20 Ways to Beat Procrastination and Get Things Done

That thing you’re supposed to be doing? Let's talk about it.

I know that feeling all too well. The one where a task hangs over your head like a dark cloud, zapping your energy and making you feel guilty. You know you should do it, but you just… can’t. So you scroll on your phone, find a snack, or promise yourself you’ll start in five more minutes.

For years, I was the king of procrastination. I’d lose entire days to video games, binge eat to avoid my responsibilities, and tell myself I’d start tomorrow. "Tomorrow" was always my favorite day. It took losing over 110 pounds and completely rebuilding my life to understand that getting things done isn’t about some secret magic trick. It's about having a toolbox of simple strategies.

Procrastination isn’t a character flaw. It’s a habit. And like any habit, it can be broken. Here are 20 practical ways that helped me get unstuck and can help you too.

20 Ways to Get It Done

Use the 2-Minute Rule. If a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. Answering that email, putting a dish in the dishwasher, or taking out the trash. These small actions build momentum.
Break It Down. A huge project like “clean the garage” is overwhelming. But “throw away old newspapers” is manageable. Break massive tasks into tiny, concrete steps. Your brain can handle one small step.
Eat the Frog. Do your most dreaded task first thing in the morning. Get it over with. The rest of your day will feel lighter and more productive.
Work in Short Bursts. Forget the 8-hour grind. I found my sweet spot is 2–4 hours of focused work a day. I treat this time like an important meeting. Phone off. No distractions. You’d be amazed at what you can accomplish in two focused hours versus eight distracted ones.
Remove Distractions. Your phone is your biggest enemy here. Put it in another room or turn it completely off when you need to focus. Close unnecessary browser tabs. Create a clear space for a clear mind.
Prepare the Night Before. Set out your work clothes. Pack your gym bag. Make a simple plan for the next day. This removes the morning guesswork and makes it easier to get started.
Forgive Yourself. Did you procrastinate yesterday? Okay. It happened. Beating yourself up about it only drains your energy for today. Forgive yourself and focus on the present moment. Today is a new start.
Just Start. For Five Minutes. Tell yourself you only have to work on the task for five minutes. Anyone can do something for five minutes. What usually happens is you get into a flow and keep going. The hardest part is starting.
Celebrate Small Wins. This was crucial when I was losing weight. I didn’t just celebrate losing 100 pounds. I celebrated losing the first pound. I celebrated choosing a healthy meal. Acknowledge your small victories. It tells your brain you’re on the right track.
Find an Accountability Partner. Tell a trusted friend or family member what you plan to do. Ask them to check in with you. Just knowing someone else is aware of your goal can be a powerful motivator.
Use a “Done” List. At the end of the day, instead of staring at an endless to-do list, write down everything you did accomplish. It’s a great way to see your progress and end the day on a positive note.
Set a Timer. Work for 25 minutes then take a 5-minute break. This makes work feel less like a marathon and more like a series of short sprints. You can do anything for 25 minutes.
Understand Your “Why.” Why are you procrastinating on this specific task? Are you scared of failing? Is it boring? Is it unclear? Identifying the root cause helps you find the right solution.
Get Proper Sleep. You can't fight procrastination when you're exhausted. Your brain needs rest to have good focus and self-control. Prioritize sleep. It’s not lazy; it’s strategic.
Move Your Body. Feeling stuck? Go for a brisk 10-minute walk. Do some push-ups. Physical movement gets your blood flowing and can instantly clear your head and boost your mood.
Fuel Your Body Right. When I was binge eating, my energy levels were all over the place. Now I know that junk food leads to a sluggish mind. Eat real food. It gives you the steady energy you need to tackle your day.
Designate a Work Zone. Have a specific place where you only do work. It could be a desk or even just a corner of your kitchen table. When you’re there, your brain knows it's time to focus.
Take Real Breaks. Scrolling on social media isn't a real break. It just clutters your mind. A real break is stepping away from all screens. Look out a window. Stretch. Talk to someone. Let your brain truly rest.
Practice Daily Gratitude. Every morning or evening, I take a moment to thank God for three specific things. This simple act shifts my focus from what’s stressful or lacking to what’s good in my life. A grateful heart is a motivated heart.
Connect to Your Purpose. Tasks feel pointless when they aren’t connected to something bigger. For me, this means strengthening my relationship with God and trying to live a life that honors Him. Knowing I'm working for something bigger than myself gives meaning to even the most boring tasks. Find your greater purpose. It will pull you forward when your motivation fades.