In the previous blog we tackled the frustrations of procrastination. To overcome procrastination, we need to understand the reasons why we procrastinate, and the2 minute rule role procrastination serves in our life. An effective, long-term solution addresses the root of the problem.
While it will always be vital to get to the root of our postponement habit, who doesn’t need practical tips for when procrastination strikes?
These 7 steps call me to action. When practiced regularly it forms stronger anti-procrastination habits:
1. The “2-Minute rule”
The “2-Minute rule” focuses on action and then letting things flow from there. Often, the biggest challenge is to just get started. Once you’ve taken the first step all sorts of good things happen. David Allen's bestselling book, Getting Things Done, explains the “2-Minute rule” as follow:
Part 1: If it takes less than two minutes, do it immediately. After supper, wash the dishes right away (“2-Minute rule”), send that reply email while the message is still open (“2-Minute rule”) - don’t put it on the to-do list.
Part 2: When you start a new habit, it should take you less than two minutes to do. Just read the first page of a new book (“2-Minute rule”) and before you know it, you are at chapter 4. Get your running shoes on and get out the door (“2-Minute rule”) and you’ll be piling on mileage soon.
2. Progress over perfection
There’s nothing wrong with having high expectations or setting elevated goals. The problems arise when the idea of “perfection” hinders the progress we make. That is, aiming for something to be perfect and spending more time on perfecting a single sentence than writing a draft proposal. Don’t be too hard on yourself. You can always go back and edit. Keep moving forward. Action eliminates anxiety.
3. To-do list
Compiling a to-do list not only helps you prioritize the tasks, but it also clarifies exactly what needs to be done. Often, we are overwhelmed by the mere thought of all the demands we must juggle. A list can make you feel grounded, more in control and everything much more manageable. Seeing a clear outline of your completed and uncompleted tasks will help you feel prepared and organized. It defogs your brain and helps you stay mentally focused.
4. Have something to look forward to
Schedule joy in your day. Set aside time for something you really enjoy whether it’s going for a walk, reading a magazine or eating something sweet. You don’t necessarily have to reward yourself but ensure your day is not “all work and no play”.
5. Delegate/ ask for help
Work smarter, not harder. Ask yourself if this is something that takes your focus away from more important things. If so, ask for help or delegate. A new set of eyes might be just what you need to shift your mind into gear. Peers or subordinates can assist with small tasks, freeing you up to do what makes you brilliant.
6. Accountability
Keep yourself accountable. Accountability helps eliminate the time and effort you spend on distracting activities and other unproductive behavior. Use your to-do list as a checklist. If you need an external accountability partner, consider a coach or ask a buddy to check up on your progress.
7. Just stop it!
This last pointer may sound harsh. Sometimes we blame our personalities, our childhood or pretty much anything, for procrastinating. If you look for a reason not to do something, you will find it. Excuses are invented reasons we create to defend our behavior. There are times that we need to stop placing the blame of an internal problem on an external condition. I love this tongue in cheek video by Bob Newhart called “Stop it!”. Have a look, it might just be what you need to persuade you to action:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BjKS1-vjPs