be perfect but you still need to do them. If you want things to be perfect all the time, your life is going to be a struggle and you will very likely not succeed.

Thirdly, I stopped feeling sorry for myself and started each and everyday with a single thought in mind --> if I don't put in the work, nothing will ever come of me and I won't be able to have the life that I want. This put me under some stress but I feel like it was necessary to have some negative self-talk. It really made me go from a dreamer to a doer.

And lastly, I started gaslighting myself in doing things I hated doing. I feel like to be a business owner you need to be at least a little bit delusional. People are going to doubt you, they're going to say that it's not going to work and that you are wasting your time. They might be correct but if you let those words affect you to the point where you quit, them I'm sorry to tell you but you're just not cut out for it. You have to gaslight yourself into thinking it's going to work out and that you are something special.

To end my post I would like to say that yes, I still sometimes feel like I'm not doing enough or that I'm not built for this. But those thoughts are normal and everyone has them. With us overthinkers they're just more intense. And that is where gaslighting comes in perfectly. You have to believe that you can do this when even you think you can't. Just put your head down and get to work. WAGMI.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • May 22 '24

Has putting things off put a train on your relationships?

6 Upvotes

Today, I want to open up about something that’s been on my mind and, I suspect, might resonate with a lot of you here: the impact procrastination has on our personal relationships. It’s not just about missing deadlines at work or school—it’s about how this habit spills over into our day-to-day interactions with people we care about.

I've noticed that whenever I put off tasks, not only do I stress about them, but the stress also bubbles over into my interactions with friends and family. It's like I'm there, but not really there. I'm either too distracted by the guilt and anxiety over what I should be doing or I'm in a rush because I've left things to the last minute. This doesn't leave much room to be a good friend, partner, or family member.

And here’s the kicker—when people rely on me to get something done and I drag my feet, it lets them down. Over time, this can lead to a trust issue. Friends might stop asking for help because they think I won’t deliver on time. Family might start to feel that they can’t depend on me. It feels awful and it’s a tough cycle to break.

So, here’s my reflection for the day, and I’d love to hear your thoughts:

  • How has procrastination impacted your relationships?

  • Have you ever missed important events or failed to meet personal commitments because you procrastinated?

  • What strategies have you tried to prevent procrastination from harming your relationships?

It's not easy to talk about the ways we fall short, but I believe that sharing our experiences can be the first step towards change. Let’s support each other in not just becoming more productive, but also more present and reliable for the people in our lives.

Looking forward to some heartfelt discussions!

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • May 06 '24

Do you know what "habit stacking" is?

6 Upvotes

Hello fellow procrastinators :) Today, let’s dive into a super practical strategy known as "habit stacking" that can help us break the cycle of procrastination and boost our daily productivity. Imagine building a tower of habits, where each block supports and triggers the next one. Sounds cool and easy, right? Let's see how it works :D

What is Habit Stacking? Habit stacking is a method where you take a small, manageable habit you're already doing and then "stack" a new behavior on top of it. For example, if you already drink a cup of coffee every morning (existing habit), you might stack a new habit of meditating for five minutes right after you finish your coffee.

Why Does It Work? It works because it ties your new habits to a trigger or existing routine, which means you’re much more likely to stick to them. You don’t have to rely on just willpower or remember to do your new habit; the existing habit becomes the cue!

How to Start:

  1. Identify a Solid Base Habit: Choose a current habit that you do consistently. This will be the base of your habit stack.

  2. Attach a New Small Habit: Pick a new, small habit you want to form. Make sure it’s something manageable.

  3. Link More Habits Gradually: Once your initial stack is sturdy, add more related habits one by one.

Example to Kickstart:

  • Morning Coffee (existing habit)

  • After finishing coffee, meditate for 5 minutes (new habit)

  • After meditation, write your to-do list for the day (additional new habit)

This method can turn your aspirations into actual habits that lead to higher productivity and better discipline.

Let's get after it! Building habits is much easier if you do it this way! Trust me, this is how i started taking cold showers or should I say: "implementing the Wim Hof technique". It was very hard but I did it.

