How to Avoid Procrastination
Procrastination usually has two main causes:- The task is overwhelming
- The task is unpleasant
- Get started on the task right away by taking a small slice at a time.
- Use a time slice as small as five minutes and start on the easiest part of the task. (Often, once you are involved, the momentum builds and procrastination retreats!)
- Get more information about the overwhelming task. Speak to others, gather more details. The more you know, the more the overwhelming task can shrink and get more into perspective.
- Start repeating to yourself all the benefits that will come from completing the task.
- Describe in graphic terms the worst possible consequences from NOT completing the task.
- Setting a deadline can kill procrastination as the mind gets locked on to the 'mission' to complete the task in a pre-determined time span.
- In planning, write out the steps in advance. As you come towards the end of one step, you automatically have the next step in mind, making it more difficult to put the task off through procrastination.
- Deal with the task immediately; just meet it head on.
- Repeat to yourself the greater unpleasantness that will result from not carrying out the task.
- Build enthusiasm for the results from the task which will overshadow the unpleasantness of actually completing the task.
- Seriously ask yourself: "What is the price of procrastination in this case and am I willing to pay it?"
- Reason, "If I am going to do this job eventually anyway I might as well do it now and get it out of the way!"
- Think of ways to reward yourself at various stages through the task.