Overcoming Procrastination: Lessons from Captain Determined
Jul 30, 2025
It's Captain Determined here, in this article, we'll explore some tips for overcoming procrastination, inspired by the superhero Captain Determined. Captain Determined is a fictional superhero on a mission to help people overcome the enemy of procrastination.
Here are some tips she shares with kids and parents for overcoming procrastination
Set clear goals:
One of the biggest reasons people procrastinate is because they don't have clear goals. When you're not sure what you want to achieve, it's easy to get distracted or put off tasks. This is how setting goals keeps you focused.
Reward yourself:
Captain Determined suggests rewarding yourself for completing tasks. Celebrate your accomplishments and take time to enjoy the things you like to do.
Let’s focus on how hard it can be to get motivated.
Sometimes, it can be really hard to get motivated to do the things we need to do, like homework or chores.Do you ever find yourself getting stuck in a rut of addictive online activities, like scrolling through social media or watching clickbait videos? Or maybe you label yourself as "unmotivated" and feel hopeless about getting anything done. These kinds of behaviors can actually make it harder to get motivated, so it's important to be aware of them.
Instead, let's try some positive strategies to boost our motivation. One thing you can do is visualize the desired outcome and positive emotions of completing a task. For example, if you're struggling to get started on a project, imagine how great it will feel to have it finished and how proud you'll be of yourself. You can also curate your online content to include inspiration and self-development, instead of mindlessly scrolling through clickbait.
Another tip is to practice self-compassion when you're struggling with motivation. Instead of criticizing yourself for not being motivated, try reframing your resistance as a challenge to overcome. Think of yourself like a Judo player, using your own resistance to build strength and overcome obstacles. It's also important to be aware of the people around you and how they might be affecting your motivation.
If you find yourself getting drawn into negative conversations or "misery-loves-company" attitudes, try practicing positive self-talk instead. Remind yourself that you can do hard things and that the future doesn't have to be a repeat of the past.
Finally, instead of asking yourself "What do I feel like doing?", try asking yourself "What is the most important thing I can do now that I will feel glad to have off my back?" This can help you focus on the bigger picture and what you really want to accomplish, rather than just following your immediate desires.
Remember, kids and teens, building motivation is like building a library, one book at a time. By making small, positive changes in your behavior and mindset, you can create lasting change and achieve your goals.
