We all either know someone who is a procrastinator – or in many cases, this may be ourselves, but what is procrastination? In very basic terms, procrastination is the effect of delaying or chronically putting off specific tasks. The reasons we procrastinate vary by person and situation.
For example, you are looking at your daily to-do list, and you notice there are possibly some unpleasant tasks or maybe some very complex tasks you do not even know where to begin. Maybe some of these tasks are just too time consuming or just not much fun to do. Possibly, a listed task may conjure up some emotional feelings – for example, a fear of failure or a lack of confidence in completing that specific task.
Stop and ask yourself – how much has procrastination cost you? Have you missed out on some great opportunities or maybe that promotion? What about the cost to you on a personal level – your self-esteem or the added stress in your life thinking of that looming project you just don’t quite know how to sink your teeth into?
Here are a few tips to help you start conquering the procrastination monster:
1. Brian Tracy’s book “Eat That Frog” says your frog is that biggest, most important task – the one you are most likely to procrastinate on, but can also have the greatest positive impact on your life. Look at your to-do list and tackle this project first. Schedule it first thing in the day – and then get it done. It is a guarantee you will feel a sense of accomplishment even if you do not get to anything else on your list that day.
2. Break large, complex jobs into smaller, more manageable tasks. If you concentrate on achieving one goal at a time, the task may become less of a burden.
3. Set reasonable goals – and don’t expect perfection. It is better to try your best than to do nothing at all.
4. If you feel you get distracted easily or lack focus, create a to-do list with priorities, block your time for projects, and set deadlines. One great trick is to set a timer – for as little as ten minutes – and tell yourself you will spend that time specifically on that project only. It is amazing what you can get done in a small amount of time if you focus and know you can stop once that timer goes off.
5. For those who are afraid of failure (and really, how many of us do not have these negative beliefs at some point in our lives??), recognize these sabotaging feelings and reach out to a friend, mentor or a trusted business associate. Involve them in your goals, tell them your deadlines, and ask them to hold you accountable.
6. Set a reward for yourself once the job is done.
7. Delegate! Ask yourself if this is really something you personally need to do. Maybe it could be delegated or outsourced. If it can be, then make that a goal and do it. If you can concentrate on the tasks most important to growing your business and outsource everything else, think of the possibilities!
Serina Kelly
AdminAdvantage
317-203-7740
www.adminadvantage.biz
