How to Stop Procrastinating – The 15 Minute Method

It is so easy and simple to procrastinate. It is an easy way to avoid doing things.

Procrastination and putting off tasks that we don’t feel like doing do not require any effort.

In time, this behavior becomes a habit if we put off doing things.

Is it possible to break the habit of procrastination? Yes, it is possible, but it requires some effort on your part.

Why People Procrastinate and Avoid Taking Action?

There are several reasons why we put off and delay doing things:

1. When we have a certain task, we might not know how to start doing it.
2. A task or a situation we face might be too complicated, big, or intimidating.
3. We might not have the necessary knowledge and information for the task.
4. We don’t like the task or work we must do.
5. Lack of the energy and the patience for the task.
6. Preoccupation with other matters.
7. We want to avoid certain people.
8. We find other things more interesting to do.

These are some of the reasons why we put off and avoid certain things that we need to do or are important to do. This applies to small everyday matters and big and important matters.

Continuously procrastinating can severely affect your future, work, and relationships.

This means that it is essential for everyone to learn to stop procrastinating.

How to Stop Procrastinating

There are various ways to tackle the problem of procrastination. One of my favorite techniques is to practice willpower and self-discipline exercises.

I have written many articles about this topic, and also a book titled, ‘Build up Strong Willpower and Self Discipline’, which helps building inner strength, willpower, and self-discipline, so necessary to combat and stop procrastination.

Willpower and self-discipline would enable you not only to overcome procrastination but also to overcome laziness and other harmful habits, as well as to become more assertive and confident.

Some people have problems starting on tasks, not sure where to begin, especially when the task is too big.

Others, have a lot of trouble tackling uncomfortable situations and, therefore, put it off.

Willpower and self-discipline are most helpful in these cases.

The 15 Minutes Method

Another method you might have read about elsewhere is ‘The 15 Minute Method’. It is a simple and powerful method to help you get started on different activities in case you constantly put off doing things.

The 15-minutes method is a good solution to the problem of procrastination.

Here is how the 15 minutes method works:

1. All you need to do is to promise yourself to work on a task for 15 minutes, no longer.
2. Once you have devoted those 15 minutes, you can take a break or do something you enjoy doing.
3. You need to be completely focused on your task during those 15 minutes. Don’t do anything else, and don’t let anything distract your attention.
4. Set a timer for 15 minutes and take a few deep breaths.
5. To make it even easier, clear your mind of other tasks and forget them during these 15 minutes./li>

As you can see, this is an easy way to break procrastination. You just have to work for 15 minutes; therefore, big tasks no longer seem formidable and intimidating.

You know you will work on this task for just 15 minutes, which makes you feel more at ease. This helps you get rid of the reasons for procrastinating.

You can use this method when studying, reading, cleaning the house, cupboard, or basement. You can use it when you mow the grass, clean your yard, cook, and do a lot of other tasks, big or small.

When you learn how to stop procrastination and use this knowledge in your everyday life, you will become stronger, more powerful, and in control of your time and life.

Quotes to Help You Overcome Procrastination

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work.”
– Stephen King

“Don’t wait. The time will never be just right.”
– Napoleon Hill

“To think too long about doing a thing often becomes its undoing.”
– Eva Young

“The habit of always putting off an experience until you can afford it, or until the time is right, or until you know how to do it is one of the greatest burglars of joy. Be deliberate, but once you’ve made up your mind -jump in.”
-Charles R. Swindoll