How Mark Twain beat procrastination

Most of us struggle with overcoming procrastination. The primary reason we procrastinate is that the task in question may be scary, overwhelming, and just...unspecific. Basically—we don't know where to start!

Therefore, the key is to remove the complexity.

As said by Mark Twain, "The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks and starting on the first one."

So, there we have it. First, break down complicated tasks into simple, specific, and actionable ones. Then, get started on the first task. Then? Onto the next!

For example, let's say you need to study for an exam. That seems overwhelming. Let's make it easier by breaking it down into small, daily tasks:

• Your first task could be to look at the number of chapters and create a study timetable.
• Next, your task could be to study chapter 1 for 2 hours.
• The next day, study chapter 2.
• And so on! Focus on specific actions you can take each day, and before you know it, you'll be ready for the exam.

That's how you overcome procrastination. There's nothing glamorous about it. Break down big overwhelming tasks into actionable tasks. And then do those small things daily.

Ask an item of action from this article—your task is to break down one of the things you've been procrastinating. And then to do it!