Reward for Accomplishment
Procrastination can be a big problem causing wasted time and effort. Most people suffer from procrastination to a greater or lesser degree.
There are a number of reasons why people procrastinate, including fear, fatigue, confusion, depression, adult ADD, etc. often we suffer from what I call the tyranny of the urgent. There are so many urgent tasks that need to be done that we never get to the important tasks. For example, the pets need to be cared for, laundry needs to be done, children must be picked up from school at a specific time. All these things demand our immediate attention and cause interruptions during our day preventing us from doing the things that are really important.
So how do we stop procrastinating? One of the first things we can do is get organized. I know for some people this is a four letter word, but the more organized you are the easier it will be to manage your time. Making a list of your tasks and prioritizing them is a good start. Be sure to include the urgent tasks in your list as well. That way you won’t be distracted when those things pop up.
Pick one or two important tasks and break it down into smaller bites. As you accomplish the small tasks you will begin to see the job accomplished. This provides momentum for you to continue until the task is finished. When possible delegate some of the tasks. This will make you more efficient. It will also provide a measure of accountability which will help you keep on track.
Know thyself. Don’t be a procrastinator. Schedule the important tasks when you are refreshed and clearheaded. During the times of day when you are sluggish, do the routine tasks that don’t require as much thought or planning.
These are just a few suggestions to help you learn how to stop procrastinating. Please feel free to add your own ideas in the comments below.
