The Following was written by Diana Bamala for Wellness Plus

“Ndichazozviita Magwana “, (I Will do it later), a common phrase we use more often to get away from tough situations, avoid disappointment, so that you feel okay or sometimes not always like we deserve the break. In the last month of the year we tend to move schedules to next year as New Year’s resolutions. Have you asked yourself “What About Now”. Procrastination, the act of delaying or postponing tasks, is a widespread challenge that many of us face in our day-to-day lives. Whether it’s starting a new project, completing assignments, or tackling important goals, the tendency to put things off can hinder our productivity and prevent us from reaching our full potential. Procrastination can be really difficult to overcome, but there are some strategies that can help. 

1. Understand why you’re procrastinating- Is it because the task feels overwhelming or unpleasant? Or is it because you’re not sure where to start? Knowing the reason behind your procrastination can help you address it.  What tasks have you been procrastinating on? However, by understanding the underlying causes of procrastination and implementing effective strategies, we can break free from its grip and cultivate a more action-oriented lifestyle.

2. Create a “to-do” list and prioritize the tasks on it- That way, you can focus on the most important tasks first and feel a sense of accomplishment as you check them off. It’s also helpful to try to avoid distractions when you’re working on a task. That means putting your phone on silent and closing any other windows or apps on your computer that could take your attention away from what you’re trying to accomplish. I know social media nowadays can be addictive learn to prioritize your to do list even on social media.

3. Another tip is to set deadlines for yourself. -Giving yourself a deadline can help you stay on track and avoid putting off tasks until the last minute. It can also help to set smaller deadlines within the overall deadline. For example, if you have a project due in a month, you could set smaller deadlines for each week leading up to the overall deadline. Also remember important things first.

4. Reward yourself for completing tasks- You can do this by setting a reward for yourself after you finish a task. For example, after finishing a big or small project, you could take some time to relax or treat yourself to your favorite food or activity. This can help you stay motivated and give you something to look forward to.  Have you tried rewarding yourself for completing tasks before? Or even a pat on the back?, saying Well Done and I Love You to self.

5. SelfCare physically and mentally- Getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, and exercising regularly can all help you stay focused and motivated. Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing or meditation can help you stay calm and focused. Enjoy your schedules so make it enjoyable, I love music so I always play my to do work playlist.

Remember last but not least is the space you are in is very important to try to find a quiet, comfortable place, safe and motivating .  This can help you stay focused and minimize distractions.  If you don’t have a dedicated workspace, try to find a spot that is away from noise and other people.

The time to start is now. It’s high time we start having new year resolutions and acting on them now. Start that project now, self introspection now, that course now, staying fit now, prioritizing you now. Tomorrow is not guaranteed one famous singer Oliver Mtukudzi once sang that “Ramangwana rine zvatove”, meaning tomorrow has its own.

Key Takeaway from your Coach and Therapist

Let’s focus and work on today so that tomorrow maybe easier.