This is for all deadline junkies

Pinnacle of procrastination: I'm scrubbing the toilet. On my knees, yes, with an old dish brush. You won't get more glamorous than this. Goodness, here we go again: I have a deadline.

While some people have their shit together, others are more of the last-minute production types. I can only perform when the kettle starts whistling. I make promises to myself but then don't keep them. Go on a diet and three weeks later burn my mouth again on a cheese soufflé string. I say I'm going to start on time, but then end up working two nights in a row with bloodshot eyes. Recognizable? Are you also the ‘slacker’ in the family who is always last? The one everyone has to wait for? Why do we procrastinate on difficult things? And how on earth do you get rid of it?

I start googling and wow, it turns out I'm not the only one. Procrastination is a big problem that many people face. Countless studies, you can even read books about it. The biggest stress factor seems to lie in the ‘frustration‘. You say you're going to do something, don't follow through, and then feel downright awful. Cross it off your list immediately? No, girlfriend, even the DISHES seem more interesting at that moment.

Believe me, you can have the most beautiful Getting Things Done system ; if you suffer from procrastination, no task system can save you. It's a complex issue. To tackle procrastination, you need to be aware of where it comes from and what you can do about it. Does that mean you and I are totally lost? Fortunately not. Four tips to kick ourselves into gear. Here they come:

Make a deal with yourself that despite hating the task, you'll do it for twenty minutes

Set a timer if necessary. Usually, it motivates you to keep working even after the timer goes off, because once you start, you won't stop so quickly.

Get out the door and find a place where many people are working

For example, the library or that coffee shop. Being seriously productive is contagious. If someone is working hard, it motivates others to do the same.

Working from home? Then definitely swap those sweatpants for normal clothes

If you wear something that radiates laziness, you'll behave accordingly. Wear clothes that make you feel like you're going to the office, including shoes, and voilà: a different outfit leads to different behavior. .

Think about your tasks, write down the problems or make a list

Procrastination starts with ignoring the problems waiting for you. Every ‘main problem’ can be broken down into smaller, simpler tasks. This makes it easier to get started.

Good luck! I'm going to, uh, do the dishes or something.