5 Simple Procrastination Busters
We’ve all had days where we have had trouble getting things started. Perhaps it is just a general disinclination; or perhaps we are dawdling. The end effect is we are not getting done what needs to be done.
Today we will look at five procrastination busters to get you started on your tasks.
Timer To Start And Stop
The method I use the most often is to pick up a timer. I set the timer for 10 to 15 minutes, and tell myself that I only have to work at the task that long, and then I can stop.
This has several effects. The first is that I get the task started. Once I am started I am much more likely to continue. The second is that I never cease to amaze myself with how much I can get done in 15 minutes. The third is that by setting a stopping point, I quench the fear that I will be doing this task for a long time. And the fourth is that if I am not done when the timer goes off, I am usually motivated to come back and finish it later.
Comparative Tasking
Comparative tasking is giving yourself a choice. In Brian Tracy’s book Eat That Frog he says that if you have to eat two frogs, eat the ugliest one first.
So you can approach this from two ways: pick two tasks, and either do the harder (uglier) one first, or do the easier (less ugly) one first. Either way, you get a task done.
If you choose to do the harder (ugly frog) task first, then remember: “Eat a live frog first thing in the morning and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” (Mark Twain)
Mark Forster’s various time management systems use the principle of comparative tasking, although he uses terms like “stands out” rather than comparison.
Random Rewards
The term for this was inspired by a recent blog article I read. He listens to podcasts while doing dishes. Sometimes they are great; sometimes not so great. And by only listening while doing dishes, he would get that random reward of a good podcast sometimes.
I watch Netflix while on the treadmill. It is the only time I allow myself to watch the quirky British comedies (my family can’t stand them). But it is a reward, and sometimes I will get on the treadmill just so I can watch the show.
Disconnect
If you are procrastinating and getting distracted with email, Facebook, Twitter, reading blog posts (but not mine, of course!), disconnect. Turn off the phone. Unplug the computer. Turn off Wifi. Use a site blocker. Or just grab paper and pencil and head out somewhere. Chances are whatever you need to do can be done on paper anyway.
By disconnecting, you are removing the neon signs of distraction, and you might get to work simply because there is nothing else to do.
Doing The First Little Thing
Sometimes all it takes to get started is to do the very first little action in a task. Maybe you have to write a report; open up your word processor. Maybe you have to clean the bathroom; pull out the caddy of cleaning supplies.
Often that first little action is enough to shift our minds to focus on what we need to work on, and we can get started.
These are the methods I use most often to break through procrastination. What do you do? Share below. I am always looking for new tools!
Photo by hiperkarma. Licensed under Creative Commons.
