Procrastination

Some of us continue to be procrastinators even after extensive self-help techniques like time management, list making or positive self-talk. Some of us think if we berate ourselves enough we will quit procrastinating. We aren’t destined to always be procrastinators, it’s not genetic. It’s a learned response and we can unlearn it.

First of all we need to take a closer look at why we are procrastinating.

Some reasons for procrastination:

  • Overwhelmed with too many tasks and can’t prioritize
  • Task seems too daunting, unpleasant, or complicated
  • Fear of failure

If you feel overwhelmed with too many tasks, try to avoid task overload. Write down the top 2 or 3 that are most urgent. Write the pros and cons of doing and not doing them. Get clear on your intention. Sometimes the act of accomplishing just one task by lunch time will be the inspiration for being productive the rest of the day.

With some tasks, you don’t know where to begin. Imagine the desired end result and how good that makes you feel. What would be the first step to take in that direction? If you just can’t seem to get inspired and it’s not something that needs attention immediately, sleep on it (one night only). Lots of times the first step that feels right will be obvious in the morning!

If your procrastination is because you’re indecisive, there comes a point where you have to make a decision. It’s also advantageous to be proactive instead of reactive. Don’t wait until the roof caves in to fix the leak.

You may think you do better under pressure and put off doing things until it’s down to the wire. In actuality you probably don’t do better and are also putting unnecessary stress on yourself that can be damaging over time.

Do you set unrealistic goals that aren’t achievable? You don’t have to be perfect. If you can reach 75% of your goals in lots of cases you may be highly successful.

The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson is an excellent book to help you learn how to finally get moving and productive. You might have to face the fact that the tasks you are doing now may not show results immediately but consistent small tasks over time will yield results.

I had been known to procrastinate with doing tasks to build my business. There were several reasons for this, the main one being distractions. Applying what I learned in The Slight Edge and partnering up with a team member (for support and accountability) in my mastermind group for 90 days was what got me going in the right direction and the momentum growing.

Time is either moving for you or against you. You may not see the repercussions now of procrastinating or making bad choices, but compounded over time the results can be disastrous.

Why not make the effort to do the small consistent tasks that will move you in a positive direction instead of negative.

Life is short, we only have a short time to make a big impact in this life. Look how much more rich life will be when you focus on what you can do and stop making excuses. Let’s look forward instead of looking back and reap the rewards from tasks well done.

Go on - Share for the 'ole gal:
  • Digg
  • del.icio.us
  • Facebook
  • Reddit
  • StumbleUpon
  • YahooMyWeb
  • Google Bookmarks
  • TwitThis
  • Live
  • LinkedIn
  • Pownce
  • MySpace
  • Furl

Like this post? Subscribe to my RSS feed and get loads more!