22 Feb 2008 04:00:02 | Julie Plenty
Do you rush around doing things at the last minute? How many
times have you mentioned something that you felt that you ought
to do and said "yes, I'll get round to it", but "it" never
happens. Procrastination means to "defer action", but it rarely
serves us well, unless we know what's behind it and what to do
about it.
Procrastination isn't only about deciding not to do or to delay
doing something - it also means that we have chosento do
something else instead. So, it's watching TV instead of having a
relaxing swim. It's going out to lunch with a friend when
there's a report to be completed. Habitually making choices
which don't serve us well will continually create challenges and
drama in our lives.
Procrastination causes stress. Yes, most of us have too much on
our plates, but leaving things until they really have to be done
just ensures that we put even more pressure on ourselves.
Delaying things take time and energy - because when you know
that something needs to be done and you're not doing it - it
stays in the back of your mind and silently drains you.
Procrastination is only a habit and habits can be changed. The
first thing to ask yourself is whether procrastination is a sign
that you need to change something fundamental in your life (ie
job, environment, relationships) or if it's masking fear, lack
of self-confidence, self-esteem etc
There are a number of ways to tackle procrastination and you can
use different strategies for different situations.
1. Conversion
May of live a "have to", rather than a "want to" life. Our lives
are full of obligations and things that we don't really want to
do. But with some creative and imaginative thinking we can
convert the "have tos" into the "want tos". How can we do this?
By thinking beyond the immediate task and focusing on the wider
benefits of completion.
For instance, if you don't want to do the books or open your
bank statements, you can try asking yourself what are the
benefits of greater financial control.
Will you have much more money in the long run as you learn to
save, spend and invest it wisely? How much freer will you feel
now that you've taken back control and your energy isn't being
drained by the nagging, insistent worry that you ought to be
doing something about it - because you already are!
2. Prioritisation
By which I mean do the thing you least want to do when you have
the most energy to do it.You can always find the energy to do
things that you enjoy doing, but you need your energy level to
be highest when tackling things which you don't care for. So, if
you're at your best in the morning - then tackle the
administration then, clear out your clutter and vice versa if
you're an afternoon or evening person.
3. Delegation
We have things that we're good at and things that we prefer to
do. Ask yourself: (i) does it have to be done at all? (ii) does
it have to be done by you? Is there someone else who could do
the job? You may decide that you don't want to concentrate your
energies on bookkeeping, but you can hire a bookkeeper to free
you from this. Or someone else at work may like administration;
ask for their - or more - assistance.
4. Do it in pieces
The difficulty with procrastination is that the task may seem
overwhelming because it has been avoided for so long. It has
grown in size and taken on a life of its own! Bring it back down
to earth and start tackling it in bite sized pieces (when you're
at your best! - see no 2)
5. Develop a system
Procrastination takes up time and energy. You may always find
yourself on the defensive as things catch up with you.
Developing a system means that you nip procrastination in the
bud.
If you want to take more exercise, then exercise with a buddy,
hire a personal trainer (either at your house or the gym). Join
a walking club, sports club - somewhere where you are committed
to being and encourage others to commit with you. Set up
structures which ensure that procrastination doesn't get the
chance to put its feet under your table.
And remember to reward yourself when you've broken through and
achieved something.
Dealing with procrastination is one way of taking back control
of your life and the ultimate reward is having more time to
really enjoy your life.
©2003 by Julie Plenty
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