- Escape the ‘I’ll do it later’ trap
Be mindful when you catch yourself saying those words. Learn to recognize it immediately. Additionally, limit distractions or sources of resistance by building routines that support your good habits. For example, one thing that works for me is placing my journal and pen on my pillow so I remember to journal before bed.
- Gamify your tasks
Stop treating your tasks like chores and start seeing them as side quests. Gamifying your tasks makes them feel less daunting and a lot more fun to complete. Don’t feel like studying? Imagine you’re the last person on earth with access to this information and it’s your job to memorize it so you can pass it on to future generations.
- Pair your tasks with a treat (my favourites are the sweet kind)
Include something whimsical with typically monotonous tasks. For example, listen to your lecture or have ChatGPT read your notes while you doodle (the key here is not to tune it out while you’re doing the other task). Grouping your tasks can help your brain start to associate positive things with otherwise boring tasks.
- Use the “2-Minute Rule”[1]
We all love making lists, don’t we? Now, look at your list: for every task that will take 2 minutes to do, set a timer and do it right away.
- Break down big tasks
And what about the bigger tasks that take more time and energy? Simple – start breaking them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes them feel less daunting and helps you overcome that all-too- familiar thought ‘where do I even start?’.
- Stare at a wall for 5 minutes
Before starting a new task, the idea is to make yourself so bored that you actually want to do the task. Obviously if you’ve been doomscrolling, you’re less inclined to tackle a delayed gratification task when instant gratification is right in your hands. Staring at a wall for 5 minutes and trying to think about absolutely nothing can make you so bored that you end up wanting to do the task.
- Think of all the different ways you can complete a task
For example, if your goal is to exercise, that can feel too broad. Give yourself options: dance in your room to Michael Jackson for 30 minutes, go for a walk in the park, try Brazilian jiu jitsu. Make it exciting!
- HIDE YOUR PHONE
Unfortunately, our parents were right – it is the damn phones. Help yourself out by putting it all the way across your apartment. Or even give it to a friend and tell them that under no circumstances can you have it back until you finished the task at hand (make an exception for if you get a call from your parents though).
- Let go of perfectionism
Sometimes all you need is to get the task done. Whether you do it well or just averagely is not important. That essay that you’ve been putting off cause you’re waiting for the perfect moment? Just put the general idea on the page! It’s better to pass than to be stressing two minutes before the deadline because you haven’t perfectly placed every punctuation mark.
- Finally, pair your self-discipline with self-compassion
You don’t need to bully yourself. Needing breaks is not laziness – its proof of your humanity. You are not a machine. You don’t need to work 24/7 like one. And even machines need oil changes and repairs.
So these are my tips – do with them what you want. And now that you’re still here, I just have one final question: were you reading this as a form of procrastination? No judgement, I was writing this knowing I have a million other things to do.