Procrastination feeds a common human desire – Drama! Indeed procrastinating brings on undue stress and anxiety. But the thrill that comes from completing the task at the last minute brings a greater high than simply completing an otherwise mundane task on time.
Anticipate the payoff first – then translate that feeling into the present instead of the future. Below are three ways to tame the procrastinator gremlin.
Three Steps to Kill Procrastination
1) Where in my life am I bored and long for drama or excitement?
2) What does procrastinating allow me to feel that is positive? (ie: I can accomplish great things in little time.)
3) How can I recreate that feeling now and not wait for it to occur later after much stress and anxiety? (ie: Pace the project with a goal to complete it prior to the deadline.)
Practical Project Motivators
1) Designate someone to report to on your project. If someone is holding you accountable, you will not want to let him or her down.
2) Put colored tape simulating “Crime Scene” tape (blue painters tape or yellow ribbon will do) around the areas in which you tend to spend time that divert your attention away from the task at hand. These areas (computer, TV, video games, favorite books) are now “hands off” and become a reward for accomplishment.
3) Post your task at hand on Post-it notes all around your personal and work space. Remember to phrase the notes not as a negative problem but as a positive solution: Not “Need to write the proposal!” but instead post “Writing the proposal means we may get funded!”
4) Instead of starting the project, make a list of the steps necessary to start the project before you get started. What resources will you need? Who will you need to contact? What data will you need?
5) Then make a list of the steps you will need to take in order to execute the project. What is the sequence you will need to follow to succeed?
6) Set a kitchen or computer timer for 10 minutes and commit to just devote 10 minutes to starting something on your list.
7) Extend that time every day or session that you address the project.
8) When you are in your “grove” and working productively on the project, cover the clock.
9) Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It sounds trite but how can you be productive if your body and emotional energy are starved? Eat healthy foods, sleep the same amount of hours every night, take the right vitamins for your age and condition, maintain healthy choices for a healthy and balanced lifestyle with healthy relationships, entertainment, exercise and cultural diversity.
Nine Proven and Simple Ways to Pace Yourself
1. Begin the day with exercise instead of email.
2. In your work space create a “Personal Zone” free of distractions where only the essentials necessary to meet your big goals are visible. Tune in to motivating music, scents and other sense stimulators.
3. Answer phone messages and email at scheduled times of the days ie: 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
4. Schedule 20 and 40 minute meetings instead of 30 and 60 minute meetings.
5. Create a Triple Five Report every week: 1) List 5 goals for the week; 2) Rate how you did on the 5 goals from the previous week, and 3) List any frustrations that need to be addressed.
6. Eat lunch away from your desk.
7. Set your computer or smart phone to chime five minutes before each hour. Use the chime as a cue to step back and assess what you're doing.
8. Take a five minute deep breathing and stretching break at least once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Include a 5 to 10 minute walk. Stop to chat with the people you see. It's a simple way to practice management by walking around.
9. Take a lesson from the Brits and make a habit of taking a mid-afternoon break for tea.
Instead of focusing on a dreaded task at hand, focus your vision on the feeling you will have when you complete the task. When the project is complete won’t you feel relieved and invigorated? When your bills are paid won’t you feel less stress? Start now!
Get Mary Lee’s free tip sheets on “Feel the Fear – How to Build Self Confidence” and “Replace the Mad Hatter with Your Personal Plan” at http://www.startingovernow.com/Articles-and-Tip-Sheets.html.
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Mary Lee Gannon is the president of Gannon Group - a full service executive coaching, training and consulting firm that provides turnaround strategies for people and organizations by improving team performance, executive leadership skills, board performance, planning and project execution. Mary Lee’s personal turnaround came as a stay-at-home mother, with four children under seven-years-old, who endured a divorce that took she and the children from the country club life to public assistance from where within a short time she worked out of that to the level of CEO. Her book "Starting Over - 25 Rules for When You've Bottomed Out" is available in bookstores, on Amazon or on her web site at www.StartingOverNow.com. Email Mary Lee at marylee@startingovernow.com.