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How to Stop Procrastination and Get the Job Done

Guest post by: Ellen Goldman

Article Overview: Everyone procrastinates. And that may not be a bad thing sometimes. However, when chronic procrastination becomes a problem, there are many ways to stop procrastinating and finally get the job done.

How to Stop Procrastination and Get the Job Done

Do you ever find yourself putting off a task you really need to and want to get done? Every morning, you tell yourself you will take care of it today, and somehow the hours pass and the task is still left undone.

Often I hear clients say, “If only I would stop procrastinating, things would be so much better!” Procrastination is everywhere. We see it in our kids, our spouses, our business associates, and as much as we hate to admit it, in ourselves.

Well, I admit it. Sometimes, I procrastinate. But I don’t necessarily think that’s a bad thing. I think the key to end procrastination some of the time, if not all of the time, is to ask, “Why am I procrastinating?”

Often we procrastinate because we really aren’t ready or in the mood to do the task we need to do. By waiting a bit, the final project may be that much better.

Take my monthly newsletter, for instance. I truly enjoy writing it, and sending it off to my readers. Most months, it is written and posted and ready to go as scheduled. However, some months, I find myself getting down to the wire with only a few days left before I can possibly reach my personal goal of sending it off the first week of the month.

I used to get really upset with myself whenever that would happen. I didn’t understand why I was procrastinating. I would tell myself, “Enough, just sit down and get it done.” But the more I did that, the more I experienced writer’s block.

So I began to analyze the situation, and figure out what was going on. Why was I procrastinating? After a great deal of thought, I realized it happens when I am just not inspired and ready to write.

I had planned to prepare this newsletter before leaving for our family vacation in Las Vegas, a trip we do every Memorial Day weekend. I had a busy week preceding, filled with client appointments, classes, a speaking engagement, and of course, packing! When the newsletter didn’t get done, I told myself I would write it on the plane. When that didn’t happen, I told myself I would write it while relaxing by the pool.

All the while, I knew, that none of those options would work. I now know from experience, if I just let it go, it will come to me. Sure enough, today while doing an early morning workout, I laid out the entire newsletter in my head!

In no time, it was on a word document and ready to deliver to my readers. So here are is what I’ve found out that helps me when I’m feeling stuck. I do hope they will help you the next time you find yourself avoiding a task that really needs to get done!

Before you can end procrastination, you need to ask the question, “Why am I procrastinating?” Check out the answers below, and the tips to get moving.

1. “I am overwhelmed.” Break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Make a list of every step that needs to be done to accomplish the task. Focus on one detail at a time, and use self-imposed deadlines for completion.

2. “I don’t understand what I need to do.” Where can you find the essential information? If you require clarification from a boss or business colleague, get it. Do some computer searches and gather the information that’s necessary. Once you comprehend the outcome you are looking for, you’ll have the know-how to get going.

3. “I don’t feel inspired.” If you need your creative juices to flow to complete the job, taking a break and doing something totally unrelated is probably your best bet. Exercise, get outdoors, or sleep on it, and you just might find the inspiration.

4. “I dread doing the task because I find it overly difficult, complicated, and time consuming.” It might be time to delegate this one. As much as I enjoy writing this newsletter, that’s how much I hate posting it on my email server. So, I no longer do that. My virtual assistant does. The money I pay her to do what she is an expert at, and I am clearly not, is well worth it. I can then spend that time doing what I do best - writing, coaching, speaking or enjoying my family and friends.

5. “I’ve procrastinated so much, my to-do list is enormous, and I don’t know what to do first.” Take a deep breath, minimize all distractions, and take the time to prioritize and actually write out your list. Keep the items that have the greatest personal and professional payoff on top (income producing, growth promoting, life satisfying, etc.) and start with the number one item on your list.

6. “I am a chronic procrastinator. Why do today, what I can put off until tomorrow?” If you are constantly avoiding necessary tasks, try adopting a “Do it now!” attitude. Every time a thought comes into your head (I need to pay this bill!), if you are not working on something important, stop and just do it! If you are involved in something, write down the thought and attend to it as soon as you complete the one you’re working on.

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Article Tags: avoid procrastination, chronic procrastination, end procrastination, get the job done, how to stop procrastination



Related Forum Posts
Re: What is your biggest challenge? Today? - My biggest challenge is focusing. There are so many things I want to do and ideas that I have. I can never decide what to do next and when I do decide it's hard to focus on it and get it done. Procrastination is the resulting outcome.
Decide your market first - Stop for a second and decide exactly who it is that you want to sell your product to. Once you've done this you'll have a far better idea of where to find them and what it is that they're interested in Cheers
Other Great Books... - Feel The Fear And Do It AnyWay - Susan Jeffers How To Stop Worrying And Do It Anyway - Dale Carnegie ('What's the worst that could happen - the worst?' Then prepare yourself for that and reality is such a relief!).
Re: New Idea...suggestions please - People, it's easier than you think in some cases. Say you are replying to a question and you are about to refer to company ABC's website. Stop and explore their site for their affiliate program. If they have one, register and use your affiliate link in your post. If this takes time, you can post a regular link first, then come back and edit your reply by swapping for your affiliate link. If you post regularly, you'll soon have accounts at all the affiliate exchanges and you'll start getting money from your referrals. How about it?
Re: What is your biggest challenge? Today? - [quote="GT Bulmer":10b1rb6o]sounds like keeping one foot on the dock and one in the boat, doesn't it?) I've had suggestions of interest from other high profile potential clients but I have chosen not to pursue them at this time.[/quote:10b1rb6o] Hi GT, Who knows, perhaps you'll need to take that leap of faith and "burn your bridges" (of escape/going back) like Dale Carnegie suggests in "How to Stop Worrying and Start Living" to get to the next level and reach your income goal. Complacency and comfort can be death.


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