How to stop procrastinating with the OHIO method

Procrastination is something we all struggle with at some point. What starts as a harmless delay becomes a habit that impacts productivity and increases stress. While many people associate procrastination with laziness, the truth is far more complex.

The OHIO method, short for Only Handle It Once, is a simple yet powerful approach to tackling procrastination. Dealing with tasks immediately rather than revisiting them multiple times helps improve task management and reduce unnecessary stress. 

Let’s explore why we procrastinate and how the OHIO method can help you regain control of your time.

Understanding procrastination

Procrastination isn't just a bad habit but often a coping mechanism. When faced with a difficult or unpleasant task, the brain seeks short-term relief by avoiding it. However, avoiding a task does not make it disappear; it only makes it more stressful later.

There are many reasons why people procrastinate. Perfectionism is one of the biggest reasons, as fear of making mistakes or not meeting high expectations causes hesitation. A lack of motivation also plays a role, especially when a task doesn't feel meaningful or urgent. 

In other cases, feeling overwhelmed or anxious can lead to avoidance, as some tasks seem too big or complex to tackle. External distractions and poor time management worsen the problem, preventing people from focusing on what truly matters.

Procrastination affects all areas of life, from delaying responses to emails to putting off making important decisions. Fortunately, the OHIO method offers a structured way to overcome these barriers.

What is the OHIO Method?

The OHIO method is a simple principle. When a task arises, deal with it immediately to save yourself from thinking about it again.

Decide on a task the first time you encounter it. The method encourages one of three actions:

For example, imagine getting an email that requires a response. Instead of reading, closing, and thinking about it later, the OHIO method pushes you to reply immediately, forward it to the right person, or schedule it.

Get the most out of the OHIO Method

To make the most of the OHIO method, try some of these habits:

The first step is to prioritize tasks and act immediately. Before taking action, ask yourself: Can I complete this now? If yes, do it now, and don't postpone it.

Reducing decision fatigue is another aspect of overcoming procrastination. Many people procrastinate because they overthink tasks. Eliminate unnecessary choices so that it becomes easier to take action. For example, setting fixed times for specific activities like scheduling meetings can help minimize hesitation.

Breaking large tasks into smaller steps can make them easier to accomplish. Instead of delaying a project because of its complexity, start by completing a simple action like outlining key points before writing a full report. 

The two-minute rule is another strategy: if a task takes less than two minutes, do it immediately instead of adding it to a growing to-do list.

How Doodle helps you apply the OHIO method

The OHIO method is all about handling tasks efficiently and avoiding delays. Doodle makes it easy to apply this approach to scheduling. Instead of spending time coordinating availability, a Booking Page lets you set your availability once and lets others book without back-and-forth emails. Group Polls simplify finding a meeting time, while Sign-up Sheets and 1:1 scheduling help organize events with minimal effort. Doodle ensures that you only need to handle meeting planning once—if at all—so you can focus on more important tasks.