Stop Putting it Off: 12 Tips to Conquer Procrastination and Take Control of Your Time

Today, I want to talk about something that we’ve all experienced but are too embarrassed to admit—procrastination. That habit of delaying tasks until the last minute, convincing ourselves that we have more time than we actually do.

Procrastination can sneak up on us, leaving us feeling overwhelmed and stressed when deadlines loom closer.

But here’s the good news: you don’t have to let procrastination control your day. With a few simple strategies, you can take back your time and get things done more efficiently.

Let’s explore some tips to help you manage procrastination once and for all.

What Is Procrastination (Really)?

Before we jump into solutions, let’s pause and get honest about what procrastination is—and what it isn’t.

Procrastination isn’t laziness. It’s not about being careless or unmotivated.

In fact, many people who struggle with procrastination are highly capable, responsible, and even perfectionistic.

Yep, perfectionism and procrastination go hand-in-hand more often than we’d like to admit.

At its core, procrastination is avoidance.

It’s putting something off—even when we know it’ll come back to bite us later—because the task feels uncomfortable, overwhelming, or just plain boring in the moment.

And because we’re human, we avoid discomfort.

We gravitate toward things that offer quick relief—like scrolling social media, cleaning the junk drawer, or suddenly needing to reorganize the pantry (sound familiar?).

So let’s remove the shame from procrastination. It’s not a personal flaw—it’s a common habit. And like any habit, it can be changed with a little awareness and a few mindset shifts.

Why We Procrastinate (It’s Deeper Than You Think)

It’s easy to blame distractions like our phones or Netflix. But procrastination often runs deeper. Here are a few common reasons why we delay tasks:

1. Fear of Failure

You might delay starting because you’re worried it won’t turn out well—or that you won’t meet expectations (especially your own). So instead of risking failure, you avoid it entirely.

2. Perfectionism

If you struggle with the idea that everything has to be just right, you might not start at all. The idea of “perfect” becomes the enemy of progress.

3. Overwhelm

Big tasks or long to-do lists can make us feel paralyzed. When we can’t see a clear starting point, we shut down before we even begin.

4. Lack of Motivation

Let’s face it—some tasks just aren’t exciting. If something feels boring or repetitive, we put it off, hoping we’ll be more “in the mood” later.

5. Decision Fatigue

When we’re constantly making decisions (hello, busy moms and multitaskers), our brains get tired. Putting off one more choice feels like a relief—even if it leads to stress later.

Sound like you? You’re not alone.

How to Overcome Procrastination (In a Way That Actually Works)

Here’s where we turn things around. Below are strategies that don’t just sound good—they’re practical, doable, and rooted in understanding how our minds actually work.

1. Start With One Small Step

Seriously—just one. Not the whole project. Not the entire room. Just one step.

Our brains often see big tasks as dangerous territory, triggering stress responses. But breaking a task into the tiniest next step makes it feel safe and achievable.

Instead of “write the report,” try “open the document and type the first sentence.”

Instead of “organize the closet,” try “gather three things I don’t wear anymore.”

Small steps build momentum. Once you start, it’s easier to keep going.

2. Use the 10-Minute Rule

This one’s a favorite for a reason. Tell yourself, “I’ll work on this for just 10 minutes.”

Set a timer, get focused, and give yourself permission to stop after 10 minutes. More often than not, you’ll want to keep going.

This trick works because starting is the hardest part. Once your brain sees that the task isn’t as bad as it thought, it eases into it.

3. Make It a Challenge, Not a Chore

Shift the mindset from “ugh, I have to do this” to “let’s see how much I can get done in 20 minutes.”

Turning a task into a timed challenge makes it more engaging. It becomes a game instead of a grind.

Add music, set a timer, and see how far you can get. Then reward yourself with a little break (more on that soon).

4. Give Your Procrastination a Name

Okay, this one might sound silly—but it works. Naming your procrastination behavior creates space between you and the habit.

Maybe you call it “Avoidy McAvoiderson” or “Procrastination Patty.” Humor helps take the edge off and makes it easier to recognize when you’re falling into the pattern.

“Oh, there goes Patty again, trying to get me to organize my spice rack instead of finishing this presentation.”

It lightens the mood and helps you call yourself out—in a kind way.

5. Create a “Not-To-Do” List

We all know what distracts us, right? That quick “just-checking” scroll on Instagram that turns into 30 minutes. That email inbox that somehow leads to rabbit-hole research.

Write down your top distractions and call them out. This becomes your “not-to-do” list.

Stick it near your workspace as a visual reminder of what you’re not doing while you focus on the task at hand. Boundaries, my friend!

6. Change Your Environment

Sometimes, procrastination thrives in certain spaces. If you always try to work from the couch but end up watching TV, it might be time to change locations.

Try a different room, move to the kitchen table, or head outside. Even a subtle shift—like lighting a candle or putting on a playlist—can signal to your brain that it’s time to get into work mode.

7. Visualize the End Result

Before starting, pause and picture what finishing the task will feel like. Will you feel lighter? More accomplished? Less anxious?

Visualizing success creates a kind of mental reward. It reminds you why you’re doing the task in the first place, especially if it’s one you’ve been avoiding.

The payoff might be peace of mind, a cleaner space, or just being able to rest later without guilt. All good things!

8. Build in Mini Rewards

Productivity doesn’t have to be all work and no fun. Try setting up a reward system that works for you.

Maybe after 30 minutes of focused work, you take a coffee break or go for a walk. Maybe completing a boring admin task earns you a sweet treat or an episode of your favorite show.

Rewards help train your brain to associate productivity with something enjoyable.

9. Talk It Out (Accountability Helps!)

Sometimes we just need someone to tell. A friend. A coworker. A coach. Sharing your goal out loud creates gentle accountability.

Text a friend and say, “I’m working on my resume today. Hold me to it.”

Knowing someone else is aware of your goal adds a little healthy pressure to follow through.

10. Drop the Perfectionism

One of the biggest lies procrastination tells us is that we need to wait until the “perfect” time, mood, or energy level to begin. Spoiler alert: that time rarely comes.

Perfectionism stalls progress. It convinces you that if you can’t do it perfectly, it’s not worth starting at all.

But starting messy is still starting. And once you're in motion, you can clean it up along the way.

Progress matters more than perfection—every single time.

11. Use Tools That Support You

Let’s not underestimate how helpful tools can be. Try:

• A paper planner or digital app like Todoist

• Time-blocking your day

• The Pomodoro technique (25 minutes of work, 5-minute break)

• Habit trackers or simple checklists

Find what works for you. Even a sticky note on your mirror saying, “Start now—future you will thank you” can make a difference.

12. Check in With Your Energy

Lastly, be gentle with yourself. Sometimes procrastination is a sign that you need rest, not more hustle.

If you’re feeling physically or emotionally drained, honor that. Do something restorative. Take a nap, hydrate, go outside for five minutes.

Productivity flows more easily when your body and mind feel supported.

Procrastination doesn’t mean you’re lazy or unmotivated—it means you’re human. We all have those moments where resistance creeps in and delays take over.

But with a little self-awareness, a touch of humor, and some practical tools, you can shift your mindset and habits in a way that supports your goals and well-being.

You don’t have to wait for the perfect day or mood to get started. You just need one small step.

And remember—progress, not perfection, is where the real growth happens.

See you at the next post! ❤️

Want more real-life tips and a little inspiration in your feed? Follow me on Facebook @Kim Ba.