How to Overcome Procrastination Before Deadlines

Tackling Procrastination: A Personal Journey to Productivity Today, I'm not talking AI or data analytics; instead, I'm getting real about procrastination. We've all been there, and I'm no exception. Here's how I tackle it, with a personal twist: 1. Small Goals, Big Wins: Remember my first big project at Intel? Overwhelmed, I learned to break tasks into bite-sized goals. It's like assembling a complex circuit – focus on one component at a time. 2. Pomodoro to the Rescue: This was a game-changer during my Ph.D. at Michigan State. Working in short bursts kept my mind sharp and ideas fresh, especially when coding or writing research papers. 3. Accountability Partners: Back in Sabanci University, my study group kept me on track. Now, I share my goals with colleagues or students at Portland State University. Speaking your goals aloud makes them real. 4. Organize Like a Pro: Fun fact – I'm a bit of a neat freak. Whether it's my desk in Hillsboro or my digital folders, I keep things tidy. It's like setting the stage for success. 5. Mindful Moments: The biggest lesson from my yoga practice? Be present. Whether it's a complex algorithm or planning my next course, staying present keeps procrastination at bay. So, there you have it, my personal toolkit against the procrastination gremlin. What are your strategies? #Procrastination #Productivity #PersonalGrowth #AI #EngineeringLife #Mindfulness

What if the real reason you’re procrastinating isn’t laziness—but emotion? Not all procrastination is bad. In fact, positive procrastination can be useful—like when you schedule a task for a time when you can really focus. But negative procrastination? That’s the silent thief of productivity. It’s when you’ve scheduled the task—or know it needs to happen—but keep pushing it off. Why does this happen? Usually, it’s emotion-driven rather than "being lazy." Fear. Discomfort. Resistance to change. Your brain is trying to protect you, but sometimes, that protection becomes a barrier. Here are three strategies I use to overcome it: 1. Ignore the emotion right before the task. It’s rarely accurate. Just start, even if you don’t feel like it. 2. Commit to just the first minute. Open the file. Draft the email. Start with something so easy it feels silly. It works. 3. Write down your “why.” Remind yourself why this task matters. It gives the effort a sense of purpose. Consistency with these small actions builds momentum—and that momentum beats procrastination every time. What’s one task you’ve been avoiding that you could take the first minute on today? #productivity #focus #success #davecrenshaw

My patients are often at risk of losing their jobs or withdrawing from school due to procrastinating. Here are the tips that saved them: 1: Chunk Tasks Take your tasks and break them down into the smallest parts possible. Start with a difficult or important task first to get the largest ROI. 2: Create Rituals Create a consistent schedule to do a specific task. Develop a short routine to kickstart momentum: It can be as simple as preparing a cup of coffee or completing a skincare routine. Stick to your routine daily until it becomes a habit. 3: Be imperfect Set realistic expectations and just get started. Ditch the "all or nothing" attitude and commit to progress over perfection. Review your work, adjust your expectations, and keep going. 4: Positive Reinforcements Decide on a reward before starting a task - a treat, break, or anything you enjoy. Only allow yourself to enjoy it once the task is completed and give yourself a limit. Positive reinforcements build stronger work habits. 5: Minimize Distractions Identify your biggest distractions. This could be alerts, social media, excessive noise, etc. Use tools to eliminate these interruptions - turn off notifications during work time, use noise-cancelling headphones, and clean your workspace. Practice mindfulness and train yourself to stay focused on the task at hand. 6. Practical procrastination Procrastinate on the things that aren't absolutely necessary at the time. This may be tasks such as responding to emails, scheduling/attending meetings, scrolling social media, or answering phone calls. These are the tasks you should delegate or stop if possible. 7. Consider the Consequences Always think about the potential outcomes of completing or not completing a task. This can often provide the motivation needed to start or continue. What would you add?

Could there be a more insidious word than "later"? Whether said in the context of procrastination, as in "I'll do it later," or in the postponement of significant aspirations, like "Later, I'll have time to write that book." Or even in acknowledging the need to address personal finances with a casual "I'll do it later." This seemingly innocuous term serves as a potent dreamkiller. "Later" stands as one of the many obstacles we willingly introduce into our lives, hindering our path to success. Whether it's the diet that perpetually begins "tomorrow," the job hunt that remains in the realm of "eventually," or the pursuit of life dreams deferred to an elusive "someday." These self-imposed roadblocks collectively set us on autopilot. But why do we subject ourselves to this cycle? Why not take action in the present moment? The answer lies in the comfort of the familiar versus the uncertainties that line the uncharted path. It's a natural inclination to choose what we know, even if it means delaying progress and stifling potential success. Yet, by recognizing the detrimental impact of "later," we can break free from the cycle of procrastination.   Some deliberate steps I take to confront the cycle of procrastination: 1. 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬: Acknowledge the detrimental influence of "later" in your life. Recognize instances where you use this to delay action and its impact on your goals. 2. 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐟t: Transform your language from "I'll do it later" to "I'll do it now" or "I'll start today." Use language to signal a shift in your mindset towards immediate action. 3. 𝐏𝐫𝐢𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧: Prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. Identify what needs immediate attention and tackle those without succumbing to the allure of postponement. 4. 𝐒𝐞𝐭 𝐜𝐥𝐞𝐚𝐫 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥𝐬: Define clear, achievable goals with timelines. Break down larger aspirations into smaller, manageable tasks, making it easier to take immediate action. 5. 𝐀𝐜𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐧𝐞𝐫𝐬: Share your aspirations with someone who can hold you accountable. Having a supportive mentor or colleague can provide motivation. 6. 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐳𝐨𝐧𝐞𝐬: Challenge the allure of familiar routines. Growth often lies outside our comfort zones, and confronting the unfamiliar can lead to change. 7. 𝐂𝐞𝐥𝐞𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐬: Acknowledge and celebrate each small step taken toward your goals. Building momentum through incremental achievements reinforces the positive impact of immediate action. 8. 𝐄𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐡𝐚𝐛𝐢𝐭s: Cultivate a habit of taking immediate action. By consistently choosing to act now, you can reshape your mindset and establish a pattern of proactive behavior. The time to act is now, and the rewards of embracing the challenges of the present far outweigh the temptation of the familiar but limiting comfort of "later."

