Some advice for all... especially for MOI! Now I just have to stop procrastinating and follow these 5 steps...lolStop Procrastinating In 5 StepsProcrastination is the mother of all demons. It slows you down, it holds you back, and it gets in your way. Not to worry though - there are some effective processes to help you slay this giant.We’
ve all done it at one point or another. We'll put off our exercise routine until tomorrow, we'll continually delay finishing that project, and we’ll wait until next week to make that phone call.
Dictionary.com defines 'procrastination' as follows: To put off doing something, especially out of habitual carelessness or laziness.
It's no wonder procrastination is a common activity in our lives. It's the easiest, simplest and most convenient solution to essentially every problem. And it doesn't take a genius to figure out that those who do not procrastinate get a lot further in life.So how do you get to that point? It's much more straightforward than you might think.
Do it NowHold your breath and jump right in! Putting things off until the last minute is a bad habit and like all habits, it is ingrained into our subconscious mind. This kind of habit is hard to break. It feels like the normal thing to do and we simply continue along our path. To complete a task immediately may even feel strange or like a forced action. But it gets more natural with time.
When your boss gives you a task or when your clients or customers request your expertise, do it right away. On top of looking well organized to others, the feeling that the job is done in no time will be one of relief and gratitude. How would this type of efficiency look to your customers when you request a referral or to your boss when salary reviews are approaching? It would look great.
And this immediacy doesn't need to stop when you leave the office. By incorporating it into your personal life, you will be creating a personality trait - a habit.
Take Baby StepsSometimes we procrastinate because the task may be intimidating to us. Perhaps we have no possible inkling on where to start. In these cases, it is quite fine to take it one step at a time.
Say you are preparing a business plan and for the fifth time this week, you’
ve turn on the PC and looked at the blank screen. Or you’
ve just remembered you need to do some more research before you begin - you’re still not ready.
My friend, you are ready.
You simply need to break down the project into smaller pieces and tackle each bit separately. Make each task an individual project and after completion of each one, celebrate and acknowledge your achievement. Soon you’ll be finished and have no idea why you were putting it off in the first place.
The tactical approach of conquering a large task in small baby steps will take you a long way.
Vision the PerfectAh! I love this one. I use the Law of Attraction with my clients to have them easily and effortlessly achieve their dreams and desires and in effect, their visions. Once you are aware that you are in fact procrastinating, creating a vision of yourself achieving the perfect plan is extremely helpful. When you create a vision you write in the present tense - as if you have already achieved your goal or if you are in the process of completing it.
For example, we'll go back to the business plan. Your vision may look something like this.
“I am so grateful that I have completed all the research I need for my business plan. I am finding the information easily using the Internet. People who have written business plans are offering me advice that enables me to create an exciting plan that I resonate with. As I write, the words come to me effortlessly.”
In creating a vision and focusing on it daily, the universal laws state that things, people, processes will begin to occur in your life that will allow you to attract that vision.
Forget itWhy force the issue? If you've been dragging your feet on something for a very long time, it may all be for the best. A part of your mind may be trying to tell you something. And that part of your mind - your intuition - is usually right!
Think about something that you have been putting off again and again and again. What are the reasons that you need to complete this task in the first place? Does someone want you to do this? What is their agenda? What are your reasons for this lengthy delay?
I find it amazing that 99% of the time I put off doing something, I am thankful that I did! Disregarding a project after a long period of procrastination is however, usually a last resort.
Support TeamDo you put off tasks because you feel that there are too big and complex for you to handle alone? Or because you need assistance? Be honest with yourself. Remember the age-old expression - "No man is an island”.
Ask for help! There are many resources out there that can provide you with all you need to carry out your job.
If you’re a solo-professional and you put off answering emails, then don’t answer them yourself. Hire an assistant, find some college students who want experience, or get a family member to help.
Procrastinating on life changing activities could be as a result of fear of the unknown. Get a mastermind group together, find a mentor, or join a support group.
The bottom line is to focus on what it is you're good at and bring assistance to the areas where needed.
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just do itProcrastination is a habit that you can do without. It slows you down, it holds you back, and it gets in your way. So review these steps and ask yourself the right questions. Get rid of any procrastinating tendencies and watch your productivity soar.
by Sandra Baptist,
TheSoko.com
