Procrastination: The Art of Avoiding Stuff

And how to stop mastering it.

Oye that flippin' procrastination. That crafty, conniving little gremlin inside us all. It knows exactly when to strike—moments before a deadline, mid-cleaning spree, or during a deep dive into your latest self-improvement kick. “Sure, you could get that thing done,” it whispers sweetly, “but wouldn’t it be better to alphabetize your spice rack or google whether turtles can breathe through their butts?” Spoiler alert: Yes, they can. But let’s not get distracted. Procrastination doesn’t just delay tasks; it sneaks in, brings guilt snacks, and overstays its welcome, leaving us frantically scrambling at 2 a.m., wondering how we ended up binge-watching cat videos instead of filing our taxes. But the good news? Procrastination can be defeated. With a healthy dose of humor and a few practical strategies, you’ll go from serial delayer to a productivity powerhouse. Let’s dive into why procrastination happens and then tackle eight foolproof exercises to send it packing.

Why Do We Procrastinate?

Before we fix the problem, let’s dissect it. Why are we like this?

Perfectionism
Why start something if it’s not going to be perfect? Spoiler: Because done is better than perfect.
Fear of Failure
What if it doesn’t work out? What if we try and fall flat? Counterpoint: What if you don’t try and stay exactly where you are?
Overwhelm
Sometimes the sheer size of a task feels insurmountable. It’s like standing at the base of a mountain, thinking, “Maybe I’ll just live here now.”
Lack of Motivation
Let’s face it—some tasks are just boring. No one’s writing odes to doing their taxes or scrubbing the grout in their bathroom.

Now that we’ve called out these sneaky saboteurs, let’s get to work fixing them.

8 Exercises to Crush Procrastination

There are so many procrastination gremlins and they each have their hook in us. So to help you untangle yourself from these sticky habits, here are 8 hacks that help move byeond this habit.

1. The “Just Five Minutes” Trick

Procrastination thrives on inertia. It whispers, “You can’t do this; it’s too big, too hard, too time-consuming.” So, trick your brain into starting.

How to do it: Commit to just five minutes of work. Set a timer, and say, “I’ll stop after five minutes if I want to.”
Why it works: Starting is often the hardest part. Once you’ve begun, you’re more likely to keep going because your brain loves momentum.

2. Make Friends With a Timer (Pomodoro Method)

The Pomodoro Method is a procrastinator’s best friend. Work doesn’t feel so daunting when you chunk it into manageable sprints.

How to do it: Set a timer for 25 minutes of focused work, followed by a five-minute break. After four cycles, take a longer break.
Why it works: This technique creates a sense of urgency while giving you permission to rest, preventing burnout and boredom.

3. The “Worst-First” Rule

You know that one task you’re avoiding? The one lurking at the back of your mind, muttering, “You’ll never escape me”? That’s your worst-first task. Do it immediately.

How to do it: Start your day by tackling the most dreaded item on your to-do list.
Why it works: Once it’s done, you’ll feel lighter, and everything else will seem easier. Plus, you’ll spend less energy dreading it all day.

4. Create a Reward System

Let’s be real—sometimes we all need a little bribe to get stuff done.

How to do it: Set small rewards for completing tasks. For example, “If I write 500 words, I’ll treat myself to an episode of my favorite show.”
Why it works: Your brain craves dopamine, and rewards trigger that feel-good chemical, making productivity feel satisfying instead of draining.

Fear sits in the space before action. Here it is best to follow this mantra: Don't think. Just do. Face the fear, jump into action, and you will no longer be procrastinating.

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5. Change Your Environment

Sometimes, it’s not you—it’s where you’re trying to work. That comfy couch with snacks and Netflix? Yeah, that’s procrastination HQ.

How to do it: Set up a dedicated workspace with minimal distractions. Bonus points for a desk by a window or one with motivational decor.
Why it works: A change in scenery can signal to your brain, “Okay, it’s go-time.”

6. Use Public Accountability

Nothing motivates like the fear of looking bad in front of others.

How to do it: Share your goals with a friend, family member, or social media. For extra pressure, attach a consequence, like donating to a charity you dislike if you don’t follow through.
Why it works: Accountability adds stakes, which procrastination hates.

7. Write a Love-Hate Letter to Your Task

Feeling resistance toward a task? Make it fun by channeling your inner drama queen.

How to do it: Write a letter to the task you’re avoiding. (“Dear Laundry, you’ve been piling up for weeks, and frankly, it’s getting toxic. I’m tired of seeing you everywhere.”)
Why it works: Humor reduces tension, and writing out your feelings can help you approach the task with less emotional baggage.

8. Visualize Future You

What’s better than imagining a version of yourself who’s totally on top of their life?

How to do it: Close your eyes and picture how great it will feel to have the task completed. Then, imagine how stressed you’ll be if you don’t do it.
Why it works: This exercise activates your emotional motivation, reminding you why the work is worth it.

Bonus Tip: Forgive Yourself for Procrastinating

Here’s a plot twist—beating yourself up over procrastination doesn’t help. In fact, it just makes you feel worse and less likely to start. Instead, practice self-compassion.

Remind yourself that everyone procrastinates sometimes, and the important thing is to begin again, even if it’s not perfect.

Procrastination Isn’t Forever

Think of procrastination like an overenthusiastic dog. It’s annoying, it gets in the way, and it doesn’t seem to leave. But with patience, consistency, and a little humor, you can train it to stay off your productivity lawn.

Now, if you’ve made it to the end of this article instead of putting off reading it, congratulations! That’s step one. Now set that timer, grab your to-do list, and show procrastination who’s boss. Or, you know, alphabetize your spice rack first—whatever works. But whatever option you choose, remember: be kind to yourself and those around you!