Conquering Procrastination-The Seven-Step Method
By Janet M. Taylor
You take on a new project and think of all the tasks needed to bring it to completion then procrastination sets in and you come to a complete stop. You know you need to get started but don’t know where to begin.
Over the years I struggled to overcome procrastination and still remember the day when I received the package regarding the certification and I left it on my desk for days because it was too much for me to handle. I did get back to it and completed the application eventually receiving my government certification.
The following are strategies I use and share with clients to conquer procrastination that will help you cross items off your list and get things done.
Break projects down into manageable task
List your goals, project deadline, and each step needed to complete your project.
Take five minutes to accomplish something
Create a folder for all incoming project-related emails, start a file for hardcopy documents, write a to-do list.
Create your own starting point
Once you listed all the tasks needed to complete your project start with those that will give you the motivation to stick with the project until it is done. It could be as simple as completing the application or gathering documents (financial statements, tax returns) that need to be copied.
Refer to your timeline to stay on track
Always allow for the unexpected when setting deadlines. I was once working on an office project and despite my project timeline I had to work around the expected shipping delays or technical failures. Having the timeline with tasks helped me maintain focus on other tasks that can be completed until the furniture arrives and the IT team resolved the technical issues.
Try to do things as they occur to you
The more information you can process and emails you can respond to when you receive them the more you can get done. Remember piles and unfinished tasks develop when we delay in making a decision.
Create a productive workspace
Does the setup of your office motivate you to work? If your space does not inspire you or motivate you to work consider rearranging your furniture, adding color, and getting rid of items you don’t need that are cluttering your space. The printer that has not worked in years, the box underneath your desk you moved in with 5 years ago and have not touched since then.
Clean your work area
Get rid of the paper clutter. Did you know that 80% of the stuff we keep we never reference again so if you have piles, boxes and bags of clutter take time now toss what you don’t need and scan the information you need to keep so you can start 2016 with an office that is free of paper piles.
Implement at least one of these strategies the next time you feel like procrastinating and let me know how you made out. I believe using the above strategies your project will be completed by the deadline.
Tell us how you stay focused.
Janet M. Taylor is a professional organizer, speaker, and author with over 20 years of experience helping people get organized. If you are ready to get your life totally organized visit her website at www.janetmtaylor.com
