When it comes to my excuses for procrastinating, I am guilty of most of them. Most often I am procrastinating because I am not motivated to do the task. It is not something that interests me, therefore, I do not want to take time to complete the task. I am also guilty of getting stuck on a stuck and just not knowing what to do next. This causes me to waste time trying to make a decision.
In working on my procrastination I have determined what I like to call the 9 Tips for Conquering Procrastination.
ONE // Find your best work place. You need somewhere you can go to get work done. This should be a spot, where you can be free from distractions. For me this would have to be a comfy space with plenty of light.
TWO // Have an audience. Make yourself responsible to someone. We are more likely to complete a task if friends and family know we are working on it. So share what you need to do with a good friend or family member.
THREE // Make a to-do list. Make a list of everything that you need to get done. Move everything that you have been avoiding to the top of the list. Start by completing tasks that will only take a couple of minutes. This will knock some items off your list quickly and get you in the working mode. Then you need to completely focus on the items that you have been avoiding.
FOUR // Break down large tasks. Some tasks we just cannot get done in one sitting or one day. They can seem overwhelming, so break them down into smaller tasks. This will help you see what needs to get done and you can fill more accomplished as you complete each smaller task. This also allows you to easily track how far you have come on the task and how much work is left.
FIVE // Set deadlines. Set deadlines for what you want to accomplish. If it is a task that will take multiple days, set deadlines for each step of that task. Stick to your deadlines.
SIX // Take 10 minute breaks. We all need breaks sometimes. If you are getting tired of working on a task or you are becoming frustrated, take a 10 minute break. Set the timer on your phone, get up and take a break. When the time is up get immediately back to work.
SEVEN // When stuck, ask for help. Sometimes we just waste time because we are stuck and we just don't know what to do. When stuck ask for help. Ask a friend, colleague, or family member for their advice. If you are stuck just because you can't make a decision between options, you really need to weigh the pros and cons and go with the best choice.
EIGHT // Reward yourself when you finish early. When you meet your deadlines you are doing great! If you finish early you are doing better. Reward your good behavior. Go out to that movie or to grab that coffee with your friend.
NINE // Focus on your goals. When you are seriously lacking the motivation to complete a task focus on your goals, what you want to accomplish, and why. Reminding yourself of this will help you find the motivation to get things finished.
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