For most people, this is how goal-setting goes down...

We get out of bed one morning and make a public proclamation to ourselves and our dog that this is going to be the week that we get things done. Even after a few trips to the gym and salads made with kale, we find ourselves putting off dealing with the problem until later, at which point we crack open another self-help book about the nefarious web of procrastination.

When we fail to achieve our objectives, what then? We feel a significant amount of regret and a sense of abandoning our initial goal.

It's done.

We could all stand to be a little more present with our friends and coworkers, get a handle on our debt, or find a life partner, but let's face it: we all have our strengths and our weaknesses.

It could be disheartening to finally get down to the business at hand after putting it off for so long. It's not pleasant. Let go of the idea that you have to be unstoppable and achieve incredible things effortlessly. No one on Facebook appears to be wasting time, is there?

Where is the drive to make a change if your objective doesn't seem genuine, as in, "If I don't accomplish this, I am doomed"?

How to Stop Procrastinating and Become More Productive

My plan to get together with several pals I hadn't seen in over a month finally came to fruition. I put things off till the last minute because of the back-and-forth texting, scheduling conflicts, and worry that the group wouldn't want to hang out.

And then, in the span of a day, I managed to organize an event, choose a date, invite pals, and pull it off. In a flash. Resolved a month's worth of postponement.

I made a promise to a friend that if we didn't set up the meetup by next week, I would contribute $10 to an anti-charity. This is what transpired afterwards.

Being afraid of anything, particularly a deadline, can help you get things done faster. Picture yourself leaving on an adventure...You depart the following morning...Eventually, those bags will be filled.

We don't always use the same strategies when we make goals.

Listen, I'm not trying to paint a positive picture of human psychology here. Negative outcomes are hardwired into our brains. Ideally, we wouldn't rely on these behavioral strategies to accomplish tasks. But why not try again and again, hoping this time it works? Remember, Einstein defined insanity as doing the same thing over and over again but expecting different results.

Creating accountability

The two most effective accountability triggers for conquering procrastination are:

Dealing with the Loss of Value: Risk losing money if you fail to achieve your objective. With anything you hold dear, this can also function. That sum, if lost, must hurt. Making this wasted cash benefit an organization whose mission you disagree with is even better. You can do this with a friend or use a website like https://www.stickk.com/ to subject your values to this specific kind of torture.

You can achieve the same results by enrolling in classes or working with a coach or personal trainer. You need to have a significant investment that would be painful to lose. You can cancel at any time if you prefer. Participate or face consequences.

Public Shame: Share your aspirations with people whose opinions matter to you; if you fall short, their expressions of disappointment will be visible.

In most cases, when these methods fail, it's because (A) you haven't staked a substantial sum of money or something else valuable, or (B) you aren't worried about disappointing the person you told about your aim or facing public shame.

To have "skin in the game" and for the hack to operate, these two things must be present. Money is required. Disgrace awaits you. However, the point remains. You can choose to be loud or quiet.

Today is the day to finally finish the thing you've been putting off. Implement at least one accountability trigger. Do it; you won't regret it.