The key to productivity is distinguishing 'habits' from 'routine'

If we are procrastinating instead of doing a certain task, telling ourselves that we would it later, it is a sure sign that the task isn’t a habit which can be done on autopilot but is, in fact, a routine.

Anything that requires effort is easy to forget or postpone.

• Start the right behavior: Be clear that certain behaviors can be routines (requiring a deliberate effort) but can never become habits.
• Allocate time: Set up an implementation intention to plan to do something, setting aside a specific time for the activity.
• Embrace discomfort: Repeatedly doing new behaviors requires effort and perseverance. Reimagine your discomfort as a motivating factor, telling your mind that it is a necessary rite of passage.

• Keep It Up: The behaviour has to be solidified as a habit and for that, you need to ensure that it is a regularly performed routine. Get the help of friends or peer groups to keep yourself committed and prevent skip days.
• Do It Right: A routine can become a habit if it is meant to. Instead of frustration and failure, find acceptance that some routines require constant effort and are hard to turn into magical habits.