According to the dictionary - the definition of procrastination is the act or habit of putting off or delaying, especially something requiring immediate attention.
We have all done it at some point. Go on admit it!
We busy ourselves with less urgent tasks that we enjoy more over the important jobs that might be difficult or just purely don't like doing.
So, what can we do to reduce procrastination?
1. Commit
Yep, that means fully committing to the completion of
the task - wholeheartedly! No half measures.
How?
a) write down the task
b) split into smaller manageable chunks
c) block out a time to do the task in your schedule
d) remember to give it a "completion by" time - it's all
about committing to getting it done and what better
way than giving yourself a deadline for completion
2. Reward
Promise yourself a reward for completing your task.
How?
That could be something as simple as a nice relaxing
cup of coffee or/and a slice of cake! Or perhaps a
cheeky glass of your favourite tipple. Whatever it is, let
the completion of the task give you all the great feels of
completion. And remember how good that feels. This
will urge you on to your next task on the list.
3. Get a Cheerleader / Nagger!
Because it makes you accountable. When you know
someone is going to be asking how you are getting on,
it's natural to want to boast "yep, nearly done". It helps
to push you along. A lot of coaches and mentors use
this method to gradually help move things forwards.
And that's what it's all about, moving tasks forward, to
completion.
4. Chip Away Straight Away
That's right, by chipping away at those tasks as they
arrive will prevent them from building up and stop that awful
dread of piles of tasks.
How?
Adopt the method of "touch it once"
The general idea is that as soon as you touch
something, whether it's a piece of mail or a project that
needs to be filed, you immediately act on it.
This could be fully completing the task at once or
determining the next actionable steps to move it along.
The general guide is if it takes 5 minutes or less - do it
straight away. If it takes longer e.g needing some extra
research or planning more than 5 minutes, schedule
the task into your diary and block out that time.
5. Don't Get Distracted
Turn off your emails
Log out of social media
Don't sit near a TV!
Set your phone to silent or DND
Many smartphones have a "focus mode" where it will
allow you to set a period of time to not be disturbed.
This is great if you are worried to turn your phone back
to normal. Also great for ensuring you keep your focus.
6. Do it First
If you have a task that you don't particularly like doing,
we all have those lurking, then do them first. Yes, I
know, I hear you groaning BUT just think, once it's done
you can get on with the rest of your day and probably
have the rest of the day doing those things you enjoy
much more and have a better day! Now that is job
satisfaction!
So there we have some great tips for overcoming
procrastination and getting those tasks done.
If you need an extra pair of hands to get those tasks
completed, consider getting a virtual assistant to help
you focus on the things you do best.
You can find out more here: https://www.vtaservices.co.uk
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