12 Ways to Overcome Procrastination
Published: 18 September 2021 | Last Reviewed: 8 August 2025
Procrastination can quietly eat away at your productivity and increase stress. These 12 actionable strategies will help you tackle tasks more effectively and reclaim your time.
- Get started. The first step is often the hardest. Commit to starting, and build momentum over time.
- Break it down. Divide large tasks into smaller, manageable parts. Start with the easiest to build confidence.
- Use small time gaps. Five minutes can be enough to clear minor tasks off your list.
- Tackle important tasks first. Begin with the challenging work before moving on to easier routines.
- Reward yourself. Plan a small reward after completing a task, like a coffee break or short walk.
- Start in the middle. If the beginning feels overwhelming, start from a point you’re comfortable with and work outward.
- Give yourself extra time. Start your day earlier to create room for high-priority work.
- Simplify. Look for ways to make tasks easier—sometimes we overcomplicate them unnecessarily.
- Do nothing. Sit with the task for 15 minutes without working on it—boredom often pushes you into action.
- Delegate. Hand over tasks when possible to free up your time for higher priorities.
- Involve someone else. Share your goals and progress with someone who can hold you accountable.
- Protect your leisure time. Complete tasks so you can enjoy guilt-free downtime.














