Millions of people are well-acquainted with procrastination. They are so used to putting off their most important tasks, that they don’t even realise how it hinders them from maximising their potential and achieving the greatness they are capable of. Ultimately, procrastination prevents them from getting a taste of success.

How about you? Are you focused on getting tasks done, or are you easily swayed by distractions? If you are unable to pursue your goals, there are some steps you can take to better manage your time.

First, you have to recognize the hold procrastination has on you. Do you often find yourself doing low-priority tasks ahead of more important ones? Do you allow yourself to get easily distracted? Do you always wait for the “right time” to get started on important tasks?

Pinpoint the reason behind your procrastination. Some people procrastinate because they find the task at hand off-putting or boring, while others simply can’t manage their time properly. There are also those who lack decision-making skills and would rather avoid taking action than risk failing.

Some tasks can seem so overwhelming that even the most qualified people prefer to delay it only to end up realising that they had the necessary resources and skills all along. Needless to say, it’s always best to face all tasks head-on. Never put off tasks that are well within your capabilities.

Create a strategy. Breaking the habit of procrastination takes time. It requires patience, persistence, and a positive attitude. Keep in mind that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to this – it all depends entirely on you. You can keep a to-do list; create your own rewards; draw inspiration from the people around you, and be motivated by the rewards guaranteed by your tasks.

Use your imagination and envision a life where procrastination is nonexistent. Doesn’t that feel good? Tap into that feeling and let it motivate you to do what you must without wasting time. Never set yourself up for failure. The sooner you stop procrastinating, the greater your chances are of breaking this habit.