We put things off all the time and it doesn’t really matter if it’s an important task or not. Procrastination is simply a habit, and an alarmingly easy one to develop and there’s much already written about the psychology of it which won’t be repeated here. Instead assuming that the idea of putting things off is frustrating, annoying and causes feelings of guilt then here are 5 ways to just get moving on something that needs to get done. These can be tried, individually or as a set of steps:
Why do it?
To feel better about putting something off we often think of other less important things we ‘need’ to do instead. So, try clearing everything else, from your mind and think exclusively and intensely for a few minutes about why you need to do it. Concentrate on what you will get out of starting and finally completing the task. If you need to, write down a quick list which you only need to do for while as you get used to this exercise.
Break it down
See a job as too big and you will think of every reason to put off doing it. It’s human nature and takes discipline to take on something big. Break it down into small chunks and it is much more manageable and your confidence will grow as you realise that each part can be done.
Spend 5 minutes
Whether it’s mowing the lawn, writing a report or going to the gym make up your mind to spend 5 minutes to just get started. So get your gym gear together and walk to the front door. Just observe how you feel when you have started. If it feels OK then go forward and get in the car or walk to the gym. Momentum is the name of the game, get started and then realise that it wasn’t so bad after all.
Tell a friend
If there is a goal or task you have been planning to do then tell someone. Give them details and a time when you think you will have it done. You will give yourself an added incentive to follow through knowing that someone you respect knows you are going to do something by a certain time or date.
Drop it
If you just can’t get started on something then a great way to free yourself from the nagging guilt of putting the task off is to ask yourself what would you lose by dropping it from your list of things to do.
Again a do a brief list and be really honest. If the list is vague or has very little that inspires you then be disciplined enough to consciously shelve the idea or even drop it. If it is important enough to you then It will, of course, re-emerge in your mind again with maybe stronger reasons for you to get started.
The aim of these steps are to help you to move away from the wasteful feelings of guilt and frustration which will take away your energy and enthusiasm in other areas of your life. Make sure you are clear about why you do or don’t need to something and then take immediate action.
