An experiment for hard-core procrastinators

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

The start of the project, exciting anticipation, a couple of days of productive work and the gradual fading of interest. Sound familiar? Writer and blogger Leo Babauta suggests doing research on your own motivation and fighting procrastination.

The idea of the experiment

Each person has their own motivation. Finding a personal way not to lose it until you reach your ultimate goal is vital.

Experiment progress

Use each of the methods below for one week. Then write it down. Rate how each method helps you stay motivated.

After eight weeks, you will be able to determine what motivates you personally.

1. Remember the consequences

Set a deadline for the task and state what unpleasant consequences will arise if you do not complete it on time. Share your goal with a loved one, or better publicly, come up with some kind of punishment in case of failure.

For example, suppose you want to do 1,000 words a day and finish a chapter of your dissertation by the end of the week. Publish a post on a social network that will inform you that if you do not finish on time, you will do something unpleasant or even humiliating. It is important that the punishment be burdensome for you.

2. An inspiring finish

Ever noticed how eye-catching the season finale is, or the last bite on your plate? Use this effect to achieve your goals: when the finish line is close, pushing a little more is not difficult.

Make a list of 10 short activities (10 minutes or less) that you want to do this week as part of a single project, or a list of five points for each day. Cross out the points one by one, the latter will be easier to complete.

3. The mighty question "Why?"

Think about why you want to end this project. Maybe after it ends, you will feel proud of yourself, or the other person's life will get better. Try to understand what is the real reason for what you are doing.

Write down the answer to the question "Why do you need this?" and keep in front of your eyes until the completion of the project.

4. Refresh the senses

When you start a business, you take it up with enthusiasm. But it quickly fades away. Don't let this happen. Set a task for the whole day each morning. Find inspiration, visualize accomplishments, listen to music, read books, watch videos that motivate you. Do whatever you want, the main thing is to reach your goal by the end of the day.

5. Be true to your word

When you are trusted, you feel safe. People trust those who keep their promises. To do this, you need to become a man of his word. Start small: tell them you will do something that will take you 10-30 minutes. And do it. With every promise you keep, people will grow bigger to you.

6. Create a club

People are social. Use this for personal gain. Create a group of people who want to achieve a goal or complete a project. Agree to set daily and weekly goals and check progress regularly. Determine rewards and penalties. Support those who are not doing well.

7. Feel the taste of victory

When completing a project or reaching a goal, pause for a taste of victory. He's sweet!

Share your joy with others. Celebrate success, however small. Savor a sense of self-confidence. When you start your next challenge, remember how great it is to get to the end.

8. Quick starts - quick rewards

Create a system where you get a reward for every task (up to 10 minutes). For example, sort your mail in 10 minutes, then look at your favorite site for 5 minutes. Let the reward become available only after completing the task. The simpler the task, the better. In this case, you will not postpone the start.

Experiment Results

Remember to record the results of each weekly experiment:

• write down impressions;
• rate the effectiveness on a 10-point scale;
• go to the next method.

At the end of this research, you will be able to determine what is personally you.

Then you can try to combine the methods and apply them for different types of tasks. Perhaps, after such research, you will gain self-confidence, and the need to use these methods will disappear.