How to deal with procrastination.

Procrastination the little voice in the back of our mind that is telling you that something has to get done. That you know that you must do what is important, however, for some reason you always put it off. By either playing video games or by making up phony chores that aren't that important instead of doing what  has to get done.

Why do we do this, we tend to do this because we know that what has to get done is either unpleasant or it's gonna give us pain. So instead of doing it we go do something that will give us pleasure. Even worse we end up making excuses why we don't want to do it and do the opposite which leaves you in a worst position. Further reinforcing the habit of not getting things done.

So how do you get over procrastination? Well, first and foremost you have to realize that you are not doing it because you're lazy or undisciplined. Well, maybe a little bit because you're not disciplined, but that's not your fault  it's just a habit that was instilled by your environment on you.

Then the question is how do I break this habit?? Here are a couple of tips to getting you started: 

1. Don't beat yourself up: Before you do anything you should not beat up yourself for not doing what has to get done. The reason for this is that while you might think it helps you or it encourages you it actually has the opposite effect. So rather than put yourself down acknowledge that you have been putting the task off for whatever reason. Knowing the reason why you don't want to do a task can help you identify the why you're putting it off. Once you know then you can start working and re-framing your perspective on the issue. 
2. Put off slacking- Jocko Willink said instead of slacking or taking the day off do the thing anyway if you still don't feel like doing that thing tomorrow then take the day off. Normally, though you will end up working through it and will not need to take the day off. This will help you get things started. It's always the thought of the task rather than the task that is dreadful. Most of the time after you've started you'll tell yourself this isn't that bad and you will end up finishing the task anyway. 
3. Do it in small pieces- Tell yourself that you're only going to do a little bit of this task today. Breaking a task down into smaller tasks will change your perspective once again. This will allow you to change your perspective on the task plus it's much easier to do smaller tasks than bigger task that will take longer to do. 
4. Make it fun- If you don't find the task that you're about to do pleasurable then make it more pleasurable. Whenever you are doing a task that is enjoyable you can easily work through it since you like it. Put on some music that you like, bring someone along that will support you or help you not feel so frustrated. By incorporating fun elements into the task you don't want to accomplish it will make it more bearable to complete the task at hand.  
5. Reward Yourself- This is a great way to get yourself to do  a task. When you do something hard reward yourself. When there is a reward involved it gives you something to look forward to. Reward yourself by doing something you like, play video games afterward, buy a chocolate, drink some beer do something that you will bring you pleasure. This will rewire your brain to associate hard task with rewards just be careful to not over do it. If you give yourself a reward every time after you get something hard done you will stop appreciating it and the incentive eventually won't be enough to motivate you. Remember the biggest reward you can have is the joy of growth and progress. 

These are some of the strategies that you can use in order to get better at not procrastinating the more you do this. The more your habits of getting things done will improve. Ultimately, making you a very productive and fulfilled person.