AMiable Solution #218: Not Now

We hope you’re reading this because you find our blogs educational, inspiring, and valuable.

But if you’re reading it because you’re avoiding another task, we hope you’ll still find today’s issue to be educational, inspiring, and valuable.

If you’re not a procrastinator, surely you know someone who is.  Approximately 20% of us identify ourselves as chronic procrastinators.  That’s one out of every five people.  And whether you’re the procrastinator or your co-worker is, the tendency is likely to affect your work.

So, why do people procrastinate?  Why put off until tomorrow what should be done today?

Some people get overwhelmed by large or complex tasks.  Some don’t know how to get started.  Some aren’t in the mood.  Some think the task won’t take very long (but it always does, doesn’t it?). 

Others get distracted by other activities.  Others like the thrill of the last-minute rush.  And others, believe it or not, just live their lives that way.  For them, procrastination is a learned trait, a habit that affects their entire lifestyles, not just a project at work.

How can you get over being behind?  Kendra Cherry, a trained psychosocial rehabilitation specialist, science writer, and educational consultant, offers a few suggestions in her verywell.com article, “Tips for Overcoming Procrastination:”

1.      Make a list of tasks with estimated times and deadlines.  However long you think each task will take, double it.  Most people underestimate how long things take and then fall behind.

2.      Break each project down into more manageable segments.  Identifying smaller chunks makes the whole process less intimidating, helps organize your game plan, and gives you greater focus.

3.      Recognize the onset of procrastination.  When you start to feel your mind wander or your motivation hit the floor, force yourself to work on your project at least a few minutes more.  You may find that instead of giving up, you get more involved in your work.

4.      Eliminate distractions.  Put your phone away.  Turn your back on your flashing message light.  Don’t even think about opening email.  Even if you have to find an unused conference room, give yourself an environment that allows you to focus and get the job done.

5.      Reward yourself. Celebrate each milestone with a little break.  Go get your coffee.  Take a walk around the building.  Tell your cubical neighbor that joke you’ve been dying to share.  Let yourself have a little fun in exchange for sticking to the task.

Everyone drags their feet every now and then, but knowing how to maintain or regain your focus will not only improve your productivity, but it will also help with morale in your department.

Now get back to work.