|
We all know too well what
procrastination means, and it can look different for each person. It
may show up as taking a nap, checking email, watching TV, going on
Facebook, shopping, or one of many other forms. You had good
intentions. You even made the “To do” list, but you still aren’t
haven’t started to work. How do you win this nasty battle of putting
things off?
Let’s consider some
helpful tips. With your “To do” list in hand, look at the tasks you are
putting off and try one of the following to get you started moving
forward.
- Break the task into
smaller pieces. Often the reason we procrastinate is that the task looks
too big, too overwhelming, or even impossible. By breaking a large task
down into little tasks, it becomes more manageable. Rewrite your list
with this in mind. For example, instead of listing “Organize your
bedroom”, write simpler tasks like “Sort through clothes in closet”,
“Pair up shoes”, and ”Purge unwanted items”.
- Stop interruptions
before they get to you. Yes, this means you need to ignore or eliminate
distractions. Remove the possibility that you’ll be pulled away from
your task by turning cell phones on silent, switching off the computer
for a bit (it will all be there when you are finished), ask a friend or
family member to help with children, and even throw a cover over other
distracting projects. Give your full attention to the task at hand.
- Tackle the worst thing
first. We all have them on our “To do” lists, those things we really
don’t like doing. When we put them off, the procrastination becomes
contagious and prevents us from doing other things on our list. Bite the
bullet and tackle the worst task first. Once you start, the momentum and
the satisfaction will increase and help carry you through your list.
- Set a timer. Challenge
yourself to complete as much of a particular task as possible in a set
amount of time. Defining a time goal makes starting easier. Once you
have begun and the procrastination has been conquered, you’ll find
yourself whizzing through the project.
- Don’t do it alone. Get
another person involved in some way. Whether it is a friend coming
alongside to help or a family member holding you accountable, having
another party involved gets you moving forward and keeps you going if
you feel tempted to quit.
Conquer procrastination
by taking a good look at your “To do” list, employing one of these
suggestions and doing it TODAY!
© July 2011 Beth Giles |
