5 Ways to Stop Procrastinating
Do you have several tasks that need to be done but they are sitting in your in-tray and you're avoiding eye contact? You know these things need attention, but you never seem to get around to doing them
So why haven't you?
Reason 1 : The job or task hasn't been done because you actively dislike it.
Solution : If you don't like what you know you HAVE to do, then delegate. We're usually good at the things we enjoy (me: organising, hubby: eating chocolate) and so don't consider them a chore. So if you dislike something so much that it's constantly being put to the bottom on the pile, outsource it!
Reason 2 : You're procrastinating because you don't know how to do the job.
Solution : Maybe it's a male pride thing, but how many men actually ask for directions when they're lost? Quite! If you don't know the answer to something, ask. Consult someone that can help you, guide you or simply do the job for you.
Reason 3 : There's never enough time.
Solution : So what are you doing with your 24 hours? There will be hours in your day where you think you're being productive, but you're just being active. Schedule in a task and do it then, rather than hitting the 'snooze' button.
Reason 4 : You are procrastinating because you feel stuck.
Solution : It's getting in to the rhythm that can be the trickiest thing of all. Don't feel that you have to complete the whole task in one sitting if it feels too overwhelming. Write a draft, then walk away and go back to it later; fill out just the first page of your VAT return then make yourself a cup of tea. Once you start, you may find you are enjoying what you're doing and end up doing more than you originally intended!
Reason 5 : You don't want to do what you think you ought.
Solution : Did you mean to get something done and now it doesn't seem so relevant or fit with what your business is doing right now? Well, maybe, it is something that you can disregard! Take a step back, look at the task from a new perspective and if it no longer feels right, delete it!
Once you know which tasks you are putting off and why, you can organise yourself and develop strategies to help you deal with them. Don't beat yourself up if you can't manage the tasks yourself. Outsource or delegate those tasks that need to be done that you neither have the time or the will to do yourself.
