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| I was avoiding my work space…it was cluttered and disorganized (which is really not me). I was walking by it…doing the bare minimum, waiting for my focus to came back. Little by little, my dissatisfaction built and built, until…BAM! I couldn’t take it anymore! Enough was enough! My focus was back! And back with a vengeance! Not only did I reorganize my workspace, I moved it entirely! Which created reason to move many other spaces and situations. Let’s just say, a lot has improved! More importantly, I procrastinated no longer! The clock is always ticking! And we have deadlines to meet! Whether the target is Christmas, Hannukah or year end, there’s no more room to put things off! It’s time to face the tasks, head on, and complete that to-do list. Here are 3 simple strategies and mindsets to battle that procrastinator within. 1. Start with easy WINS: If it takes less than 2 minutes, do it right away, reduce the mental clutter, Check it off the list. Pile up the quick victories for a winning momentum. Your motivation will transition you to tackle larger tasks. 2. Break larger tasks into smaller bites: Overwhelm will fade and momentum will snow ball when you successfully complete the smaller, more manageable parts. 3. Reframe your mindset: Focus on the BENEFITS of completing the task, rather than the effort it will require. This is a reminder of your “why” and your long-term goals. What will the satisfaction feel like when it is completed? I can almost guarantee it will feel pretty great! More suggestions to keep you on target and prevent procrastination from creeping back in: -Create a comfortable workspace. I just set up my whole new work area! And I love it! -Get specific with tasks/clear goals/deadlines. Not just “work on newsletter”, rather “write first draft by 1pm”. -Eliminate distractions. TURN. OFF. NOTIFICATIONS. And anything else that tends to distract you. -Practice time blocking and use a timer. Specific blocks of time dedicated to certain tasks. -Reward yourself! With a snack, coffee, a walk, any favorite activity as a reward. It will create a positive work-reward loop for yourself. -Be accountable. To yourself or share your goals with a friend. Check in regularly. -Forgive yourself. When you slip up, make the necessary adjustments. Then get back to it! Procrastination happens to all of us. Because we are human beings. Sometimes we just need time to work up to certain things. Eventually the haunting, daunting, hemming and hawing becomes more painful than the actual task. Rather than wait for that to happen, consider adopting some of these skills now. I promise, as they become good, healthy habits, procrastination will become a thing of the past. Mark my words! |