How to "Gaslight" Yourself into Procrastinating to an Earlier Deadline

Uncategorized

Mar 25

Procrastination is often seen as the enemy of productivity, but what if you could harness its power to actually meet deadlines more effectively? By tricking your mind into believing that a deadline is sooner than it actually is, you can create a sense of urgency that motivates you to start earlier and work more efficiently. Here’s how you can "gaslight" yourself into procrastinating towards an earlier deadline.

1. Set a False Deadline

Choose a Believable Date: Pick a deadline that’s close enough to the real one to feel urgent, but far enough away to allow for some wiggle room. For example, if your actual deadline is September 30th, set a mental deadline of September 20th.
Mark It Everywhere: Update all your calendars, planners, and reminders with the false deadline. Make it as real as possible by removing any mention of the actual due date. This way, the fake deadline becomes the one your brain focuses on.

2. Create a Sense of Urgency

Visualize Consequences: Imagine the stress and consequences of missing the false deadline. Visualize the panic, the last-minute rush, and the potential negative outcomes. This mental exercise can make the false deadline feel more pressing.
Set Mini-Deadlines: Break down your tasks into smaller chunks, each with its own mini-deadline leading up to the fake deadline. This not only makes the work more manageable but also reinforces the urgency to complete it sooner.

3. Manipulate Your Environment

Remove Distractions: Clear your workspace of distractions that might encourage procrastination. The fewer temptations you have, the easier it will be to focus on meeting your earlier deadline.
Surround Yourself with Reminders: Place sticky notes, alarms, and digital reminders around you that reinforce the false deadline. The constant nudges will keep you on track and remind you of the looming date.

4. Reward Early Progress

Set Up Rewards: Promise yourself a reward for hitting the false deadline. This could be a treat, a break, or something you enjoy. The anticipation of the reward can motivate you to work towards the earlier date.
Track and Celebrate Milestones: Keep track of your progress and celebrate when you reach milestones ahead of the false deadline. This positive reinforcement can make the work feel more rewarding and less burdensome.

5. Limit Access to the Real Deadline

Hide the Truth: Avoid looking at or thinking about the real deadline. If necessary, ask someone you trust to keep it from you. The more you convince yourself that the earlier date is the real one, the more effective this technique will be.
Delete or Ignore Reminders: If you have digital reminders of the actual deadline, delete them or set them to a much later date. This way, they won’t interfere with the sense of urgency you’re trying to create.

6. Use Peer Pressure

Tell Others About Your Deadline: Share your false deadline with friends, family, or colleagues. Their expectations can add an extra layer of pressure to meet it. When others are counting on you, it becomes harder to procrastinate.
Join a Study Group or Accountability Partner: Working with others who are also working towards deadlines can create a sense of competition or camaraderie that drives you to stick to your earlier deadline.

7. Reframe Your Mindset

Believe the False Deadline: Convince yourself that the false deadline is the real one. Engage in positive self-talk that reinforces this belief. The more you internalize it, the less likely you are to procrastinate.
Focus on the Benefits: Remind yourself of the benefits of finishing early, such as having extra time to review your work, less stress, and the opportunity to relax knowing you’re ahead of schedule.

8. Simulate the Last-Minute Rush

Pretend the Deadline Is Tomorrow: For a short burst of motivation, imagine that your false deadline is actually tomorrow. This can trigger the adrenaline rush that often accompanies last-minute work, helping you push through the final stretch.
Work in Timed Sprints: Use techniques like the Pomodoro Technique to create short, intense work sessions that mimic the urgency of a looming deadline. This can help you stay focused and productive.

9. Deal with Potential Setbacks

Prepare for Slip-Ups: Recognize that you might occasionally slip back into procrastination. If this happens, forgive yourself and refocus on the false deadline. Remember that setbacks are part of the process.
Have a Backup Plan: If you miss the false deadline, have a plan in place to catch up. This could involve adjusting your schedule, cutting out non-essential tasks, or doubling down on work time.

10. Reflect and Adjust

Review the Outcome: After the project is complete, reflect on how well the technique worked. Did the false deadline help you stay on track? Were you able to finish earlier than usual? Use this feedback to fine-tune your approach for next time.
Adjust Future Deadlines: Based on your experience, set even earlier false deadlines in the future. Each time you do this, you’ll become more skilled at managing your time and avoiding last-minute stress.

Conclusion

By "gaslighting" yourself into believing in an earlier deadline, you can harness the power of procrastination in a way that works in your favor. This technique helps you create a sense of urgency, stay focused, and ultimately meet deadlines with less stress and more efficiency. While it might take some practice to master, the benefits of finishing your work ahead of schedule are well worth the effort.

Julia P.

Julia is the founder of Where is the Box? She is an ordinary procrastinator teenager who migrated in the middle of her high school career. She started this site to share reflections on accountability whenever she felt overwhelmed, alienated, and inadequate to create a tiny corner of relatability on the internet. She enjoys writing in her journal, listening to and making music, running, and baking desserts.