Do You Procrastinate?

Do you ever find yourself procrastinating?

Maybe you’ve got a funny story or two about the creative ways you’ve avoided getting something done?

Let’s face it - every single one of us procrastinates at some point. It’s just part of being human!

At university I used to tidy my room or go to the cinema rather than study!

As we work towards our health and nutrition goals, procrastination can often stand in the way. Whether it’s planning healthy meals, getting out for that morning walk, or tackling a fitness goal, we sometimes find ourselves putting things off.

But why do we do this, and how can we break the cycle?

Why We Procrastinate

Procrastination usually comes down to avoiding discomfort, whether it’s the physical effort, a feeling of boredom, or a fear that we might struggle with the task.

For example, do you often find yourself procrastinating on meal prep, especially on busy days?

You keep putting it off until the very last minute, only to end up feeling rushed, stressed, and reaching for less healthy options.

The Key to Ending Procrastination: Shift the Pain Point

Here’s the trick: We tend to procrastinate until the pain of not doing something outweighs the discomfort of actually doing it.

Think about a time you crammed for an exam or rushed through an overdue task. The urgency pushes us to act because the consequences of delay finally feel more uncomfortable than the task itself.

So, how can you use this in your own life to tackle those health and wellness goals you’ve been putting off?

Practical Tips to Stop Procrastination and Get on Track

Here are a few ideas to help make that “pain point” work for you, so you can get things done without the last-minute rush:

1. Keep the Benefits Top of Mind – Focus on how you’ll feel after completing the task. Picture yourself feeling energised after a workout or proud of a healthy meal plan for the week.

2. Set Up Accountability – Make a commitment to someone else. This can be as simple as arranging to meet a friend for a walk or having a family member check in on your progress. Knowing someone else is counting on you can be a powerful motivator.

3. Create Consequences for Delay – Try adding a small consequence if you delay too long. For example, for every day you put off meal planning, you might donate a small amount to a cause you’re less enthusiastic about. This creates a gentle “push” to follow through!

4. Remember the Last Time You Felt Stressed by Procrastination – Think back to a time you waited too long and ended up overwhelmed. Use that memory to motivate yourself to take action sooner this time.

5. Use False Deadlines – Set your own earlier deadline or put reminders in your calendar ahead of the actual due date. A little self-imposed pressure can be just enough to get you moving.

6. Celebrate Small Wins – Once you start a task, it’s often much easier than expected. And the feeling of accomplishment can be incredibly rewarding! Remind yourself of the satisfaction of getting something done early and use that as motivation.

Overcoming procrastination isn’t just about getting things done - it’s about freeing up mental energy so you can focus on the things that matter to you most, like feeling your best and reaching your wellness goals.

Here’s to less procrastination, more balance, and a healthier, happier you!