Do you know how I know that, procrastination can be a torrid time waster? That not only does it create frustration and irritation, but it also ends up being very unproductive at the best of times!
Considering it took me about 3 days of “planning”, reframing and conceptualising this mini article, I can successfully say that I got caught in the throws of very common human malady, namely the nasty procrastination bug. But is there a cure I hear you ask? I think you are reading the proof that there is!
In my case the first step was to start to write and whilst doing so I asked myself two really simple, logical and easy questions:
- Was it so difficult when it came to the crunch to write the article?
- How much time, effort and energy did I “waste” by not actually doing it?
I know my answers to those two questions now….do you know yours?
Funny thing was (ironic some might say), as soon as I started to write I found notes right under my nose on the very subject of procrastination, lurking on my desk… Humm. Considering time management is one of my passions I thought it best to start upping my game and walking my talk, so isn’t it refreshing to know that it is always possible to catch a habit and break it ever so quickly, all it requires is a little bit of action.
So it is with humble first hand current experience that I share this with you, so that you can cure yourself from the sniffles of procrastination once and for all.
Here are three basic yet effective remedies that can help you combat the bug:
1. DELETE – Ask how much pain would it cause you to not get “the job” done?
Would skipping the task make a positive difference to your outcome?
Is deletion an option?
Would deleting the task make me feel better?
(My answers were pretty much one sided)
2. COMMIT TO DOING IT – Get the task / job off your desk. Meaning get it done. Trust me it creates momentum, and momentum creates movement and movement = energy flow. Flowing vs. Stagnation is 1st prize.
3. TIMING of ACTION – If the task is huge, get it over and done with first thing in the day! That way the rest of the day is a breeze. And that is what each day is about – enjoying the fresh breeze!
If you would like to explore any other points around procrastination and time management, I would be happy to make a time for a session or two with you.
“The man who moves a mountain begins by carrying away small stones.” - Confucius
