Sometimes while managing your business or during work, you keep thinking on the important tasks you need to get done, but even knowing how important they are you decide to leave them for some another time. At the end, some of these will be done right at the deadline and some of them you don't even end up doing.
Do you have that bad habit? How bad can it be? What are the consequences of delaying tasks?
Do you have that bad habit? How bad can it be? What are the consequences of delaying tasks?
Procrastination is when you are delaying your important tasks by choosing to do easier, less important ones or the ones that gives you pleasure. Procrastinating on some personal things might not be a big problem, but at work or business, the consequences can be chaotic, avoiding some critical tasks or leaving them for later could make you miss opportunities, lose customers, lose your job and your money.
Also, did you know that some of these tasks you keep avoiding might not even let you sleep well? It might sound ridiculous. If you think of them very often, there is a small sense of guilt in your mind that slowly develops and may even cause stress, decreasing also your productivity.
Right now at this moment, I am thinking of one thing that I have planned to do for few weeks already (business wise) which I've not done them yet, and honestly I think of them around 6 or 7 times a day. Hopefully I am not stressed yet (or at least I think so).
There is other thing about procrastination, it is like any other addition: If you let it pass once, probably you will do it again and It is very probable that you will keep doing it unless you find a solution to stop it.
Why do we procrastinate?
There have been several studies and investigations regarding this practice, but the most relevant are:
- The feeling that the tasks are very difficult to do, leading to fear of failing, or thinking they are time consuming.
- The preference of doing something more pleasant instead.
- There is not enough time to do them because of big amount of work or distractions.
How to beat procrastination?
Fighting against procrastination can take long time, and it depends of how often you do it. There are many sources on the Internet which I've had a look regarding this topic, and there are good tips and suggestions for taking the initiative to stop doing it. I have used some of them and they are really working.
I highlighted some of the great sources below:
The Jerry Seinfeld's strategy of stop procrastination by James Clear:
This article explain how Jerry Seinfeld comes out with good jokes, by writing every single day. The main strategy mentioned to beat procrastination is doing the task you want to do everyday (either it is working on your business, writing, working out, reading) but make sure is simple enough to finish it or maintain each day. Also focusing on keeping the chain, not missing one day, instead of the results.
Read the full article here
How to stop procrastinating and start working article by David Masters:
David Masters's article mentions one of the ways to beat procrastination is working your daily tasks based on time sections instead of goals. It is a great idea, however I use a combination of to do lists with timing to improve my daily efficiency.
See full article here
Please share with us, which strategies do you use to beat procrastination?
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