Killing Procrastination and Finding your Why: Practical Approach

December 5, 2021

Procrastination is the main cause or barrier blocking you and your mind for doing tasks, making correct decisions and living the wonderful dreamt life you've always dreamt of. Due to it, one is always stuck between things he/she should do and want to do. Understanding procrastination is the first step towards getting over it.

What is Procrastination?

Putting off or postponing tasks with delayed gratification because we are addicted to tasks with instant gratification.

Delayed gratification refers to the ability to put off something mildly fun or pleasurable now, in order to gain something that is more fun, pleasurable, or rewarding later. In short the tasks which we do today but we get pleasure later.

Here's the list of tasks which reward us delayed gratification:

Studying for exam.
Getting fit by going to GYM.
Practicing intermittent fasting and so on.

Instant gratification is a strong urge to fulfill a desire instantaneously.. In short the tasks which we do now and get the pleasure now.

Here's the list of tasks which reward us instant gratification:

Playing a game.
Eating tasty but unhealthy snacks.
Turning off or pressing snooze button of the alarm to sleep more.

How to Kill Procrastination?

Now that it is understood what is Procrastination, lets see how can we kill it.

Killing procrastination is like getting a haircut:

It seems to be the way of life until you decide to do something about it.
It seems to be difficult, even dangerous but is actually painless.
You need expert help to get it done.
Both when done makes you feel good about yourself.

Below are the steps to remove procrastination for good.

1. Understanding the hard truth

Nobody cares who you are!
STOP Blaming or Being A Victim (Like I was)
The world only responds to your action or what you produce
You Are What You DO!

2. Realize Your Value

The ODDS of being A Human being are 400 Trillion to 1.
There are 7 Billion Human Beings - You are already at the top because of all you have!
You are a fantastic, precious creation of nature
YOUR Life is Legendary?
YOU deserve to Live Your Dream Life - Don't waste a second!
Think what do Mukesh Ambani, Bill Gates, and You have in common?

3. Find Your WHY

Find the reason You want to LIVE YOUR DREAM LIFE.
To give your loved ones the time, the gifts, the environment, the pampering they deserve?
To give back to this fantastic world in any form?
To be remembered as a Legend in your field?
WHAT IS YOUR LIFE'S MISSION?
You should write: "I want to Live My Dream Life Because…….."

4. Remove the 2 Hurdles

Instant Gratification Activities (Dopamine Detox)
Your 1 Toxic Habit (Use I.E.R)

1st Hurdle: Instant Gratification Activities (Dopamine Detox)

Block ALL Notifications in your phone.
Go to Settings -> Notifications
Turn notifications off for ALL Apps
This includes YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Amazon, Flipkart, Myntra, & ALL News apps etc.
Such a Simple Step can itself show immediate benefits.
Digital Detox - For the next 24 Hours - No Videos of any Kind, No Social Media, No Video Games, no songs.
You can only read, write, talk, walk, eat simple food.

2nd Hurdle: Your 1 Toxic Habit (Use I.E.R)

I for identify: What is the one unproductive habit that takes up all your spare time?
E for Eliminate: Remove it from the root. Never do it again.
R for Replace: With 1 productive habit which contributes to your long-term growth. Make it easily accessible. Productive habits can be anything reading, writing, training or being with family.
1 toxic habit wastes 80-90% of your time. Implementing this TODAY will dramatically transform you day.

5. Take Action NOW.

STEP 1: Write Down " I need to Live My Dream Life because..."
STEP 2: Block ALL app notifications & go on a Digital Detox for 24 hours.
STEP 3: Identify, Eliminate and Replace your one TOXIC HABIT.

I recommend to use the following worksheet to remove procrastination for good.

Digital worksheet for killing procrastination and finding your WHY.