That big project deadline is rapidly approaching and you’ve got a list of things to do before you turn it in to the boss. We’ve all experienced those times when you just don’t have the mental clarity or energy, or maybe you start working on it, only to find distractions around every corner.
If you sometimes tend to procrastinate, you’re not alone. It’s a common affliction and there are some simple solutions you can take to break the cycle and get the job done. Here are some ideas to help you get over the hump.
- Find Your Flow – Knowing how and when you work best is one way to eliminate procrastination. Determine when you are most productive and your thoughts are clearest. Try to avoid meetings or distractions during peak periods. Staying in the flow will increase your performance and your productivity.
- Avoid Multitasking – Break projects down into manageable pieces and work on one piece from beginning to end, without distractions or interruptions. Multitasking is a myth: switching our brains on and off is mentally exhausting. Focus!
- Develop Routines, Practice Discipline – We all agree that workloads can sometimes become unmanageable. You must learn to manage yourself and your time to drive productivity. Also delegation is an important skill. Know when to delegate tasks and how to follow up.
- Tasks Seem Repetitive and Boring – If you’re a creative person, sometimes the minutia of a task can seem repetitive and boring, but it has to get done! Try setting a time limit for a single task and then compete against yourself to see if you can beat that time limit. Reward yourself every time you do!
- Focus on Your Top Three Priorities First – Begin each day by asking “what are my top three priorities today?” and put those items at the top of your list. You’ll never get to everything on your list, but if you make the three most important tasks your top priority, you’ll get more done.
Procrastination can be beaten. With a little planning and time management, you can make it a part of your past. Remember to delegate whenever possible and prioritize your tasks. Break down big jobs into smaller segments and focus! In the end, you’ll find you’re getting more done in a day than you ever thought possible!
