Beat Procrastination for Good: 7 Strategies to Get Stuff Done
Even the most high-achieving professionals find themselves staring at a to-do list, fully aware of what needs to be done… and still choosing to tidy the desk, check emails, or scroll on LinkedIn.
Sound familiar?
Procrastination often feels harmless in the moment—until the undone tasks start piling up, bringing stress and frustration with them. The good news? You can absolutely break free from the procrastination trap. All it takes is the right mindset, a little self-awareness, and practical action.
Here’s how to make that shift:
1. Admit It: You’re Looking for Distractions
We all do it—dressing up avoidance as productivity. Organizing your inbox or rechecking your planner may feel like you're getting things done, but really, you're dodging the real work.
"You cannot escape the responsibility of tomorrow by evading it today." – Abraham Lincoln
The moment you recognize you’re choosing distractions, you’ve already started reclaiming your focus.
2. Visualize the Finish Line
Close your eyes and imagine how you’ll feel when the task is complete. That sense of relief, accomplishment, and freedom? Let that feeling pull you into motion.
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." – Eleanor Roosevelt
Celebrate in advance, and use that emotion to push past resistance.
3. Consider the Cost of NOT Doing It
Think about the emotional weight you carry when tasks linger—guilt, stress, frustration. Instead of sitting with those feelings, flip them into fuel for action.
"Inaction breeds doubt and fear. Action breeds confidence and courage." – Dale Carnegie
Let the discomfort of delay propel you toward completion.
4. Stop the Excuses
“I work better under pressure.” “I don’t have enough time right now.” Sound familiar? These are comfort phrases masquerading as logic. More often than not, they’re just ways to keep avoiding the hard stuff.
"Ninety-nine percent of the failures come from people who have the habit of making excuses." – George Washington Carver
Instead, take a breath and make the conscious choice to move forward.
5. Just Start
Don’t overthink it. Set a timer for 5 minutes and just start. You don’t need to finish the task—just begin. Often, starting is the hardest part, but once you’re in motion, it gets easier.
"You don’t have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great." – Zig Ziglar
And remember to celebrate that first small win—it’s powerful momentum.
6. Set Goals and Make a List
Avoidance thrives in vagueness. List out what you’ve been putting off. Break big tasks into smaller steps. Assign realistic deadlines and plug them into your calendar.
"A goal without a plan is just a wish." – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Small, actionable steps pave the way for big victories.
7. Celebrate Your Progress
Don’t wait until the big goal is achieved. Celebrate every mini-milestone. Finished that tough email? Take a walk. Closed that open loop? Enjoy a guilt-free break.
"Success is a series of small wins." – Jamie Tardy