Do you want to get rid of procrastination now? Or would you prefer to put it off? (LOL). Do you, in fact put off important tasks for later, only to find your deadlines steadily creeping in? Then you, my friend, are one of the millions of people afflicted by the procrastination virus. Procrastination is one of the biggest reasons for loss of productivity and late output. Though many would not admit it, they would benefit greatly if they start their work promptly.
For many people, putting off their work is down to habit. It can be so hard to get into a groove where starting your tasks in a timely fashion is a priority, especially if the consequences for being late are things that one can probably bear.
If you are one of these people, yet you desire to shake off your propensity for procrastination, then you have come to the right place. Here are a few tips to help you overcome this dilemma and become a more productive and reliable person.
1. Set Task Schedules
It is important to have a list of activities to accomplish every day. This will help you realistically budget your time and resources. One of the cardinal sins people commit in regards to performing their tasks is to put off their work because they feel like there is so much time left. A journal, organiser, or calendar of events will help you plan and schedule your task so that you can start them promptly and finish them on time.
2. Save Time Off for Later
Many people put their work off for later saying, "I'll just have a little fun then buckle down to work later." While it may be true that they may have more than enough time to accomplish their tasks, it would be better if they finished their work first and relax afterwards.
Wouldn't relaxation be sweeter if it were after a taxing job? If you choose to lay back and relax before doing your tasks, you will be more prone to burnout and will have nothing exciting left to look forward to after accomplishing a task. It is always better to have slack period AFTER a job than before one, especially considering that people are wont to overusing their slack time. This is planning to fail if you are heading towards a deadline.
Quick Check: Do You Suffer From Procrastination?
Does this look familiar? Is it something you can relate to?
3. Never Underestimate Your Tasks
Sometimes procrastination sets in because people underestimate the resources, difficulty, and time spent for a particular task. They will usually say, "It's just mowing the lawn, its easy; I could do it in a jiffy."
The problem is, no matter how trivial the task, it still takes time and resources to accomplish. If you underestimate a task, you will most likely set too little time to do it and schedule it too close to its deadline.
4. Don't Allow Yourself to Get Comfortable Doing Nothing
It would definitely help if you kept a subconscious alarm whenever you are doing nothing. Get this alarm to remind you of things that may need to be done. This will help you foster the notion that jobs accomplished now mean more time for relaxation later. However, even if this is the case, do not forget to put ample time in for rest and to remove all thoughts of troubles before hitting the sack.
The trick here, however, is not to overdo you rest. There is a difference between resting and idling. Always set the right amount of time for rest and stick to that schedule.
Get Rid of Procrastination Now!
Take action and get the life you desire. It's easier than you think - you just need a proven system to follow. Get my complete self-coaching system in my book the Getting Results Day Planner.
