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OVERCOMING PROCRASTINATION

As we make our resolutions for 2015, let us make sure that we include the biggest

enemy of all.

What is that you may ask? It is overcoming procrastination .

Someone once defined procrastination as “The deliberate act of choosing not to

complete an urgent task in order to do something more pleasurable.”

Some common reasons why people put things off are :

1. Underestimating the importance of a task and its consequences.

2. Distractions :- Such as phone calls, emails, TV, Internet browsing (this list

could go on and on)

3. Overwhelm: - If the task looks Big, we sometimes feel too stressed to even

start.

4. Tiredness: - This happens when we take on more than we can chew, such as

working two jobs or when we multitask. This habit can continue until it

becomes chronic and we find that just like an Alcoholic we are addicted to

putting things off.

Here are some tips for overcoming procrastination:

1. Get rid of distractions. Prioritize your tasks and set specific times to get

them done, During these allotted times, turn off your TV, cell phone and any

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other gadget that could distract you. Inform your loved ones that you will be

unavailable during those times.

2. Break up large tasks into smaller chunks.

Question: How do you eat an Elephant ?

Answer: Small bites at a time.

It is less overwhelming to break your big goals into smaller goals. I like the

adage :- Difficult is a description of easy things that take a lot of steps to

perform. Do not be afraid to ask for help.

“If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”

1. Always take time out to plan ahead. Plan your day, plan your week. If

possible plan your month and year in advance.

2. Watch your energy levels: For instance do not try to take on a large task

after working 8 hours nonstop at the office. Try to do such tasks on your off

days or maybe early in the morning. As Brian Tracy likes to put it – “ Eat

the biggest frog first “ Start with your largest task first , learn to outsource

or delegate tasks what seem daunting. Do what you love and outsource the

rest.

Begin with the End in mind.

A favourite from the “7 habits of highly effective people” by Steven Covey, when

you put things off, think of the consequences. Cause and effect. Keeping the

consequences on your mind can deter you from procrastinating. In some cases the

consequences could be quite grave, like losing money, a friendship or relationship.

Finally, remember this:

If you do today what others don’t, you will have tomorrow what others won’t.

Have a Happy and Successful 2015 !

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