I’ll Do It Tomorrow

Almost everyone procrastinates. We usually do it to avoid a task that’s unpleasant or daunting. Some things are broad and require lots of time and effort, and may involve changing long-held behaviors or beliefs. Others are very specific one-time jobs. When procrastinating starts to interfere with our quality of life by causing us to feel worried, guilty, lazy, panicky, or irresponsible, then it’s time to get on with it.

Think taxes, a difficult phone call, or following through on a promise you made in haste or through obligation.

Taking action is based on good planning. With many tasks, the initial preparation can take as little as five or 10 minutes. More complex actions will take some more thought. There are some easy steps to get out of the quicksand of procrastination and reap numerous benefits, which include improved productivity, enhanced mood, less stress, better relationships, a sense of accomplishment, and feeling more successful in life.

How to Make a Successful Plan

Step 1. Identify the challenge

Start by writing down the specific task or tasks you’ve been putting off. It could be having a difficult conversation with a family member, dealing with a bad habit, or finally scheduling that appointment you’ve been avoiding. Writing down what you are putting off helps you focus on prioritizing what needs to be done. So, make your list and then pick out the job that
is most important.

Step 2. Pinpoint and deal with your emotions

What’s preventing you from diving into this task? It’s typically one or more of three core emotions. Perhaps you’re intimidated by all the time and sacrifice (fear). Or you’re resentful about having to do this when you think it’s not necessary (anger). Or you’re bummed that you are trashing yourself so heavily for being unmotivated (sadness). This step helps you see the act of dragging your heels for what it truly is –
an emotional reaction.

It’s helpful to know that emotions – sadness, anger, and fear – are just pure energy in your body. Look at the word “emotion.” It’s energy (e) in motion. Take some time in private to express those emotions constructively. By crying to express sadness, punching or yelling into a pillow or stomping around to release the anger, or doing exaggerated shivering for the fear, give yourself permission to express
the emotion.

Be sure that while you are doing this important step, you don’t indulge your sabotaging thoughts. Just make sounds. In that way, the energy dissipates and you won’t feel stuck. It’s like letting steam out of a pressure cooker.

Step 3. Get your head on straight

There are two parts to this process. First, start by getting clear on your goal for the task. Good planning is the foundation of success for most any project. It’s helpful to write it down so you have it for ready reference. For example, “I want to get this off my plate.” Or “I feel better when I exercise regularly.” Having a clear and precise idea of your goal will keep you oriented and help you
to stay motivated.

Second, identify sabotaging thoughts that are hanging in the wings, ready to pounce in a weak moment. Then come up with a couple of truths to contradict them. For example, if you continually tell yourself “I’ll never be able to learn all this,” you might instead say to yourself, “I can do this” or “If others can learn it, so can I.” That’s a plain and simple truth. To neutralize your frustration at having to do this task, you might say, “I’m doing this for me.”

Step 4. Do the actual planning 

Break your goal into a series of small, doable steps.You’ve envisioned the task, dealt with the emotions holding you back, and fixed your destructive thinking. Completing the job requires figuring out a reasonable step-by-step game plan and deciding when you’ll begin, and if it involves another person or persons, get clear on what you want to communicate. Write your plan down.

Once you have an outline, step back and imagine obstacles that are likely to pop up along the way. For every scenario, have a tactic ready to help you stick to your plan. You may also want to find someone to support your efforts and with whom you can check in on a regular basis.

Step 5. Just Do It

When you’ve completed your preparation, it’s time to tackle the job you’ve put off. Beware: you might meet with resistance in the form of excuses, bad moods, and discouragement. Meet resistance with tenacity and continue to deal with any emotions that surface. Throughout the process, it’s important to repeat your truths and remember your goal. Say them over and over until they’re set in your mind. “I can do this. I’ll feel better when I handle this.” Any time you are tempted to procrastinate, remember your goal.

If you abandon your good intentions, do the above, then double check to see if you need to modify your plan. Now, once again, you’ll be fortified to step onto the battlefield of life.

Appreciate Your Efforts and Accomplishments

Getting through a daunting task is incredibly satisfying. Praise each small accomplishment along the way. You’ll feel proud and virtuous when you complete each positive step. Doing what you’re avoiding will simplify your life. You’ll feel more energetic. You’ll sleep better at night.