Stop Procrastinating: 5 Time Management Tips
With everyone at home over the past couple of months, there have been plenty of unexpected distractions. Some of which would be good excuses for yet again procrastinating and not starting work on a specific task. Even in the best of times, many people experience this problem at one point or another. These days it seems like procrastination has become a more significant challenge for many. However, once you realize that you are very skilled at procrastinating, it’s time to make some changes. Beat procrastination with these 5 tips from this NYC Professional Office Organizer and get more done.
Pros and Cons. Make a list of the positive reasons for doing the specific task in question and the consequences for not doing it. Review the lists. There’s a good chance that you will be convinced to get this task done.
Make a List. Compile a list of those tasks that you have been putting off. Assess it to be sure that all the tasks still need to be done. Of the tasks remaining, select the easiest one and just do it. Celebrate your success and then move on to other more difficult tasks on your list.
Set the Stage. When you are clearing your desk at the end of the day, place the relevant paperwork and materials for that dreaded task on your desk. This way, you’ll see it first the next morning. Many noted time management experts, like Brian Tracy, advise to tackle these tasks first thing in the morning when your energy level is highest so you can check it off your list.
Don’t be a Perfectionist. Learn to recognize when good is good enough. Your time is valuable and should be spent on new projects and tasks. It’s better to complete a task than to delay doing so until it can be perfect.
Just start. If you don’t feel like working on a specific task, focus on a small task that will take you in the right direction. You can make a phone call, address a colleague’s question or do some quick research. Once done, segue to the task in question. As getting started can be the biggest hurdle, find an easy way to get past the gate.
Try these strategies and see which ones work best for you. By introducing some new habits, you’ll be able to overcome procrastination and improve your productivity. For more time management strategies and office organizing, reach out to your NYC Professional Office Organizer today.