How To Make Procrastination Work For You and Your Business
June 30, 2008
I'm guessing that right now there are several tasks you've been putting off and that when you look at your to do list, you see some items day after day perhaps even week after week. Maybe its redoing your website, figuring our your books, having a difficult conversation with a client, or kicking your marketing plan into high gear.
Whats stopping you?
Believe me, I deal with this same issue. But you know what I realized?
Procrastination is not necessarily a bad thing.
Instead of seeing procrastination as a negative thing, I now view it as a tool that helps me learn how I work best.
Here are the reasons Ive come up with for why people tend to procrastinate (and ways to deal):
1. You are feeling overwhelmed.
The Fix: You need to start somewhere. Just pick one thing (ANY one thing) off your desk and do it. I like to start with something quick and easy so I feel a sense of accomplishment and build momentum to move on to the next thing.
2. You dont enjoy the task.
The Fix: I once heard that if you eat a toad first thing in the morning, you can do anything. If you need to have a difficult conversation with a client or handle a billing issue, get it done first thing. You will feel a great sense of relief once its over and that cloud will no longer be hanging over your head. Or, if its a larger project, set a timer for, say 15 minutes, and stop when the timer buzzes. This gets you going and allows you to make progress while knowing you can soon move on to something more enjoyable.
3. You don't enjoy a part of the task or project.
The Fix: If you're putting off an entire project just because there's one part you don't want to do, either figure out how you can get away without doing that piece or outsource it. The reward of finishing the project will far outweigh any costs of outsourcing.
4. You dont know how to do it.
The Fix: If you need to do something, but dont know how, wishing it done will not help. You must either learn to do it online course, coach, mentor, etc. or outsource it. I am dating myself here, but Samantha from Bewitched is not going to fly in, wiggle her nose and complete the task.
5. You feel stuck.
The Fix: Similar to #1, you may just need to get momentum going. Give yourself permission to do just one small part of the task. Or do the easiest part first. Doing this usually creates momentum, and you end up doing a lot more than you originally planned.
6. You don't really want to do what you thought you should do.
The Fix: Chances are good that if you really dont want to do something anymore, it is no longer right for you. Slow down and listen to your intuition. A goal may have been perfect for you last year, but not any longer. You change, your business changes, let the project/goal go and see what happens. Its okay to change your mind. : )
7. You are too busy.
The Fix: If you keep telling yourself (or others) that you are just too busy to get something done, then you need to reevaluate your time and the project. Do you really need to do the project? If so, then one of the above reasons most likely applies or you may be spending your time on non-essential tasks. If you are truly too busy doing other mission critical items, then you must schedule future time to do it, get rid of other tasks to create the time you need or outsource it.
Once you start realizing which tasks you tend to put off, you will learn to recognize the underlying cause and handle it appropriately. Perhaps you need to eat that toad or maybe its time to delegate something you will now be able to handle each bout of procrastination as it comes.
Take some time to make a list of everything youre currently procrastinating and figure out which of the seven reasons applies dont judge yourself, just list them. Youll soon be on your way to getting more done than ever. GO FOR IT!
Online Business Manager & Entrepreneur, Sandra Martini, publishes the 'Effective Entrepreneur' weekly e-zine. She also coaches small business owners to more efficiently manage their businesses while increasing profits and having fun. Sandra's coaching programs are available via teleconferencing, emails and telephone calls. For more information or to sign-up for Effective Entrepreneur, visit http://www.online-biz-coach.com today. Want to grow your business? Sign up for the FREE e-course "How to Write a Dynamic Marketing Plan" by sending a blank email to smartini-187175@autocontactor.com today.
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