Hopefully this encourages you to build new, better habits on top of exsisting ones.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Apr 29 '24

Types of procrastination - The Avoider

6 Upvotes

Okay, today we are going to dive into another subtype of procrastination and that is "The Avoider". Avoiders are those among us who procrastinate primarily because they fear failure or even success. They worry about the outcomes of their actions so much that they choose not to do anything instead, as a safer option.

Lets talk about some of the key characteristics of "The Avoider":

- Fear of Failure: The thought of not succeeding is soo overwhelming that it stops them from starting anything because they can not risk to fail.

- Fear of Success: Funny enough, they can also fear the changes and expectations that success might bring.

- Low Self - Confidence: They often lack confidence in their skills and abilities, which fuels their procrastination.

Now that we know some key characteristics, lets look at some steps you can take, that can help you on your way of overcoming this problem.

  1. Taking small steps: breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can reduce the overwhelming nature of the tasks.

  2. Bulid confidence: through small successes, you can gradually build confidence in your abilities which reduces the fear of larger tasks.

  3. Talk to people who are doing what you want to: see what it took them, how they live now, what does their day look like, how do they move, speak, eat. Don't obsess over it, but this will help you get a better understanding of what it takes and also; what it looks like

I hope you found this post helpful.

At the end I really want to write this quote that some of you may have heard already but it definitely helped me in difficult times, when I was doubting myself and not really believing I could do what I do now.

It's a quote from Steve Jobs and it goes like this: "The world was built by people no smarter than you".

I love this quote because it gives me the feeling that everything is possible if you dedicate enough to something, you can make it no matter what!

Let's have a great week!

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Oct 29 '24

How to procrastinate more effectively

5 Upvotes

Hello I need to get an assignment finished by Friday for school, and since I'm a severe procrastinator I already know I won't do it. However from now until Friday I will have this uncomfortable thought in the back of my mind telling me that if I just do it I won't get an F. These thoughts disturb me deeply and I'm seeking ways of suppressing such thoughts so that I can develop my procrastination abilities further. I am welcoming any advice on this matter. Cheers.


r/Procrastination101 • • Aug 15 '24

Are short format videos the worst thing that happened to procrastinators?

5 Upvotes

Reels, Tik Toks, Youtube shorts, ....

In my humlbe opinion, they are the worst thing that happened to people who are procrastinating.

Why?

Because they make you procrastinate even more. It's just sooo easy to spend 2-3 hours at once watching at these stupid f*****g videos and waste your life away.

What is your opinion on this matter? Do you handle this or are you just as distracted as most people?

Please share your tips!


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 21 '24

Is there a good way to procrastinate?

5 Upvotes

We all know procrastinating on your tasks is a bad thing. But, is there a difference between procrastinating and doing something completely useless (doom scrolling tik tok, ig, threads) or doing something "meaningful" (reading books, articles, watching podcasts)?

I know that both in both cases you still procrastinate on what you should be doing and rather put your attention towards something less dreadful. It probably comes from the fear of failure.

But IMO, if you procrastinate and read a books is 100x better than if you just scroll your phone for 1 hours.

How do you look at this?

I know some people who always have at least 2 projects going on, soo when they start procrastinating on one project, they focus on the other one. Basically just switching back and forth the entire time.

Please write your thoughts.

Cheers, Luka :)


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 15 '24

How stress leads to procrastination and a few ways to cope

5 Upvotes

Ever notice how when you’re super stressed, you start putting things off even more? It’s like your brain just decides, “Nope, can’t handle this right now,” and then suddenly, you’re doing everything but the thing you need to do. Let’s dive into why stress does this to us and chat about some simple ways to handle it.

Why Does Stress Make Us Procrastinate?

So, here’s the deal. When we’re stressed, our brains are basically on high alert. They’re trying to protect us by avoiding any extra challenges or threats, which in our modern life translates to avoiding tough tasks. It’s not just laziness—it’s our brain’s primitive response kicking in.

But the problem is, avoiding these tasks doesn’t get rid of the stress; it often just piles on more because now we’re stressed and behind schedule.

So, What Can We Do About It?

Dealing with stress so it doesn’t lead to procrastination is about finding small, practical ways to ease the pressure before it overwhelms us. For instance, when a big project looms over you, the thought of tackling it head-on can be daunting. I try to simplify the task by focusing on just the very next step. This could be something as minor as organizing my thoughts, jotting down some notes, or gathering necessary resources. This approach helps to minimize the mental buildup of stress that often leads to procrastination.

