6 Tips to Overcome Procrastination: Stop Putting Off 'til Tomorrow What You Don't Want to Do Today!
Posted: Friday, July 09, 2010
by Sue Becker
From Piles to Smiles
I'll confess: I'm a procrastinator! As a professional organizer, I'm "supposed" to have all areas of my life in order. But, like many people, I procrastinate on certain types of projects. When I procrastinate, I feel guilty and "weighed down" by the task I'm trying to avoid.
Why admit this to you? Well, I hope the fact that professional organizers procrastinate will liberate you from any guilt you may feel about procrastinating. So let's journey together toward overcoming procrastination, especially on important tasks. Less procrastination in our lives means less guilt, fewer burdens, and more freedom!
This behavior can cause us to feel guilty, burdened, and exhausted. Plus, it can cost us in penalties and relationship problems - not to mention lost sleep!
Ready to conquer procrastination? Follow these simple tips:
1. Do it first thing in the morning - If you aren't mustering the energy for an unpleasant or difficult task, try tackling it first thing in the morning - before your other tasks take over your day. Then you can spend the rest of your day on enjoyable projects.
2. Think about the project's steps - If you're overwhelmed by the sheer size of a project, break it down into smaller steps. It helps to think of the steps backwards, from completion to beginning. Write each step on your calendar and stick to these deadlines, just as you would if they were appointments with your boss or a friend. Step by step, you'll make progress.
3. Just do one tiny thing now - Still having trouble moving forward? Do one small, easy task to move your project forward. For example, pull the binder off the shelf to start that report. Or grab a stack of photos for your album.
4. Get a little help from a friend - If you still can't get motivated, ask a friend or colleague to help you. It's amazing how companionship can help you get focused and energized to tackle that tough job. To ensure non-judgmental help, a professional organizer can guide you through your organizational or time-management project.
5. Trick yourself! - Do you procrastinate on projects because you enjoy the excitement of last-minute scrambles? If so, try this trick: Forbid yourself to work on a "procrastination" project for 15 minutes, then do nothing but think about that project. Considering the project and the steps involved might move you into action.
6. Consider crossing it off your list - Now be honest: Do you have a project on your plate that you will never get around to doing? Maybe you can delegate it to a family member, friend or co-worker, or hire an outside service to do it for you. Or perhaps you can cross it off your list and move on with your life. Now that will ease your burden a bit!
Let's move into action...
Take a moment to select a tip that fits your style, tackle that "procrastination" project, and lift the burden from your life!
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Top-level comments on this article: (2 total)Very nice Tips, especially the first one.Thanks, Robert. That one really works well for me!
Thanks Sue! very informative article. When it comes to self-defeating habits, procrastination is on top of the list!Your first tip matches Brian Tracey's famous "eat the frog!". I hate to admit this but it's now 7 am Cairo time and I'm enjoying reading your article instead of working on my ultra boring project! Do I need serious help or what?! go figure!You're welcome, Heba. I'd like to think my article was just the motivation you needed to get to that ultra boring project. I do coach people by phone all over the world, so if you think you really do need serious help, you've come to the right place!
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