Don't Read This Article Now. You Can Do It Later

Don't Read This Article Now. You Can Do It Later

 

Procrastination. The dreaded affliction hits everyone at one time or another. Whether it's the pile of papers on the corner of the desk that has been looming large for months, or the sales call that hasn't been made, the outcome is often the same. Decreased sales, missed opportunities, diminished credibility and feeling of accomplishment, and a gnawing in the pit of your stomach can all be attributed to procrastination.

 

There are many causes for delayed action. It's important to realize this, because figuring out why you are procrastinating is the first, and perhaps most essential, step to overcoming it. Once you have identified the reason, you can use the solutions below to meet the challenge.

 

If you are procrastinating because you plain and simple don't like the task, you have several options. Those who are in management positions can delegate the task. You don't have to tell the delegatee that you find the task unpleasant. This might only create resentment that wouldn't otherwise exist.

 

If you don't have this authority, swap tasks with a colleague or friend. You will be surprised by the things a colleague wouldn't mind doing in return for handing you a task that you don't find unpleasant at all.

 

Another option is to postpone doing a task that you do like until this one is finished or create a reward system for yourself. It's important to follow through with your self-promised treat. If you plan to reward yourself, but never do, this technique will become less effective over time.

 

If a project is absolutely overwhelming, to the point where you don't even start it, break it down into small, specific steps. Do one or two each day. If you complete a step and are motivated to continue, fine. But if you're not, that's fine too because you have only committed to one small piece. Just don't stop before completing that piece.

 

Remember that a large project is nothing but the sum of several small projects. Equate it to eating an apple. No one can eat an apple all in one bite. Instead, you pick a spot, take one bite, and continue to eat around the apple, bite by bite, until you finish. Completing a large, overwhelming project is much like this.

If there is no immediate payoff because the project is long term, build in mini-completion points. Design a reward system similar to what you do with a task you don't like. Creating instant gratification will motivate you until you reach the final destination.

 

When you don't do something because you don't know how to handle it, figure out the first place to go to get the information you need. Often, the wrong item is on our To Do list. If the task is one that you can't handle, it's not appropriate for the list. Delete this item, and replace it with the appropriate next step, be it a phone call for more information, a trip to the library, or a request for clarification from the boss.

 

If you know you can handle the project but just don't know where to start, start anywhere. Just do something. Write a title on a piece of paper. Then write something else. Eventually you'll be led to where you need to go. But it takes a little bit of momentum to get the ball rolling. This doesn't mean that you'll use any of the material you start with. This is fine - you need a good finished product, not a good first draft.

 

When you don't know where you're going, it can be difficult to find the motivation to start. When going on a long trip, how do you know in which direction to drive if you don't know your final destination? How would you even know which map to take with you? If this is the challenge that you face, stop and visualize the end result. Once you have figured where and when you want to be, you can plan backwards, setting appropriate completion points along the lifeline of the project.

 

A final, common reason for procrastination is perfectionism. Be aware that there is a difference between doing something right and doing the right thing. Perfectionists can spend their time on the wrong thing, i.e. hanging and rehanging a picture on the office wall. Looks great, but is it getting you anywhere? If the task is meaningless in the long run, it doesn't really matter if you do it perfectly. You can still do it well, just don't let it consume you.

 

Fear of not doing a major and meaningful task perfectly often leads a perfectionist to never begin. They don't want to even start until they are sure they will have time to do it exactly as they want, yet there never seems to be this kind of extra time floating around.

 

If perfectionism is keeping you from beginning a task, reevaluate whether the payoff would be worth the effort of doing it perfectly. There are times when it is worth doing something perfectly. If this is the case, begin at the beginning, with the first segment, and do it extraordinarily well. But only strive for perfection where it counts. The rest of the time, just do it.

Remember, the next time you're procrastinating and can't seem to overcome it, stop and figure out why. Is the task even worth doing? If so, pick the appropriate solution based upon the root cause and you'll whittle away those piles in no time.