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September 17 - September 24, 2023
Each time we procrastinate, we choose one activity over another. The problem is, the items we postpone never go away. They linger, demanding more and more attention as time passes.
First, identify the difference in reward between delivering something that’s perfect and delivering something that’s nearly perfect, but flawed in some minor way. You’ll usually find that the difference is tiny - perhaps so tiny as to be unnoticeable. And if it’s unnoticeable, it’s hardly worth fretting over.
Suppose you’re feeling stressed because you’re juggling multiple projects. Fragmented focus is the trigger. Here, it’s helpful to break down each project into its constituent tasks. Then, address each task one by one.
Whenever you find yourself procrastinating, ask yourself whether you’re bored with the task at hand. If you are bored, figure out a way to kill your boredom, removing the mental roadblocks to taking action.
When you follow a system, you’re no longer focused on the mammoth amount of time and effort involved with achieving your end goal. Instead, you’re only focused on what you should be doing that day.
If you’re paralyzed by a mountain of work, the best thing you can do is simply start. Pick a task and address it, ignoring everything else on your plate. It doesn’t matter which task you choose. The important thing is that you take action.
If you’re procrastinating because you don’t know the best course of action to take on a project, reevaluate the potential outcomes associated with different approaches.
Shining a bright, investigative light on these consequences erodes that justification.
He awards himself points for each success and deducts points for each failure. When he accumulates a certain number of points, he permits himself a desired reward - for example, buying a new CD or attending a concert.
If it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.
If you’re procrastinating on preparing a presentation for your boss, don’t think about the presentation in its entirety. Instead, focus on opening the appropriate software on your computer and collecting the resources you need to proceed.
Your daily list should contain no more than seven items.
the secret to completing a daunting task isn’t to throw more time at it. On the contrary, it’s to limit the time available to work on it.
The researchers concluded that performance suffers under self-imposed deadlines. When others set deadlines for us, we tend to perform at a higher level.
Pick a task you’re likely to procrastinate. Commit to completing it by a certain date or time. Share this commitment with a family member, friend, or coworker who’ll hold you accountable.
The best solution for curbing your procrastination habit in this context is to avoid boring work. Eliminate it from your schedule. If getting rid of it isn’t an option, try to delegate it.
If you’re burdened with boring projects, ask yourself whether you can let them go. If you can’t get rid of them or delegate them, can you replace them? If doing so is possible, take advantage of that option.
Like replacing or swapping goals in current year for next year.
Here’s the important point to remember: the fewer distractions in your environment, the more likely you are to take action on the task at hand. So it pays to get rid of as many environmental distractions as possible.
For example, sever your internet connection whenever you work on your computer. If you need to research something online, don’t interrupt your flow to do so. Instead, make a note of it and continue working. Once you’ve reached an appropriate stopping point, research the needed details and fill in the blanks.
If you must keep it on, turn off the notifications.
First, organize tasks according to the type of work they entail and the amount of focus they require. For example, some tasks might involve writing or research. Others, such as paying bills, might entail simple, repetitive actions. Second, designate a reasonable amount of time to complete each task (or batch of tasks). Third, create a schedule based on time chunks during which you’ll work on the task (or tasks) uninterrupted. Schedule breaks between the time chunks.
Don’t rely on a wall clock. When working in time chunks, I recommend that you use a timer.
One of my top priorities was to never allow trivial tasks to appear on my daily lists.
In other words, multitasking is often a form of procrastination.
Remind yourself that no one is perfect, and no reasonable person expects perfection. Moreover, an imperfect job may exceed everyone’s expectations.
Suppose you’re in your office preparing an important presentation. The problem is, it’s difficult work, and thus you’re susceptible to distractions. You have other options regarding how to spend your time, including checking your email, listening to your voicemail, attending an upcoming meeting, or visiting a coworker’s office to chat. These options are an excuse to postpone preparing your presentation. None of them have as high a priority. One solution to this problem is to grab a pen and paper, and quarantine yourself in a conference room. Leave your computer and phone behind. Doing so
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reduce your options to one - ideally, the most important task on your to-do list. Then, use time chunking to designate periods
It’s difficult to call to mind the cues that prompt you to behave in a particular way. For this reason, I recommend monitoring your triggers as they occur. Track them for two weeks at a minimum.
Whenever you feel you’re about to procrastinate, stop and evaluate your mental state.
she would only allow herself to read her novels of choice if she first completed her daily workout.
Bundle the chore (cleaning your garage) with your desired activity (binge-watching your favorite TV show). Use the latter as a reward for completing the former. In other words, motivate yourself to do what you should do with the promise of something you want to do.
Once you have both lists in front of you, all that remains is to match each task you’re tempted to postpone with a rewarding activity. The reward should offer a level of instant gratification that’s proportionate to the time and effort required to complete the to-do item.
The active procrastinator will address other tasks he or she deems to be just as important as - and more urgent than - the original task.
Incorporate one tactic per week, and allow it to become a habit before moving on to the next one.
