Before exploring ways to overcome procrastination, we should first understand what exactly is this phenomena and why do we find ourselves in this situation every time.

Procrastination is mostly known as the act of putting off our work on purpose or not feeling like doing it. I’d describe it as a kind of mindset that’s set up in a certain way, making it easier to procrastinate. That’s why it’s important to figure out why you procrastinate so you can handle it better.

You can try to convince your brain thousands of times not to procrastinate, but if it’s deeply ingrained in your subconscious, you’ll end up procrastinating more often than you anticipate.
Current scientific understanding suggests that 95% of our brain activity is unconscious. This is why reprogramming our subconscious mind, the unconscious part, is essential for making life changes. However, it’s important to note that this is not an easy task, as our subconscious mind has been programmed with everything we’ve learned and done from childhood until now.

So, trying to overcome procrastination means attempting to reprogram the way the brain functions. The only time you will procrastinate less or not at all is when you unconsciously go and do the work without having to convince yourself to do it. I am going to discuss a few ways on how this is possible while trying to make it as short and direct as possible.

1. Don’t think or make the task boring
   
   Trust me, the only time you would want to procrastinate is when you find a task boring. Who wants to do something boring anyway? I suppose that’s why we are advised to pursue things we love in life. This brings to mind what the philosopher Alan Watts once said: “You’re supposed to work in order to earn enough money, to give you sufficient leisure time for something entirely different called “having fun,” or “play.” And this is the most ridiculous division of things, because everything that we do—however tough it is, however strenuous—can be turned into the same kind of play”. So, if you have to wash the dishes, try doing it while dancing. You need to make your brain understand that this is something you enjoy, just like leisure time, and it should give you enough dopamine.
   
2. Discipline > motivation
   
   Well, discipline and motivation are equally important to get work done because without motivation, you won’t even feel like pursuing something. However, you can be very motivated in the early stages, but once it starts to fade, you have to rely on discipline to keep going. Discipline helps us to keep going when motivation is low. Just like practice makes perfect, discipline aids this process. If you are disciplined enough to keep doing something continuously, also known as consistency, your mind will grasp it, and you will find yourself unconsciously performing the tasks since you’ve programmed your mind in that way.
   
3. Small steps
   
   Take it step by step instead of attempting a massive climb and break a limb. Continuous small steps will propel you further than occasional bursts of motivation, where we attempt to accomplish all tasks in one go.
   
4. Listen to lofi music
   
   Lofi music has a history of helping people relax and focus on work or studies better. Since the music is known for its low-quality audio, background noises, and stripped-back production, it evokes a positive feeling of calmness and relaxation. When your mind is relaxed, it aids in focusing more.
   
5. Focus
   
   Work for 2-3 hours and be extremely focused on what you’re doing. If you are not living in the present, and if your mind is not fully engaged in the task at hand, you will be easily distracted, and that’s when you will feel the urge to stop working. The only way to overcome this is by being fully in the moment and dedicating 100% of your attention to the tasks. Put your body, mind, soul, and spirit into what you’re doing, and observe how beautifully the work turns out, along with the satisfaction and happiness you’ll feel once you achieve your goal.
   
6. Put away distractions
   
   I’m sure you are not new to this theory. Distractions indeed hinder our focus and productivity. Turn off your notifications, stay away from any sort of distraction, and watch how your productivity skyrockets.
   
7. Spirituality
   
   Since you have to reprogram your subconscious mind, meditation is a good way to start. This is where your brain enters Alpha mode/waves, allowing access to the unconscious part of the brain when you are very relaxed. Begin by visualizing what you want to leave behind and what you aspire to become, making your brain familiar with these thoughts. Trust me, it works!

I think timing also matters a lot. Observe the time when you feel more active and alive, then try to work at that time. It’s similar to your sleep schedule. If you are not an early bird but are trying to become one by waking up at 6 am every day, you might feel very sleepy since you are attempting to break a habit. Your brain is not accustomed to this pattern, so it will do everything to revert to the old habits. Nevertheless, you must persist and make it understand that “hey, this is the new me.” It’s similar to not letting your thoughts control you but rather observing them. The same theory applies to productivity. If you focus and work between 9 am – 12 pm, your brain’s activity is likely to be higher during that period.

“Turtle: slow and steady wins the race”