From Procrastination to Productivity: 5 Simple Strategies That Work

Tags: Overcoming Procrastination,
Productivity Tips, Time Management
Get Things Done, Procrastination Strategies

Procrastination doesn’t have to define you. It’s not about eliminating it entirely but finding strategies that work for you.

Hi, I’m a recovering procrastinator.  Procrastination has been a constant companion throughout my life. 

The first time it became glaringly obvious was in high school when I was asked to trade short-term rewards (e.g., playing 4-aside footy with mates) for long-term gains (e.g., working on the assignment due in two weeks). 

Let’s just say that if I’d taken part in the famous marshmallow experiment, I wouldn’t have lasted long enough to earn the second marshmallow. Delayed gratification? Not exactly my forte.[1]

In adulthood, I realised I procrastinated on tasks I found tedious, difficult, or pointless (at least from my perspective—my bosses probably disagreed). Over time, I developed strategies to combat my procrastination. I’m not a poster child for flawless productivity, but I’ve made significant progress.

Here’s what worked for me:

1. Awareness and Acceptance 

For years, I denied my procrastination problem, blaming “tight deadlines” or convincing myself I worked best under pressure. Truthfully, I wasn’t delivering my best work—I was scrambling. The first step was admitting I had a problem and accepting that my professional credibility was at risk.

Procrastination isn’t a moral failing; it’s a habit. Recognising it as such allowed me to approach it with curiosity rather than judgment.

2. Embracing a Growth Mindset

Thankfully, I’ve always leaned toward what Carol Dweck calls a growth mindset—the belief that abilities can be developed through effort and learning. If others could overcome procrastination, so could I. I didn’t know how to overcome it yet, but I believed I could figure it out.[2]

Part of the challenge was building a tolerance for discomfort and resisting activities that brought instant gratification. I had to accept that being uncomfortable was part of the process—normal, not a signal to stop.

 3. Trial and Error: Finding What Works

Joseph Grenny’s book Change Anything encourages readers to think like scientists—experimenting with strategies to find what works for you. 

Here’s what I discovered:

Prioritised ‘To-Do’ Lists

It was nothing groundbreaking, but I learned that (a) making lists daily, (b) prioritising tasks, and (c) using pen and paper worked for me. While digital tools are efficient, they didn’t stick. Pen and paper? Game changer.

“Just Start It” For tough tasks, I embraced a “Just Start It” mantra. My hack? Schedule 30 minutes to work on the task—no more, no less. If I didn’t want to work on it, I couldn’t work on anything else. At first, I’d sit there stubbornly, but within five minutes, I’d start. By the 30-minute mark, I was making progress. Starting was the hardest part—this strategy broke the cycle.

Boundary Setting

Ironically, setting boundaries on my work hours made me more productive. Knowing I couldn’t push tasks to a Sunday or an evening forced me to focus on what mattered most. These boundaries were mental constructs, but they worked.

Thoughts Are Just Thoughts

Negative thoughts about tasks still pop up, but I’ve learned to acknowledge them without letting them dictate my actions. Inspired by Dr. Russ Harris’s work, I remind myself, “Thoughts are just thoughts,” and get started anyway. Once I begin, the negative feelings often dissipate—and I wonder why I delayed in the first place.

Conclusion: Progress, Not Perfection

Procrastination doesn’t have to define you. It’s not about eliminating it entirely but finding strategies that work for you. For me, it’s a mix of awareness, experimentation, and embracing the discomfort of growth. 

The next time you catch yourself putting something off, try one of these strategies—or create your own experiment. Who knows? You might just surprise yourself.

(P.S. Ready to take that first step? Go for it—your future self will thank you!)

[1] The marshmallow experiment tested kids’ ability to delay gratification. Watch a hilarious YouTube clip for a closer look.)

[2] Want to learn more about the growth mindset? Watch Carol Dweck’s Ted Talk.