Ideas to Beat Procrastination
If I can just get started, I'll likely see the task to completion.
In the previous blog post (see here), I shared about procrastination and how starting something is usually the problem. I've noticed that if I can just start doing the thing I want to do, I will eventually see it to completion. As an example, it took me a while today to get around to just starting to write this blog post. Instead of writing (which I consider to be one of my most important tasks every morning), I found myself managing the social media page and browsing the internet (much less important tasks). I eventually got around to writing but it was a struggle. Procrastination can be sneaky and insidious.
Here are some ideas that I'm working through that will hopefully help me manage procrastination better, especially when it comes to engaging with my daily spiritual habits.
First, I need to be gracious to myself. If I procrastinate, I shouldn't beat myself up about it. Just keep trying to get better at utilizing my time appropriately every single day.
Think in terms of very small objectives just to get started. For example, in writing, I should think about just typing the first sentence (or even smaller by just typing the first word). In reading the Bible, I should think about just reading the first sentence of a passage. In working out, I should think about just doing one push up. In prayer, I should think about just one person to pray for and say just one line. If I can just get started, I'll likely see the task to completion. I might even do more.
I really like the "2-minute rule" found in James Clear's book Atomic Habits. Basically, it goes like this: when doing something, simply do two minutes of it. After two minutes, you can give yourself permission to stop doing it, if you like. Don't feel guilty about stopping. Chances are, however, that you'll continue doing whatever it is you're doing.
Reduce friction. Find ways to make it easy to pick up doing something right away. For example, I put all my devotional materials in one place. It's so that I can just go there and do my devotions right away. If I have my Bible in one room, my journal in another, and my pen in a third room, I'm going to get tired just thinking about grabbing all those items. I might give up on the activity even before I start.
Do what's enjoyable for you. Building spiritual disciplines and habits is hard enough. Find creative ways to make it fun. Don't worry about trying to copy others. For example, I find it fun to always have music that I enjoy playing in the background. I also find it fun to read my Bible at a coffee shop. I use this to my advantage. I'm more likely to be engaged in an activity if it's tied to something personally enjoyable.
These are some insights that I'd like to remember when trying to beat procrastination by just starting to do what I need to do. Hopefully, some of these will be helpful to you too.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
