I’ve been meaning to post this commentary all week.
All of us have this problem. Some more than others. Don’t know what it is. We know what we need to do. We know why we need to do it. We even (often) know the steps we need to undertake to get it done. But we don’t. We rationalize; we cajole ourselves into inaction; we visualize us being more motivated tomorrow to do what we need to do today…every day.
If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. A recent study shows that it is actually on the rise. (The study to determine the underlying factors of this trend was postponed indefinately…)
Karen Leland recently outlined ten strategies you can use to combat the procrastination habit, so don’t put it off any longer. Read on….
Everyone has POWER HOURS. Find yours and use them. Are you a morning person? A night owl? Take a look at your routine and determine when your natural energy patterns are at their peak. Then focus on that timeframe to tackle your most important projects.
FOCUS for five. The hardest part is getting started. When you have to attack a tedious task you have been putting off, set a timer for five minutes and get to work. When the timer goes off, most often you will ignore it and tell yourself, “I’ll just finish this one thing and then move on.” But don’t be surprised if it turns into 10, 15, 30 minutes. Momentum will push you forward. It’ll feel like its all downhill from there.
Create CUES. Post-it notes are the greatest invention ever. Write a note and stick it somewhere you can see it…over and over. By placing them in a highly visible place, it helps remind you that they need to get done. And the final step of taking it down and throwing it away after you complete the task is very satisfying. Euphoric.
Use the clout of your CALENDAR: If there is a nagging task that you have stepped over for weeks, schedule a specific day and time in your calendar to get it done. By scheduling a block of time, you overcome one of the natural obstacles you use to dodge it. Use this strategy for only the most important tasks, or you will feel overwhelmed every time you open your calendar. Properly implemented, it can work.
Decide on the NEXT ACTION: Breaking big tasks into smaller steps can sometimes help you move forward. Figure out some initial small steps and get them out of the way first. It’s amazing how this little effort will often naturally lead to the next steps, and so on. And even if it doesn’t, the task often feels less intimidating.
Give yourself CREDIT all along the way: Check off each step of a project (either figuratively or mentally) and give yourself credit. It will give you a degree of satisfaction and accomplishment, which will motivate you to attack the rest of the project. .
Tackle the TOUGH ONES first: When you have a particularly difficult or annoying task to accomplish, do it first thing in the morning. Most of us have more energy and focus available at the beginning of our day than at the end. Get it out of the way first. That way it won’t be there to nag at you all day, either.
Be DECISIVE: Productivity advisors suggest that you handle every piece of paper only once. Don’t have a general stack of papers you have rifled over and over. Categorize every item that crosses your desk and either do it now, or delegate, dump, or defer it. When you have a process, your day becomes a little easier to absorb and manage. To do lists, tickler files, calendarizing…use whatever combination you find works for you.
Solicit ENCOURAGEMENT. Go public with a task and it will get done. That’s what supervisors or bosses are for. But if you work independently, or are attacking personal projects, it’s a positive step to commit to a task with a friend or with your spouse. They can help you maintain perspective and stay on a timetable, as well as help you celebrate your success when it’s completed. It’s all good.
BRIBES work. Promise yourself a reward when you finish a particularly tough or important task. It doesn’t matter what it is, as long as it motivates you, and is appropriate to the gravity of the task. It’s probably not a good idea to promise yourself a new Porsche when you complete your daily call report…unless that’s simply “how you roll.”
Now print this out, put it on your stack to read later, and go have a cup of coffee.
“An elephant is eaten one bite at a time.” --- Indian proverb