We all suffer from procrastination from time to time but rather than fight it, think of procrastination as a gift. This gift allows you to get clarity on what is important to you and what you should work on next. Change your thinking when it comes to procrastination. Accept it. Stop beating yourself up and just accept that you are procrastinating. Dont waste energy with guilty feelings or negative self-talk, instead say this statement out loud: "I am procrastinating and I choose to be productive" this will remind you to change your attitude and help you to take charge of your actions. Which is it? There are typically two types of things we procrastinate: those tasks or activities which are deadline driven (and which we dont like doing) that we always leave until the last minute; and those little things wed like to do, or should do, which arent urgent that we just never get around to. For the first type of procrastination identify those regular or important activities that typically cause you to procrastinate. Is there something you particularly dont enjoy, such as writing proposals or completing staff performance reviews, which you know you always defer? Next time these come around, remind yourself that you know you have procrastinated in the past and choose to be productive instead. For the second type of procrastination keep a file with tasks or activities that are not urgent but that you want to complete, such as articles you want to read or letters you want to write. Choose to complete just one task from this file every week. Stick to your list. When you are finding it really difficult to complete activities, promise yourself you will stick to your diary. Make sure the activities you are procrastinating are on your to do list and work through them in the order they are prioritised whether you feel like it or not. This way youll get the job done and have the satisfaction of ticking-it-off your list. Set a timeframe. Allow yourself a designated amount of time to spend on or to complete the activity. Set your electronic calendar alarm to rescue you once your time is up! Move! If youre getting stuck in a procrastination mindset, break your pattern get up from your desk, go for a walk around the office, make a coffee or get some fresh air. Changing your location for a few minutes may be the kick-start you need. Get a Procrastination Pal. No, not someone you can procrastinate with! Identify someone you can call when you are procrastinating who will help you get on track. Let them know they are your designated Procrastination Pal and when you call them they have permission to help you get focused and moving. Reward yourself. Especially if it is a task you dont enjoy, make a point of rewarding yourself when its completed. Give yourself something to look forward to as an incentive. |
