Get over it!

by Alison Chapman

Procrastination is something everyone struggles with. You find yourself putting things off because you just don't want to do it. Often these are things that you really can not delegate to someone else so you need to find ways of motivating yourself to get moving. The following approaches can be helpful:

• Make up your own rewards. For example, promise yourself a steak dinner if you have completed a certain task.
• Ask someone to keep you on track. Have them ask whether the task is finished and, if it is not, you have to provide them with an explanation. It is a way to keep you in check. Get the task done and they won’t have to ask you again.
• Identify the unpleasant consequences of NOT doing the task.
• Work out the cost of time with your employer. Your employer is paying you to do the things that they think are important. You are not delivering value for the money if you are not doing those things.
  

If you are putting off the start of a project because you find it overwhelming, try taking a different approach. Here are some tips:

• Break the project into smaller, more manageable pieces. You may find it helpful to create a detailed plan of action.
• Start with a few quick, bite size actions, even if these are not the most logical first actions. You will feel that you are achieving things, and perhaps the whole project won't be so overwhelming after all.
  

With a little effort, you can overcome procrastination. These are just a few helpful tips so that you may progress at a better, more effective rate. Assess the tasks that you procrastinate about and either use these tips or come up with your own approach that will prevent you from continuing to procrastinate.