First, you need to make a list of the costs associated with the unfinished task. For instance, if you are deciding whether you should complete a home remodel, figure out the exact amount of cash needed to do so. You might include supplies, labor, and the cost of renting another home while the work is done. Then, you will write out the benefits of the project. These might include “increasing your home’s value” and “having more space for entertaining guests. ” If you can, try to determine the value of these benefits. For instance, how much would your home’s value go up with a remodel? Finally, you will need to compare the two costs to determine if the project is worth it to you. If your home remodel would cost $30,000, but it would only raise the value of your home by $20,000, you need to figure out if the excess cost is worth it to you in having more space, having updated appliances, etc. [1] X Research source
Letting go may be difficult, so you’ll need to be honest with yourself about what you’ll realistically finish. If you haven’t touched the project in six months or so, or haven’t thought about it—and don’t care to—then it’s probably safe to say you won’t ever complete the project, and don’t want to. [3] X Research source
For instance, if you want to finish a painting but are unsure of where to start, paint a quick scene on a separate sheet of paper for a few minutes. This may get the creative juices flowing and allow you to finish your project. [7] X Research source
For example, if you have put off finishing a paper for a class, then maybe it is because you feel like you don’t have enough to say or because the project is difficult. [9] X Expert Source Christina Stathopoulos, PCC, ACCCCertified Leadership & Life Coach Expert Interview. 15 October 2021. To tackle this project, you could meet with the teacher or professor to discuss your concerns and find a way to move forward. Or, if you have put off a project at home, such as assembling a new piece of furniture, then you might cite your reasons for putting it off as lack of time or energy. Perhaps you could set a time to assemble the furniture and ask a friend or family member to help you.
For example, if you are working on a college degree, then you could write down the reasons why completing your degree is important to you.
For instance, if your goal is to complete a certification course, you might celebrate the act of signing up and enrolling. Then, you might celebrate again after completing your first week of assignments, and so forth.
If you know that feeling overwhelmed by a big task increases the odds of you putting it off, take action to prevent this from happening. For example, you have to complete a book report and then prepare a presentation on your report. You might break the task down to make it more manageable. First, you might conduct research. Then, complete an outline, a first draft, second drafts and a final report. Then, you might take notes from your report to develop an outline for the presentation. Then, flesh out the presentation. Finally, you will want to practice it aloud and tweak it as needed.
If a friend asks you to help with a new community event, or your coworker wants your expertise on a project, decide if you truly want to participate. If not, say “I’m sorry, but I’ve got my hands in a lot of projects right now. I won’t be able to help this time. ”
A therapist can help you find the source for your procrastination and develop practical strategies for overcoming the underlying issue. Talk to your primary care doctor for a referral or research a therapist in your local area.
Knowing that you have many unfinished projects hanging over your head is often discouraging, and can prevent you from becoming motivated.
Some people may think that placing unfinished items around their home may offer a reminder to work on them. However, this often just adds to the clutter, as these matters are rarely resolved. Often, they are pushed to the side and then lost under more clutter. [17] X Research source
In addition, this stress can also impact those around you such as partners, kids, friends, and coworkers. These people may be directly affected by your procrastination, or your lack of getting things done can take away from your relationships.
