Let’s face it procrastination can really suck! Nothing can steal momentum like sudden bursts of procrastination. Have you every been getting things done like a productive warrior, to then come to a screeching halt? I have, and there’s nothing more frustrating. How about this, “Have you ever planned out your day the night before to be thrown for a loop while watching the morning news?” Two hours later you’ve chased the procrastination rabbit and all energy to “do” anything is gone.
Here are a few simple exercises you can do to get the upper hand on procrastination. I have found them to be extremely helpful in my many moments of being assaulted by the procrastination thugs.
Remove All Distractions
No one plans on not getting anything done, it just happens. However, nothing really just happens. Many times it’s some type of distraction the begins the paralyzing effect which leads to procrastination. When you can identify what is your distraction, then it can be easy to remove.
For me I have to shut off the internet. No IM, no feed readers, no email. I can’t count the times I been completely blind sided by email. Also, when I really need to get something done I’ll shut off the phone.
Shutting an office door and letting others know that you have a very important task to complete can be very productive. The list of distractions can be countless, the important thing is that you know what distracts you and eliminate it.
Go to Your Productivity Studio
I’m constantly amazed at the work of great artists. While looking at their masterpieces I often wonder the surroundings in which they created such breathtaking pieces. What was their studio like? What tools did they use and how did they care for them? How long did it take and what productivity demons did they have to fight off? If you listen to many artists you’ll discover that their studio was a creative work zone.
Do you have a productivity studio? For me I always work best at a cafe where the lights are low a little jazz in the background and the smell of coffee feels the air. This is my productivity studio. One of the best ways to beat procrastination is to have a place that when you go there it’s a place that stimulates productivity and creativity. It doesn’t have to be much, but for you it’s your studio where you get things done.
Worst to First
The third thing to do is to attack… That thing you hate to do the most. Do it first and then move on. Take the first hour and get the things out of the way that you hate to do.
For me, it’s making phone calls. I can email all day. I have no problem networking in person and meeting people, but I hate talking on the phone. For me the phone is always the last resort.
For you it may be the phone or something else that you dance around all day, but whatever it is put it at the top of the list and get it done. End your day on a high note doing the things that you love to do most. You’ll find that eventually this will become easier and easier.
End the day rewarding yourself and watch as you attack this dreadful enemy. Many times it’s not the hard stuff that trips us up, it’s the little things. Now, “Let’s go get something done.”
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Technorati Tags: Getting Things Done, howto, lifehacks, procrastination, productivity, self-help
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