Embedded Files
Procrastination, the habit of putting tasks off to the last possible minute, can be a major problem in both your career and personal life. Missed opportunities, frenzied work hours, stress, resentment, and guilt are just some of the symptoms. Thinking that you absolutely have to do something is a major reason for procrastination.
Procrastination, the habit of putting tasks off to the last possible minute, can be a major problem in both your career and personal life. Missed opportunities, frenzied work hours, stress, resentment, and guilt are just some of the symptoms. Thinking that you absolutely have to do something is a major reason for procrastination.
When you tell yourself that you have to do something, you’re implying that you’re being forced to do it so you’ll automatically feel a sense of resentment and rebellion. Procrastination kicks in as a defense mechanism to keep you away from this pain. If the task you are putting off has a real deadline, then when the deadline gets close, the sense of pain associated with the task becomes overridden by the much greater sense of pain if you don’t get started immediately.
When you tell yourself that you have to do something, you’re implying that you’re being forced to do it so you’ll automatically feel a sense of resentment and rebellion. Procrastination kicks in as a defense mechanism to keep you away from this pain. If the task you are putting off has a real deadline, then when the deadline gets close, the sense of pain associated with the task becomes overridden by the much greater sense of pain if you don’t get started immediately.
Step 1: Make the task meaningful
Step 1: Make the task meaningful
What is the task you are avoiding? Why is the task important?
How will it help you in attaining your goal?
List all the benefits of completing the task. Relate this to your goals. Be specific about the payoffs and rewards.
Step 2: Break Down
Step 2: Break Down
Break the task down into small, manageable pieces. Each section should take 30 minutes or less to complete. List all of the parts then cross off each one as you complete it. This way you will have the visual satisfaction of seeing progress.
Step 3: Intention Statement
Step 3: Intention Statement
Write a statement reflecting your intention to complete a manageable part of your project. Post it where it will be conspicuous. Include a reward in the statement as well, contingent upon finishing the task.
Step 4: Broadcast
Step 4: Broadcast
Announce your intention publicly. Tell your family, friends, roommates, etc.
Step 5: Reward
Step 5: Reward
Reward yourself for your finished work (a reward is something you would truly withhold from yourself if you did not earn it).
Step 6: Settle it Now
Step 6: Settle it Now
The minute you notice yourself procrastinating, plunge into the task. Then, enjoy the feeling of having the task behind you.
Step 7: Say NO
Step 7: Say NO
When you notice yourself continually pushing a task into a low priority category, reexamine your purpose for doing it at all. If you really do not intend to do something, why keep telling yourself you will?
TIME MANAGEMENT
TIME MANAGEMENT
Click on the image to go to the next section
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse