Do It For Future You

Sometimes it's takes an extra little push to do certain tasks. But chances are that you can often push things off a little later and you may do that till it's too late and can't delay doing it any further. Examples including grocery shopping, doing errands for people, or things that you put off so that you can go to sleep but you'll have to do in the morning.

So what do I do to motivate myself to do it earlier?

It's simple. I do it for future me. It may sound narcissistic but it's worth acquiring similar feelings to when you find money in pants you just put on. Why not do it earlier while you have the time or when there is no stress/hassle? While it's nice to have free time, I rather accomplish it under straightforward conditions than being rushed or having to do it when it's more difficult. Future you will appreciate that too. 

Using the grocery shopping example, I push myself to go during the late night/early morning hours so I can avoid the busy hours, particularly weekend afternoons; there's a strange comfort to late night shopping as well. Often, you save time by doing tasks when it's less crowded or less transportation traffic and actually acquire more free time than you would have by delaying as much as possible.

And if you're getting tasks done for others, I'm sure you and the recipient will appreciate it getting done in advance. I have been praised for my dependability and promptness. I credit it to doing tasks as expeditiously as I can; it often leaves time for unexpected obstacles (which almost always occurs). 

With things completed, you can enjoy your life without worry. Hakuna Matata!