Procrastination Battle Plan: Part 1
Ok. I brought up procrastination in the last blog so let's see what we can do about it. I've tried various things...a lot of things, actually. Some work better than others or some will work good sometimes and not so much next time.
I've done a bit of research and have made a list of about 20 things that can help fight the "putting off" disease.
For the next few blogs, I'm going to take two or three each time and exbound on them a little. Hopefully, some or all will help you stop procrastinating as much.
1) Take a Short Walk
Not only take a short walk, but, if possible take a walk around nature! University of Michigan did a study and found that there was a 20% improvement in focus and attention on people who took walks through a nature setting. The sights and sounds of nature seem to be beneficial to our minds. If you don't live in the country, which I don't, take walks in the park or if you can find a quiet street with lots of trees.
2) Streamline Email Writing
A lot of us really like going into detail in our emails. I know i did. I've improved it a bit where it doesn't take so long, which relieves some of the dread. I write them in bullet-point format. It's way more effiecient to write (and for them to read). Just write the key points you're trying to make in as few words as possible. Forget about the conversational writing and details. If you dread writing emails, this will make them easier so you won't be as apt to put it off and if you use email writing as a procrastination of some other task, then, you'll get finished faster and to the task at hand.
3) Prioritize One Thing Each Day
If I have 10 important things to get finished in a day, none of them will get done. Tim Ferriss (The Four-Hour Workweek), says to set your goals each morning. He says make a list of tasks that are stressing you the most, then ask yourself, "If this were the only thing I accomplished today, would I be satisfied with my day?" and "Will moving this forward make all the other to-do's unimportant or easier to knock off later?"
Look over what you answered "yes" to at least one of the questions and pick one. Just pick ONE so you'll be sure to get it done. Then set aside two to three hours at some point that day to finish that task. Prioritizing the biggest challenges can help keep away procrastinating.
I appreciate you taking the time to read this blog and hope you find some value in it. I'll continue with more procrastinating antidotes in the next blog.
Don's forget. Take Action!
Grant
You can also connect with me in my private FB group for more help and support. You'll find the link bottom right of my WA profile page.
Recent Comments
13
Hi Grant
Procrastination starts if I do not like to do that task or I do not know how to start. Over the years I learned that outsourcing task I do not like to do eliminates most of the Procrastination.
Part 2 is so true people make it a job answering emails.
Writing down each day 3 task that are super important for my Business, when you finish them and you tick them off on your daily 3 task list it feels amazing, the feeling of achieving your tasks and goal keeps you going.
Cheers Sylvia
Hi Grant.
I read the part 2 first. Oh well got the messages.
There is nothing like a walk with nature to calm the soul and get those creative juices flowing.
Wanda
I think procrastination is a personal thing and we need to find our best methods of overcoming it. The shiny object syndrome is one that affects many people, which more often than not leads to procrastination.
Derek
Agreed! One solution doesn't fit all. Sometimes, the same solution works one time and then not the next. And yes, the shiny object syndrome is king of them all!
Procrastination is the enemy of success. Sometimes we have to face this recurring attitude like a disease. All the best.
Great, Grant.
It is wise that you break the Battle Plan into a few blogs.
You make it easier for us to learn.
It is the first time I have heard of the first point ... it is a surprise that it can help in procrastination. I heard it is good for de-stressing but not this.
Anyway, thanks for sharing.
I believe how it helps is that it improves focus and attention, so when you are focused you are less likely to procrastinate.
*** Wonderful 'Battle Plan!' ...
... it's super that you've recognized the symptoms and having the wherewithal in dealing / managing that so easy 'to put if off to another time' mindset ...
... good on YOU! ....
.... keep well, keep happy & most importantly, keep moving onward & upward to Success! ...
... all the best to you, cheerio ... :) ***
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For me it helps to do the most dreaded thing first. Once it is out of the way, I do not have the thought of doing it hanging over my head all day ruining my motivation for other things!
Michelle
Excellent!