ELIMINATE PROCRASTINATION

The only way to stop procrastination is to take action. Begin by figuring out why you procrastinate. Some common reasons people procrastinate and ways to remedy the situations are listed below:

·         No clear idea of what to do. If you are not sure what to do, ask yourself how you can find out what action you should take. For instance, has someone else performed the task? Can you ask that person for guidance? Are there directions for performing the task that you can access? Can you research an answer? Can you brainstorm with others or have someone train you?

·         The size of the task is overwhelming. Break tasks into manageable pieces and take small bits of action. Work on one part of the task at a time. Whenever you have a spare few minutes, do something that brings you closer to your goal of completing the task. If possible, delegate portions of the task or else have someone work with you.

·         No clear priorities. Decide what you want to accomplish. Write down your goals. Create a to-do list and prioritize it. Create a plan of action complete with the steps you can take to perform each task. Ask for guidance when needed.

·         Too much to do. Get organized and learn to manage your time well. Forget about pleasing everyone; learn to say no. Align your to-do-list tasks with your priorities. Concentrate on the most important work first. Combine like tasks. Eliminate unnecessary tasks. Attempt less. Avoid perfectionism. Know when you are in over your head, and ask for help when you need it.

·         Distractions. Eliminate as many distractions as you can by closing your door, turning off the radio or television, regulating the temperature, getting comfortable, and the like. Temporarily turn off the phone, email alerts, and social media sites. Avoid situations where you will be tempted to socialize whenever you do not have the time to spare. When people drop by to talk, tactfully tell them you have to complete your tasks and will talk with them during break. Discourage socializing by continuing to work and not making eye contact or engaging in the conversation. Stand up when someone comes into your office, or else meet visitors outside your office. Be unavailable.

·         Indecision. Do your research; get the facts. Brainstorm ideas. Consult others if necessary. Weigh the risks and consequences of possible decisions. Implement the decision. Learn from any negative consequences of your decision. Re-evaluate the decision and change what needs to be changed.

Meet Deadlines

Since it is tax day, I thought I would give some tips for meeting deadlines. One of the biggest obstacles to meeting deadlines is procrastination. It is one thing to know you have to do something, but it is another thing entirely to motivate yourself to do it. If you are not passionate about doing the task (and I assume you are not passionate about doing your taxes), you will have a difficult finishing the task on deadline.

Here are questions to ask yourself when you have a deadline looming:

• Can I break down this task into smaller parts?
• What will I gain by putting off this task?
• What will I gain by completing this task?
• What will happen if I miss the deadline for this task?
• What would make me take action on this task?
• What one step can I take to start this task? (Oftentimes getting started is the hardest step.)
• Can anyone help me with the task? (If so, solicit his or her help.)
• Can anyone else cheer me on?
• How will I feel when this task is completed?

Actions to take include:

• Find a reason to get excited about doing the task. (This can even be as simple as rewarding yourself in some way when the task is completed.)
• Create a to-do list and set priorities.
• Schedule important work first.
• Take a step toward completing the task and then take another one.
• Focus on one task at a time.
• Eliminate distractions.
• Hold yourself accountable.
• Do something; get started.
• Find a way to push yourself to complete the task.