Are you always busy but seemingly don’t get things accomplished? Do you find yourself losing track of time? Are you wishing for more hours in the day?
Many times we fail to accomplish the biggest challenges in our lives. Some may say it’s because there isn’t enough hours in a day but when reality hits the truth is revealed. That truth is called procrastination.
We all know that the hardest and most difficult things are the ones you tend to put on the side burner. Perhaps in hopes that it will miraculously get easier or that someone else will take over the daunting task. When you wait it merely creates more challenges and of course getting started seems more and more impossible.
This procrastination is damaging in many ways especially if it affects your job-related tasks or worse yet your relationships.
Now that I have shared with you many of the reasons you may procrastinate and the damages it may cause, now it’s time to apply some strategies to kick this habit and become productive not simply busy.
- Use a calendar – Whether you choose to use an electronic or paper calendar/planner the main point is to schedule the day and time of a particular task you must accomplish. This simple process will get you in the habit of writing important events or tasks down so you don’t count on your memory which will more than likely avoid the task all together.
- Set a time period – Once you have placed the challenging task or event in your calendar or planner be sure to assign a time frame for accomplishing. For instance, the daunting task may be one that will take several hours; so it’s best to assign a 30 to 45 minute time frame to get started. You may find that once you get started you’ll spend a lot more than 30 to 45 minutes. Remember that getting starting is usually the tough part.
- Break the task into smaller parts – If your project is a large one, then it will seem overwhelming. Once you have set it on your calendar and devoted specific time; for larger projects consider breaking them into chunks. Not only will you be able to tackle the project quicker it will seem easier because it’s broken up. It’s always easier to accomplish 10 small tasks than one big one.
- Determine the most difficult part – Many times there is a small part of a task that is truly holding you back. Perhaps you can ask someone to help you or hire someone to do that part. For example, this large daunting task may be cleaning your entire house. If you don’t have help that may be one of the reasons you are procrastinating. Or perhaps the idea of cleaning the bathroom send a chill up your spine; then hiring someone or asking for help may be in order. If someone else handles the part you dread the most, everything else will fall into place.
- Choose the best time – You’ve determined how long a task will take and you’ve chosen the date now determine what time is the best time. Some have more energy in the mornings while others perform better in the mid afternoon hours. Determine the right time to tackle the project. Determine if you need peace and quiet or privacy as well as if you will need help from others.
- Have the tools on hand – Make a list of supplies or tools that you’ll need to accomplish your project. Having all the items available will help you complete the task once you’ve started and of course no excuses will be allowed.
- Celebrate and reward yourself – This is my favorite tip of all! It’s important to reward yourself for completing a task. You’ve earned it! It doesn’t have to be anything big, but we all like a little treat now and then. A little additional motivation never hurt anyone.
Imagine how much better your life would be if you could kick the procrastination habit out the door! Unfinished tasks have a profound effect on your sense of well-being and peace of mind.
Living with the stress that procrastination can cause isn’t necessary. Start using the tips above and remove the challenge of procrastination from your life; start being productive not simply busy. You’ll be so glad you did!
Dr. Daisy Sutherland is the Founder/CEO of Dr. Mommy Online. She is a doctor, author, mentor, speaker, wife & mom to 5 children. Dr. Mommy's mission is to ~ Help Busy Women and Men with her 'Get Real' approach to living a happier and healthier lifestyle. Watch for new book: 'Letting Go of Super Mom' coming out August 7, 2012.
Great tips, Dr. Mommy! I am going to print them out and put them where I can see them everyday
Thanks!
Thanks Susan!:)
So important to be mindful regarding procrastination and the messages such resistance give you about what you have committed to accomplish. Thanks for these insights!
Absolutely!! We have the power to fight the resistance…:)
I’ve been using a lot of these strategies since school started and I found myself with an unstructured day for the first time ever. I have found that while it works to keep me productive, I have to schedule some time during the week to just do nothing and be lazy (on purpose). It helps me stay focused the rest of the time!
Awesome! It’s true we need some sort of structure but too much will also cause stress…so glad you found the solution…some rest time is essential
Great strategy for dealing with procrastination! I appreciate how you have broken it down into manageable steps.
Thank you Sherie! I hope they help many:)
Hi Doctor Mommy, I find that if I get the tasks done that are either the most boring or the most tedious, out of the way FIRST, the rest of the day is much less stressful. I am also the type who makes the bed the minute I get out of it. Don’t want to get out of the shower and see the bed unmade
Great routine!! I do the same..but it’s still great to take a break and simply celebrate
Thanks for the tips Dr. Mommy, I definitely struggle with procrastination.
Daisy! Thanks for confirming all that I’ve been doing to get organized and getting things done… now, I’m sure I’m on my way! (-_-) This is exactly what I’ve been implementing. x0x
Norma Doiron @ The LEARNED Preneur ╰☆╮
Awesome tips, Daisy! I read this in the morning and had to log off to take action. 12 hours later, I’m back to say thanks!
Thanks Gina!
Yay!!! I am gonna kick procrastination right out the door!!! Thanks for these great tips on how to get thing finished!
Thanks Dr. Mommy! Your posts are always timely and this cure for procrastination is a work in progress for me. When you wear so many hats in a small business, you must stick to a schedule!
Thanks Ingrid! I’m glad you are finding the posts helpful!
Thank you Dr Mommy… Great advise again! I am good at procrastination ( in need for a medal)
…going to put these points into a good use now! Have a wonderful day!
You can do it!! Consider me your personal cheerleader