It is rare for procrastination never to rear its ugly head in one’s life and for some people it can be crippling, the biggest barrier between them and success.
So why DO we procrastinate so much? Here some possible reasons and solutions.
1. The task doesn’t seem important in the scheme of things. It can be difficult to be motivated to do something when you do not really see how it will bring you to your dreams. I like to think of a jigsaw where each piece though insignificant in itself, is still vital to the completion of the picture. using the same analogy, it’s often a good idea to work on a project to completion rather than going in there and everywhere because like the jigsaw, it can be very satisfying to finish the sky or the edges. It can give you a real sense of completion . Keep in mind here your big goal and know that every step brings you closer.
2. You put too much significance into every item. This can be just as paralyzing if you are scared to make any move for fear of failure. No one thing is likely to make or break you and most mistakes can be either rectified or put behind you. Forward momentum is more important than getting a thing perfect – there is no such thing as perfection anyway. So if you are dithering over putting your website up because you do not have a header, put it up anyway and add the header later.
3. You can’t decide what to do first. There are various schools of thought on how to prioritize – some say do the hardest tasks first, others say to ease yourself into it with the simplest. It is a matter of personal choice but choose one and stick to it. Some tasks are sequential so that also needs to be taken into account. Also take into account your natural rhythms. You may find you are more suited to a type of work at a particular time of day.
4. The chore is boring. Does this chore HAVE to be done and does it HAVE to be done by you? If writing is difficult and tiresome for you can you achieve the same result by doing a audio or video product? Can you outsource it?
5. The chore is boring and yes, you do have to do it. First break the chore down into manageable 15 minutes chunks. Use a timer and work solidly on the task for those 15 minutes. You will probably amaze yourself how much you get done in that period of time. Then reward yourself – phone a friend, have a cup of your favorite hot drink, play a game, watch some television. When you do something pleasurable immediately after completing a task, your brain will release the feel-good chemical dopamine and so you brain will come to associate the chore with pleasure. This is especially effective in setting up good habits.
What tips and techniques have you found to overcome the procrastination in your life?
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3 responses so far ↓
1 Tamara Wilson // Jan 2, 2008 at 10:55 pm
Katherine Thanks so much for the tips I am always putting things off then wonder to myself why in the world don’t I have time to do everything. Ok wrong I know but this helped get a better grip on things.
2 Cactii // Jun 26, 2008 at 8:56 pm
I procrastinate a lot! What I’ve done to help myself is make a list of my 10 most important things that I want to finish or change and post the list on my closet door so I can see it every time I get dressed in the morning.
I’ve crossed off a few but there’s always more to add.
Cactiis last blog post..Summertime Activities with Your GPS
3 Dave from BBQ technques // Sep 29, 2008 at 3:00 pm
I find setting small goals is the way to achieve success. When you achieve a goal it is a great motivator, moving you forward to achieve the next little goal. Pretty soon all the little goals add up to a big goal.