I’m sorry. I would have had this posted sooner, but. . . I procrastinated. Oh, do you sometimes procrastinate too? Procrastination is defined as the action of delaying or postponing something. We all do it at one time or another. The “why” is not really a mystery. It’s usually an onerous task that gets put off: A lengthy project at work, beginning an exercise program, a difficult conversation. We might be afraid of failure, or embarrassment. We might just dread the sheer work, or amount of time required. But most of us also know that we usually feel better after getting a difficult task completed, or at least begun. And we also feel a sense of pride for tackling something that was scary, or difficult. This is a much better feeling than the feeling of not having tried.
If you’re okay with your occasional (or habitual) procrastinating, then you can stop reading now. But if you’re looking for some motivation, and some practical suggestions, I’d like to share some “dos” and “don’ts” that have helped me overcome that desire to put off until tomorrow what one can do today!
DO: Find your Mantra
Positive thoughts and affirmations do help. For procrastination, I like “Action is better than Inaction.” You might need something more energetic like “I can do it!” When my kids were younger and playing sports, I liked to channel Wayne Gretzky who said “You will miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!”
DONT: Torment yourself with all the things that could go wrong
Not everything will run smoothly, but you learn from the mistakes and move on. Eventually you will get where you want to be. Have you been putting off a difficult conversation with a coworker, friend or family member because you’re worried how it might go? Think about how having the conversation will improve the situation and very possibly improve your relationship going forward. And even if it doesn’t, you’ll know you did everything you could to fix it.
DO: Schedule the task you’ve been avoiding for first thing in the morning
I frequently have to make difficult phone calls at work. Those are the first things I tackle each morning; before reading emails or chatting with coworkers. After that, I can relax as I tackle the less strenuous aspects of my day. When should you tackle that DIY home project? On your next day off. Write it on your calendar for a specific day and time and then keep that appointment. The phone call to check in on a friend whose going through a difficult time? Right now, while you’re thinking about it!
DONT: Wait until you have exhausted all research/ explored every possible outcome
There is such a thing as over planning and over thinking. If you need to plan your family’s summer vacation, brainstorm 3 or 4 possibilities and then do a little digging to see which makes the most sense. Any more than that will be overwhelming and will keep you from making a decision. Trying to quit a bad habit? Choose between 2 or 3 options that will help and get started. At some point you have to jump in to find out what it is that you haven’t thought of.
DO: Prepare the night before
If you want to start a new workout plan, decide the evening before which workout you’ll be tackling, what time you want to start, what equipment and/or clothing you’ll need. That way when you wake up, you’re ready to go, and you don’t talk yourself out of it while thinking about all those choices.
DONT: Give up if things don’t work right away
If you finally nailed an interview for a new, more desirable job, and you don’t get selected, try again! If nothing else, that first interview provided great practice for the next one.
DO: Think about how good you’ll feel when you’ve finished
Reference a time in the past where you were proud, happy, rewarded for getting to the task completed! I once was working on a magazine article and procrastinating the phone call to request an interview with someone who was clearly an intelligent, sophisticated person. I was nervous and intimidated. I finally selected a day and time, and mustered the courage to make the call during my scheduled time. To my surprise I got directly to the person I needed to speak with and convinced my target to conduct the interview over the phone then and there. Although this was about 15 years ago, I can vividly recall the feeling of euphoria I experienced when the challenge was completed. Writing the actual article was easy from that point on.
DONT: Spend a lot of money on supplies
If you’re working on a new project for the first time, ease into it. If you’re thinking about learning how to quilt, start with the simplest pattern and least expensive material while you assess your interest, talent, or the expense before buying a lifetime supply of materials.
DO: Define your objective
Reminding yourself why you’re doing something can often be the best motivating factor. If you’ve been putting off scheduling that appointment with the doctor, focus on why you’re doing it: Making sure you’re in the best shape to continue enjoying your life to the fullest, and being around for the people who love you. That work project could lead to a promotion, organizing your clutter at home could lead to enjoying your home more, getting that dating app might lead to a great relationship.
DONT: Make excuses
I don’t really need to explain here, do I?
DO: Ask for help
You probably have people who would love to help with your project at work, or home, or another personal challenge: Run your first 5k? Get involved with a volunteer organization? Choose the individuals you know will encourage you, hold you accountable, and follow through on their end of the agreement. Not only can they help you attain your objective, but the journey will likely be more fun.
DONT: Let yourself be distracted
This can be one of the quickest derailers of your well-thought-out plan. If you’re working on something at home, pick a quiet spot and if possible, a time when no one is at home, to reduce interruptions and outside demands on your time. At work, let your colleagues know when you’re working on something and would prefer to not be disturbed. Close your door, shut down your email and let calls go to voice mail.
DO: Commit to working on the task for 15 minutes
You can do anything for 15 minutes, right? If it’s not working after 15 minutes, take a break and schedule to pick it up again the next day. More than likely, you’ll find that you get into a flow and can easily put in more than the 15 minutes.
DONT: Overschedule
You won’t get that entire project done in under 2 hours. And don’t schedule it behind another project, or on a day that is already filled with other commitments. The tasks you tend to procrastinate need a dedicated day with plenty of time. This will minimize the stress and ensure this important activity gets your full attention.
DO: Break larger tasks down into smaller sections
If you’ve been putting off the overwhelming task of doing your Estate Planning, start with one piece: Finding a sample will, deciding on your largest assets, completing a Health Care Proxy. Even the most intimidating tasks are manageable in smaller chunks.
DONT: Overpromise
Your boss asks for a volunteer and you raise your hand. What were you thinking?? Ask questions so you understand what’s expected, then be specific about what you will deliver and be realistic about the timeframe for completion. If things aren’t going as planned, don’t be afraid to ask for more time.
What? You’re still reading? Stop stalling and go conquer that top item on your list. And report back, I’d love to hear about it!
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