Procrastination has become an unwelcome guest, subtly maneuvering its way into our schedules and sabotaging our best intentions. We all know the feeling: that looming task, the unfinished project, the nagging voice in our heads reminding us of what we should be doing but just can't seem to bring ourselves to do.

The origin of the term "round tuit" is unknown but there are early references to a souvenir shop at the 1964 World's Fair that sold tokens with the phrase "I'll do it when I get a round tuit." You can also find tokens that include a poem that goes something like this:

This is a Round Tuit. Guard it with your life! Tuits are hard to come by, especially the round ones. Now you can accomplish all those things you have been meaning to do, waiting until you got a Round Tuit.

This fun expression captures the essence of procrastination, highlighting our tendency to put things off until an unspecified, imaginary time when we'll magically have the motivation and energy to tackle them.

But procrastination isn't just a harmless whim; it can have serious consequences, leading to stress, missed deadlines, and a general sense of overwhelm. So, how can you break free from the clutches of procrastination? Consider these seven suggestions:

Identify Your Procrastination Triggers. What triggers procrastination for you? Are you a perfectionist who fears failure? Do you get overwhelmed by large tasks? Do you find yourself easily distracted by excessive social media, email, or time wasters? Once you know your triggers, you can develop strategies to avoid or manage them.
Break Down Tasks into Smaller Steps. Large, daunting tasks or projects can easily lead to procrastination. The key is to break them down into smaller, more manageable steps. This makes the task less intimidating and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each step.
Set Realistic Deadlines and Rewards. Setting realistic deadlines for yourself can help you stay on track. But don't forget to reward yourself for completing tasks, especially challenging ones. Positive reinforcement can be a powerful motivator.
Create a Distraction-Free Environment. Turn off your phone notifications, close unnecessary browser tabs, and find a quiet space to work. Eliminating distractions can help you focus and get things done more efficiently.
Prioritize What is Important. Identify the most critical tasks and prioritize them. Tackling high-priority items first provides a sense of accomplishment and motivation. Remember, if you “eat the frog” first thing in the morning, it is downhill from there.
Get an Accountability Partner. Share your goals with someone you trust, creating a sense of accountability. Having someone to check in with can motivate you to stay on track.
Practice Self-Compassion. Procrastination is a common human experience. Don't beat yourself up if you slip up from time to time. Instead, practice self-compassion and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow.

Remember, overcoming procrastination is a journey, not a destination. There will be ups and downs along the way. But with perseverance and the right strategies, you can conquer procrastination and become more productive at work and in life.

Now that you have a “Round Tuit,” you have no more excuses for putting things off!