How To Stop Procrastinating While Running Your Online E-Commerce Business

Source: DHgate, Tag: E-Commerce Tips

Procrastinating can be the difference between a thriving business and being out of business. Find out how to keep motivated and keep procrastination at bay.

• Procrastinating, the process of delaying or postponing an action can have a negative impact on business owners and entrepreneurs. By putting off an important task not only are you self-sabotaging but also putting your business at risk. So, when it comes to getting tasks done, how can you find the motivation to complete those important tasks without getting distracted and putting deadlines to one side?
  According to LinkedIn, when it comes to the thought process of a procrastinator, an interminable conflict between the brain’s “rational decision-maker” and the “instant gratification monkey” is why we tend to habitually put off doing things. In other words, we tend to prioritise activities that bring us instant gratification and stimulation as opposed to tasks that can often feel tedious, mundane or appear difficult to complete.
  From shipping out products to responding to a customer’s enquiry, there are many daily activities that require our attention when it comes to the running of an online e-commerce business. And while we are subconsciously aware of the importance of completing said tasks, processes and procedures we automatically go through daily can often feel monotonous and repetitious.

This is when procrastinating can kick in and could lead to causing a devastating impact on your business. But what are the ways in which you can prevent the damaging effects of procrastination from occurring?
Split long tasks into different sections
Start off by breaking down a task into small parts that can realistically be accomplished. For example, are there ways and means to break up long tasks into activities that can be completed throughout the day? That customer item that needs to be processed, packed and shipped could be split into three different parts.
Change your work environment
Working in the same environment can sometimes cause fatigue and tiredness leading you to procrastinate. This is especially prominent for those who work from home as familiar settings without structure can lead to getting distracted and postponing activities. By switching up your working environment and removing yourself from frequently seen surroundings you have the ability to reprogramme and stimulate your brain while avoiding the everyday distractions of over-familiarity.
Reduce the number of daily decisions
Running a successful e-commerce business requires many decisions to be made on a daily basis. By reducing the number of decisions you make in a day you may find the feeling of procrastinating begins to ease off as inescapable tasks get condensed into seamless activities that automatically get completed as opposed to decisions that require direct action and effort.
Deadline your tasks
Deadlines are essential in getting tasks done and are a great indicator of letting you know that your time is limited and activities need to be completed within a set time. By setting yourself realistic deadlines and milestones, you can make sure that you allocate your time effectively and get round to doing the things that will benefit you and your business.