source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/446665
Whether you have a paper to write, a house to clean or stacks of papers to organize, it is all too easy to put things off until a better, more convenient time. The truth is – there never is a better time. But how do you convince yourself that you should take action now instead of waiting until there is so much pressure you are forced to take action.
Here are a few steps you can take to make the process of beating procrastination a bit easier.
1. Have a List of What Needs to Be Done
One of the biggest reasons that many people procrastinate is because they don’t even know where to start. Perhaps a project is too large and overwhelming, such as needing to deep clean an entire house. Making a to do list can really help. When any task you need to complete is broken down into smaller steps, it suddenly becomes more manageable. Though the task itself may not become more appealing, being able to cross off items as they are completed helps lend motivation to a lacking desire to work.
2. Get Rid of Distractions
Putting things off until the last minute is also not just a matter of laziness. Having too much to do can actually just get in the way of doing what’s really important. In this way, having the to-do list (you can create one on Keep and Share) helps you prioritize. Once you know what should come first, it is necessary to take steps to block out what is not a priority. If checking your email and talking on the phone take you away from your work, you may need to actually turn off your ringer or keep your email program shut down in order to get things done.
3. Set Small Goals and Reward Yourself for Reaching Them
A great way to stay motivated once you begin a project is to set small goals. If you have a large project to complete, it can get overwhelming. The items on your to-do list can serve as small goals, or you can feel free to set more ambitious goals. Allowing yourself a treat when you reach them (such as checking your email) can help break up the monotony as well as motivate you to keep working when you’d rather give up. As you get closer to a project’s completion, you’ll be motivated just by seeing the progress you’ve made.
4. Don’t Let Fear Interfere
Most people who have trouble with procrastination admit that fear stops them from even beginning. We may be afraid of what the end result will be, or we may just be afraid that we’re doing the wrong thing to begin with. It all boils down to a matter of what you want. If you want to see your goals achieved, you have to buckle down and just do it. Often times, people will say that once you simply begin a project, all the fear disappears. You have to put all the “what if’s” away with the distractions and just go for it!
{ 5 comments }
My cousin recommended this blog and she was totally right keep up the fantastic work!
Another thing is that if you don’t know where to start, just start anywhere. It’s more important to do at least something than goofing off and doing nothing at all. I find that when I do that, I generally get “in the groove” and can think more clearly about the more important things that need getting done.
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I have not yet read this blog article, but it looks very intersting.I would like to read more blogs from you in future. Keep up the hard work.
Thanks for the write up, how about a follow up for those of us that read this 10 years too late. You never cease to amaze me!
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