Jim Kwik explains how to beat procrastination by shifting from "I have to" to "I get to," tackling your hardest task first, setting tight time limits instead of vague deadlines, and using accountability partners to follow through.
Reframe your mindset by changing I got to into I get to. I get to pick up the kids. I get to learn and read today. I get to move my body today. So for example, instead of saying I got to write this report, say I get to share my ideas. And you can see why it works. It reduces resistance. It reduces friction by shifting your focus from obligation to opportunity. And it makes tasks feel less Burdensome. Apply the Eat the Frog method. Do your most challenging or important task, your frog, first thing in the day. Why does it work? Tackling the hardest task early gives you a sense of accomplishment, a big sense of accomplishment, and frees up your mental energy for the rest of the day. Set time limits instead of deadlines. Instead of saying, I'll finish this by the end of the day, give yourself a specific block of time. Like, I'll spend 30 minutes on this task right now. Deadlines often lead to procrastination because we feel like we have plenty of time. Time limits force immediate action. Constraints, having a constraint forces commitment, creativity, it forces concentration. Create some kind of accountability. If you're really struggling with procrastination, maybe you share your goal with someone who you trust or join a group. Where you can be held accountable. There are tools online that could help you with regular check-ins. External accountability creates social pressure and motivation to follow through.
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