Procrastination is something that effects everyone at some time or another. A lot of people tend to put things off until they absolutely have to do it. I was the pro at this in high school. And while it time constraints can increase the efficiency, waiting till the last minute can cause the quality of the work to suffer. Here are 3 steps you can take to stop procrastinating and get started on your projects.

1. Create a plan- One of the biggest reasons for procrastination is not knowing where to start or what steps to take. To get past this block, first sit own and write down what you want to accomplish and how you will go about it. Once you have a set plan you know exact steps you need to take and will be more motivated to get started
2. Start the first step now- Once you’ve created your plan, choose at least one course of action you can complete immediately. This will get you started (one of the big hurdles) and make finishing the project easier. For instance, if you are planning a trip, then maybe the first step is to write down a list of possible destinations. If you already know where you want to go, then the first step might be to search 3 websites or call 3 travel agencies. Even finding the sites, and book marking them for later would be something to get you started.
3. Set completion points and reward your self when you complete them- When you start a step, do your best to work until you finish that step. Then give yourself a small reward for completing it. Your mind learns the benefits of completing each task and the more you do so the easier completing each task gets. The reward doesn’t have to be substantial. It an be as simple as having a snack, getting a drink of water, or taking a break.

These steps may seem very simple, but they really do work. Try them out the next time you start your next project. You will be amazed how quickly you can finish.

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