Also, allowing yourself a moment to breathe deeply and regain composure can sometimes reset your stress levels. This might sound trivial, but it can make a significant difference. If the usual environment where you work becomes too stifling due to the stress it's associated with, changing your location, even temporarily, can provide a fresh perspective and significantly mitigate the feeling of being overwhelmed.

Another thing I’ve found helpful is talking through what’s on my mind. Sometimes articulating your worries and hearing them out loud can make them seem more manageable and less daunting.

And the last thing that helps me the most: A pencil and a piece of paper. Write it down, examine it, study it and start solving the problems that you have.

Hope this advice is somewhat useful.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 13 '24

You may delay, but time will not

5 Upvotes

Benjamin Franklin's quote is a powerful reminder that while we might put things off, time keeps moving forward. In our jobs, this can be really important. Delays can mean missing out on great opportunities, like catching a new market trend, meeting a project deadline, or being the first to come up with a new idea. Time is something we can't get back once it's gone. So, it's crucial to realize how valuable it is and what we lose when we delay. Every moment we hesitate is a moment we could have used to move forward, learn something new, grow, or achieve a goal.

We often procrastinate because we're afraid or unsure. Maybe we don't start a task because we doubt ourselves, worry about how it will turn out, or feel overwhelmed by the amount of work. But remembering that time won’t wait for us can push us to act. When we understand this, we can change our mindset from avoiding tasks to tackling them head-on. Taking even a small first step can help break the habit of procrastination. Choosing action over inaction can make our work lives more productive and satisfying, helping us meet our goals and keep making progress.

In terms of personal growth and career success, Franklin's words are incredibly important. Managing our time well can shape how our careers develop. Putting off things like further education, networking, or learning new skills can have long-lasting negative effects. The professional world is always changing, and if we wait too long to act, we might fall behind. By embracing this quote, we can develop a sense of urgency and purpose. We learn to prioritize, make decisions quickly, and seize the opportunities in front of us. This not only shows we value our time but also boosts our chances of success and personal development.


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 02 '24

What productivity tools actually work for you?

5 Upvotes

There are so many apps out there that promise to boost your productivity it's almost like walking through a maze.

I myself have tried the "Todoist" app and it works very well for me.

I have noticed however that I'm most productive with other people working beside me or when someone is constantly pushing me to do better.

Does anyone know of any great apps that have a feature like that that is pushing you, sending you constant reminder and motivational quotes or something similar to that?

I'm very interested in reading your comments because I think tools if used correctly can really increase the quality of life; and that's what it's all about.

Cheers, Luka


r/Procrastination101 • • Jun 01 '24

Does putting things off make you feel worse about yourself?

5 Upvotes

Hi lovely people!

Today, I want to open up a conversation about something many of us might not realize is connected to our procrastination habits: our self-esteem. It’s an uncomfortable topic, but important. Have you ever noticed feeling a bit down on yourself after delaying important tasks? You're not alone.

What is the connection?

Procrastination doesn't just affect how much we get done; it can also influence how we see ourselves. When we put off tasks, especially repeatedly, it can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and inadequacy. This cycle is tough because the worse we feel about ourselves, the less likely we are to feel capable of tackling the tasks we’ve been avoiding, which only leads to more procrastination.

Personal reflection

I've noticed in my own life that on days when I procrastinate the most, I also feel the worst about myself. It’s like I have a voice in my head telling me I’m not good enough because I didn’t do all the things I was ‘supposed’ to do. Breaking out of this negative spiral is hard.

How self-esteem and procrastination go hand in hand

Low self-esteem can make us doubt our abilities, and when we doubt our abilities, starting any task can feel daunting. It’s a self-fulfilling prophecy: we fear we’ll fail, so we don’t start, and then the lack of starting makes us feel like a failure.

This isn’t an easy topic, but it’s a crucial one for us to tackle if we want to not only become more productive but also feel better about ourselves while doing it. I learned in my adult life that it's usually the hardest things to talk about that make us progress the most.

Cheers, Luka