Procrastination isn't about time. It's about emotions. You're not lazy. Your brain is protecting you from difficult feelings. Fear. Anxiety. Self-doubt. I've seen it steal dreams. Maybe you have too. Here are 8 powerful ways to break free: 1. Create Space Between Trigger and Response 💬 "The moment I face a big task, I grab my phone." ➟ Pause for 30 seconds when avoidance hits ➟ Take three deep breaths ➟ Ask: "What tiny step can I take now?" 💡 Viktor Frankl: Our power lies in the space between trigger and response. Try: Set a 30-second timer next time you feel the urge to avoid. 2. Face Your Fears Head-On 💬 "I keep delaying because what if everything goes wrong?" ➟ Write down your worst-case scenarios ➟ Rate how likely each one is ➟ List one action to prevent each fear 💡 Named fears lose their emotional grip. Try: Write down your biggest fear about your delayed project. 3. Build Instant Rewards 💬 "Important tasks feel painful. Netflix feels good." ➟ Pair tough tasks with immediate pleasures ➟ Create small celebrations for completion ➟ Track your wins visually 💡 Your brain craves instant gratification. Use it to your advantage. Try: Choose one small reward for your next completed task. 4. Design Your Environment 💬 "My workspace doesn't inspire action." ➟ Place visual reminders of your goals ➟ Set out tools needed for tomorrow ➟ Remove distracting triggers 💡 Your environment shapes your behavior more than willpower. Try: Put one inspiring image where you'll see it tomorrow. 5. Use Social Power 💬 "I keep my goals private so I can't fail publicly." ➟ Tell someone your deadline ➟ Share progress updates ➟ Set public consequences 💡 Social pressure creates positive emotional urgency. Try: Text one friend about your next deadline. 6. Reset Your State 💬 "Bad moods make me avoid everything." ➟ Take a 2-minute meditation break ➟ Step outside briefly ➟ Do 5 jumping jacks 💡 Physical state changes create emotional shifts. Try: Stand up and stretch right now for 30 seconds. 7. Create When-Then Plans 💬 "I have good intentions but never follow through." ➟ Write specific action triggers ➟ Link habits to existing routines ➟ Remove decision points 💡 Clear plans bypass emotional resistance. Try: Write one "When X happens, I will do Y" statement. 8. Track Visible Progress 💬 "It feels like I'm getting nowhere." ➟ Use a progress calendar ➟ Mark daily wins ➟ Share your journey 💡 Seeing progress builds emotional momentum. Try: Draw a simple progress bar for your current project. Your dreams are waiting. Your emotions shouldn't stop you. Pick one strategy. Start now. Which one will you try first? ♻️ Repost if this resonated with you! 🔖 Follow me Suren Samarchyan for more.

The #1 Dream Killer You Need to Avoid... Every day, countless dreams get shelved in the name of 'one more day of preparation.' Don't let this be you. You're more ready than you think. I've seen brilliant minds holding back, waiting for a perfect moment that never arrives. They believe they're not ready, that they need: • one more book • one more course • one more spreadsheet • one more coaching session Your continuous preparation is just procrastination. And, the average person loses 55 days a year to procrastination. 15% of your time gone. And with it, opportunity. Here's the truth: Perfection is a myth. And, preparation has its limits. The world's most successful people aren't those who waited for the perfect plan. They're the ones who took a deep breath and stepped into the unknown. They understood that real learning and growth happen in the midst of action, not in endless planning. Execution is the great divider. Here's are 3 super simple steps you can take to start executing with what you know: 1/ Set a Specific, Achievable Goal for Today: Choose one small, concrete task that can be completed today. This could be as simple as: -writing the first paragraph of an article - drafting an outline for a project - making a key phone call The key is to ensure it's specific and achievable within one day. This is your catalyst for action. 2/ Create a Distraction-Free Environment: Dedicate a specific time and place to work on this task. Find a quiet space. Turn off notifications. Close unnecessary tabs. By minimizing distractions, you increase your focus and the likelihood of successfully completing the task. 3/ Reflect and Plan Next Steps at Day's End: After completing the day's goal, take a few minutes to reflect on what you've accomplished and how it felt. Then, plan the next small step for tomorrow. This reflection and planning process helps build momentum and turns taking action into a habit. Stop shelving your dreams in the name of 'preparedness'. Remember, the cost of waiting can be far greater than the cost of making a mistake. Mistakes are merely stepping stones to mastery. Embrace them. Every moment spent in procrastination is a moment lost in achieving your potential. So, ask yourself, are you truly unprepared, or are you underestimating your readiness? The skills you've honed. The knowledge you've acquired. The experiences you've lived through. They've shaped you more than you realize. It's time to shift from planning to doing. Start small. Start today. Your future self will thank you for the courage you show now. Embrace the journey of doing and growing. Because the best way to predict your future is to create it. — ♻️ Repost to help 1 person win. Thanks!