Planning Overtakes Procastination
By: Jodi Cross
Check Mate! I have declared war on procrastination! The piles have been building for months and my “to do” lists have a list of their own but nothing seems to get done. The key to ending the madness is planning.
Start by organizing your to-do lists and make priorities:
Make a list and write items down in categories
- Breaking things into Personal or Professional action items
Prioritize
Think of issues as:
- Critical-these are things that must be done in an urgent time frame or their will be consequences.
- Important-these items are action that must be taken but there are not urgent consequence.
Layout tasks on your actual calendar
- Schedule action items into small tasks.
- Set deadlines and stick to them.
Avoid getting caught in the perfect trap
- Perfectionists can be the biggest procrastinators of all, it is part of their winning formula. Instead focus on progress.
Minimize Interruptions and distractions
- Set a time to get projects done. Check your emails during certain windows during your day to avoid distractions.
- Compartmentalize work flow and return calls later. Stays focused on projects and see them through. Once a task is completed check your email list and return your calls during set times throughout the day. This will make your time more productive.
Build in rewards
- Think about big and small rewards you can give yourself if you finish a project.
- Use positive, pleasurable outcomes to motivate you to complete a project.