Do you want to learn how to stop putting things aside and just get things done sooner rather than later?
Here are five simple techniques you can make use of right away to help you kick your procrastination habits to the wayside.
1. Explore and map out the task at hand.
Sometimes procrastination sneaks up on us because we haven’t properly addressed just what it is we should be doing in the first place. A task always seems larger or more complicated when you don’t know the specific details! Think about what you’re trying to accomplish. Do you know what your desired goal or end result is? Consider making a list or mind-mapping all of the pieces involved in this larger task. What small steps can you take now to get there? Does your task only involve yourself or does it involve others? If you’re working with other people, you may find you need to collect more information or conduct more research before you can begin your work in earnest.
2. Identify and take action for the first small step.
Instead of tackling the whole entirety of your task (which can be an exhausting an intimidating experience), simply start with the basics and take one single solitary step toward your goal. You’ll break through the ice of inaction and will have the momentum to continue on with the rest of your work.
Remember, sometimes the only step you need to take is a small one in order to get the ball rolling. For example, if you are looking to book a special party for your family at a new restaurant, but are dragging your feet on the task, just pick up the phone to find out the restaurant’s hours or visit their website to see what their menu is like to get the momentum going. Problem solved and procrastination averted.
3. Schedule time for fun—and limit your work.
It might seem odd to schedule an enjoyable reward in advance of doing your work, but this can actually be quite useful in helping you to get things done. You’ll have an enjoyable activity waiting for you after a job well done. You could plan to grab a latte with your friend at the local coffee shop, or see that new action flick at the movies. Once you’ve scheduled your fun, the next step is to set a limit on your work time. Whether it’s a specific amount of time spent working or certain amount of work to be completed, you give yourself no other option but to get the work done instead of needlessly dragging it out over many days, weeks or even months. Sit down, get to work, and then enjoy your well-deserved reward!
4. Go through the motions.
Okay, so you don’t feel like going to the gym or writing up that email report at work. Instead of getting mentally weighing yourself down with a mountain of excuses or reasons to not do something, switch your focus into the physical world. All you have to do is go through the motions to get you on your way to completing your task. Pack up your workout gear, grab your car keys and head out the door or open up your email program and report materials and start typing. You’ll be one step closer to doing what it is you have to do. It would be silly for you to stop now that things are in motion, so why not just keep on going?
5. Eliminate distractions.
Are you easily distracted while you work? If you know you are prone to distractions in your environment, be it a an impromptu conversation with a co-worker to constantly checking your cell phone or email, it’s time to eliminate those distractions. Turn off your cell phone, log off of Google+ or Pinterest, go to a quiet meeting room or area of your office, study in the library, sit in a coffee shop, use a pair of noise canceling headphones, or hire babysitter to watch your kids while you finish your freelancing job at home. Take care to remove any distractions in your environment. There’ll be nothing left to do but to sit down and get to work.