Anti-Procrastination Strategies For Getting Things Done

Do you consistently put off tasks until the last minute? Or, do you end up missing opportunities and facing penalties by allowing deadlines to pass?

We procrastinate for various reasons:

Fear of failure – If we don't start and/or never finish, our work can't be judged.
Fear of success – If people see how capable we are, they may expect more from us.
Avoidance of responsibility – If we delay making decisions, we delay consequences (or so it seems).
Lack of interest – If we're bored with a task or uninterested in the outcome, we have little motivation.
Miscalculation – We overestimate how much time we have to complete a task and/or underestimate how long a task will take to complete.
False Beliefs – We convince ourselves that we do our best work under pressure or that we will be in a better frame of mind in the near future.

If you're procrastinating for these or any other reasons, the following strategies can help you stay on track.

• Write a daily to-do list so that you're less inclined to "forget" about unpleasant tasks.
• Set a reasonable deadline. Mark on a calendar the day(s) and time(s) you will work on the task.
• Turn a huge project into a series of smaller tasks and work on them one at a time.
• Remind yourself of all the benefits you will gain by finishing your task.
• Think about how disappointed you will feel if you don't complete your task. Or think about the negative consequences of not finishing.
• Find ways to make the task enjoyable. Play music in the background (as long as it doesn't become a distraction), sip your favorite beverage while you work, invite friends to work alongside of you.
• Reward yourself along the way. Take periodic breaks to enjoy a snack or take a walk. Just be sure to set a time limit.
• Ask a friend to periodically check up on your progress and remind you of your initial resolve to accomplish your task.

We all put off tasks from time to time, but if you find that procrastination is preventing you from achieving your goals or living your best life, then these tips should help you gain not only momentum but also the rewards of a job well done.

 

Michele P. Rousseau is a certified hypnotist and life coach in Middletown. For information, see http://micheleprousseau.com.