Strategies to Avoid Procrastinating When It Comes to Your Healthy Habits

Courtesy of Blue Cross® Blue Shield® of Michigan

Procrastination can be a common challenge when it comes to developing and maintaining healthy habits. However, there are several strategies you can use to overcome procrastination and stay on track with your goals. Here are some tips:

Set clear and specific goals: Define what you want to achieve with your healthy habits. Make your goals measurable and time-bound, so you have a clear target to work toward.

Break it down: Break your goals into small, manageable tasks. This helps make them less overwhelming and more achievable. Focus on completing one task at a time to maintain momentum.

Create a schedule: Establish a daily or weekly schedule that includes dedicated time for your healthy habits. Prioritize and treat these time slots as non-negotiable appointments.

Prioritize and eliminate distractions: Identify potential distractions that might hinder your progress and take steps to minimize them. This could involve turning off phone notifications, finding a quiet workspace or removing distracting apps from your home screen.

Use time management techniques: Explore different time management techniques, such as the Pomodoro Technique. Set a timer for a specific period (for example, 25 minutes) and work on your healthy habits during that time, then take a short break (5 minutes). Repeat this cycle a few times to maximize your productivity.

Find an accountability partner: Share your goals and progress with someone you trust, such as a friend, family member or mentor. Regularly updating them on your progress can help you stay motivated and accountable.

Visualize success and rewards: Imagine the positive outcomes of achieving your healthy habits and how they align with your long-term goals. Additionally, establish meaningful rewards for yourself when you reach milestones. Having something to look forward to can boost your motivation.

Practice self-compassion: Recognize that setbacks and occasional procrastination are part of the process. Instead of beating yourself up over it, practice self-compassion and remind yourself that it’s okay to make mistakes. Learn from your experiences and get back on track.

Seek support and resources: If you’re struggling to stay motivated, consider seeking support from online communities, forums or local groups focused on similar health goals. They can provide encouragement, share experiences and offer valuable advice.

Learn more about how to avoid procrastination when it comes to your healthy habits in this Blue Cross Virtual Well-Being℠ webinar. You can also sign up for future employer-focused and individual well-being webinars and meditations here, where you’ll find past webinars and meditations on demand.