Avoiding Procrastination

One enemy of getting things done is never starting. But if something must be done – it can’t be delegated or ignored – you need to get to it. Here are some suggestions for doing that.

Identify your reason for delay

• Perfectionism. Does it really have to be perfect? Recognize when "good enough" is good enough

• Avoiding confrontation
o Study up on how to confront difficult people or situations.
o Is the benefit of avoiding the issue (short term peace) worth the price (long term frustration or anger)?

• Difficulty. Some tasks are difficult, but does putting it off really make it easier?
o Think through how you will handle the situation. Rehearse it with your coach, or a trusted friend.
o Reward yourself for completing a job you didn't really want to face (a nice dinner? a candy bar? a vacation? Whatever is appropriate and works.)

• Fear of failure
o Face your fear: what is the worst thing that could happen? Think win/win solutions
o Ask yourself, "So how bad could it be? Is failing a real catastrophe?"
o Prepare thoroughly in advance, so that you will succeed
o Break insurmountable tasks down into small, more easily achievable ones
o Make a public commitment to complete the task. Tell a friend or co-worker you will get this done by a specific date. Ask them to remind you when the date has come.
o Don’t waste time worrying. If you can do something to avoid a disaster, do it. If you can't, forget it

• Need more information?
o Get the information you need first, and then give yourself a decision deadline

• Boredom
o Is this task something you really hate doing? Will delaying it change that?
o Can you delegate it? Do it.
o For chronic boredom: are you in the right job?

• Fatigue
o Schedule the task for a high-energy time
o Don't over schedule yourself
o Include time in your schedule for exercise and rest
o Take time for lunch. Your body and mind need the break. Avoid a high fat, high sugar celebration.

Other ways to avoid procrastination:

• Decide! What are the consequences of a wrong decision? Is that so bad?

• Recruit a coach - a good friend, a neutral co-worker. Commit to a decision date, and ask that person to hold you accountable

• Regularly assess the import of the current task

• Close down your email software and browser when you need to concentrate on something important

• Prepare before the workday to avoid unnecessary interruptions

• Do the worst task first and the rest of the day will be a pleasure

• If you're distracted by thoughts of other things you need to do, write yourself a note and include them in future planning

More useful information is available from George Krafcisin, Executive and Small Business Coach, at www.MosaicCoaching.com.