Procrastination
By Nancy Kruschke McKinney
It's 3:30 pm on Monday afternoon and Mary has not completed the investment recommendation report for the board. She had three weeks to work on this report and not only hasn't she completed it, she hasn't even started it!
Why did Mary put this project off? How could she have handled this differently?
People procrastinate for many reasons. Here are three of them:
The first step to overcoming procrastination is to identify why you have avoided the particular project or task. Then you are able to find a more comfortable way to handle the tasks that you often put off until tomorrow.
Procrastination Reason #1: I don't know where to start.
Suggestion #1-Identify action steps.
Make a list, in any order, of all of the steps that need to be done to write the report. Review the list and put the tasks in correct sequence. Finally, make sure to schedule time and deadlines in your calendar to complete each task.
Suggestion #2-Make an arbitrary start.
As Nike says, "Just do it." Make some assumptions and just start. As you work on the project, the steps needed to proceed may become clear. If you come to a dead end, don't be afraid to stop, reevaluate, and start again.
Procrastination Reason #2: I dislike or feel overwhelmed by the task or project.
Suggestion #1-Delegate it.
If at all possible, delegate tasks you dislike to someone else. Or, perhaps you can swap tasks with a co-worker who doesn't like to do something you do enjoy.
Suggestion #2 - Reward yourself.
Create a positive reward system for yourself. Once you have completed that unpleasant task, you can go to the mall, buy a new paperback, anything you want. It's your system!
Procrastination Reason #3: I like the adrenaline rush I get frantically completing the project at the last minute.
If you really like working this way, and it doesn't create any problems for you, your clients, or any oft your coworkers, then you don't need to change a thing! But this "style" usually has associated problems that go along with it. So try one of these ideas:
Suggestion #1-Break it into manageable parts.
For those projects that seem too complex, break the project into small tasks. Then put one or two of the tasks on your daily to-do list until the project is completed. "Baby steps" will get you started.
Suggestion #2-Divide tasks up according to time available.
If you have a three hour time block, tackle a larger task rather than several smaller tasks. The smaller tasks can be done in the smaller time blocks available.
Here are a few more tips that you may find helpful:
Plan an event. If you want to get your office or home cleaned up, schedule a party or invite family from out of town! This will force you to focus on the task.
Give in to procrastination. Don't do anything for 15 minutes. Just sit in your chair and stare at the project or task that you don't want to do. After about 5-10 minutes, you'll be anxious to get started.
Create an environment conducive to work. If your office is gloomy, this may be what's holding you back. Spruce it up a bit. If you have a hard time working when there is too much clutter on your desk, take a few minutes to clear it off or find a space that is already clutter free and work there.
If you can't figure out why you continue to put off projects, deeper issues may be involved. You may question the value of the project, feel that you are not getting paid enough, feel that you are not getting the respect you deserve, or have personal problems are interfering with your concentration. If you can get a sense for "why" you procrastinate, you can begin to overcome it.
Nancy Kruschke, owner of Successful Organizing Solutions (S.O.S.) is an organizing coach, consultant, and speaker. Nancy can be reached at 608-441-6767 or Nancy@SOSorganize.net or visit www.SOSorganize.net.