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TOM@RICHHABITS.NET
Parkinson’s Law reveals an intriguing truth: tasks tend to expand in perceived importance and complexity the longer we procrastinate.
You’ve felt this, haven’t you? You delay tackling a task, and your brain starts to nag you relentlessly. The more time passes, the heavier the weight of the task feels. Eventually, you reach a breaking point—either the internal nagging becomes unbearable or the deadline looms too close. So, you finally dive in. And once it’s done, you marvel at how straightforward it actually was, wondering why you delayed in the first place.
Procrastination is universal. Everyone does it. But there’s one strategy, when turned into a habit, that can significantly reduce procrastination—without relying on deadlines.
The #1 Strategy to Beat Procrastination
The most effective way to overcome procrastination is by taking a baby step toward the task you’ve been avoiding. Commit to just 15 minutes. This brief time frame feels so manageable that your brain won’t resist it.
Here’s why it works: that initial 15-minute commitment often leads to something remarkable—momentum. Once you start, you’ll likely find yourself immersed in the flow and may even finish the entire task. But even if you don’t, those 15 minutes create something powerful: perceived momentum.
Perceived momentum acts as a motivator, making it easier to return to the task and finish it. This strategy works nearly every time because it bypasses the mental resistance that keeps you stuck.
Why the Baby Step Strategy is So Powerful
The beauty of this approach lies in its simplicity and effectiveness. It tricks your brain into action without triggering overwhelm. Those first 15 minutes break the cycle of avoidance and provide a small yet impactful sense of accomplishment.
Procrastination thrives on delay. But with a baby step, you’re taking control—one manageable moment at a time.
Tom Corley is an accountant, financial planner, public speaker, and author of the books “Effort-Less Wealth: Smart Money Habits At Every Stage of Your Life” and “RichKids: How to Raise Our Children to Be Happy and Successful in Life“. Corley’s work has appeared on CNN, USA Today, The Huffington Post, SUCCESS Magazine, and many other media outlets and podcasts in the U.S. and 27 other countries. Tom is a frequent contributor to Business Insider and CNBC.
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