Procrastination is the thief of time. Many of us struggle with overcoming the urge to delay important tasks, chores, and responsibilities in favor of more enjoyable activities. However, chronic procrastination can have significant negative impacts on our productivity, stress levels, and well-being. Here are six tips to help overcome procrastination and get things done.

The first step is to break down large, overwhelming tasks into smaller, more manageable steps. When a task seems insurmountable, it’s easy to put it off. But when you break it down into concrete actions, it appears much more achievable. Write down the specific steps required to complete the task and schedule them into your calendar. Crossing off each step will build momentum and motivation to keep going.

Another useful strategy is to start working, even if you don’t feel like it. Getting started is often the hardest part, so just dive in and you will usually gain momentum. Tell yourself you only have to work for 30 minutes. Once you get started, you will often find yourself working longer. But give yourself permission to stop if needed.

It also helps to minimize distractions. Turn off notifications on your devices and try to find a place to work where you won’t be interrupted. Let people around you know that you need to focus and are not available. The more focused you can be, the more productive you will be.

Try not to be a perfectionist. Don’t feel like something has to be completed perfectly for you to consider it done. Just get it done, then you can go back and make improvements if needed. Some progress is better than none. Perfectionism is a major contributor to procrastination.

Accountability and rewards are also useful tools. Tell a friend or colleague what you plan to work on and check-in with them regularly. Or schedule a reward for yourself after completing a task, like watching your favorite TV show or going out for coffee. This can give you extra motivation to follow through.

Finally, forgive yourself for procrastinating in the past and avoid negative self-talk. Beating yourself up will only make you feel worse and less motivated. Learn from your mistakes and move on with a fresh start. Overcoming procrastination is challenging, so be kind to yourself along the way. With practice and patience, you can overcome the urge to delay and become better at getting things done.