Getting started is probably the hardest thing for a chronic procrastinator to do. It is probably the one thing that really qualifies us as "chronic". I have read so many "helpful" hints on how to get things done or how to stop procrastinating. I'm just not sure they get it. It is more complicated than just time management or setting priorities. Although, that can be useful. I appreciate the "just do it" statements, but for me, it's just not as easy as it sounds. So I have come up with a few things that I am using to keep me functional. I'm still working on getting from functional to productive. So, I'll have to get back to you on that one.
Recognize Your Weaknesses
There is a real sense of anxiety that comes over chronic procrastinators when faced with certain tasks. It's not always the same task for everyone. Keep a journal or make a mental note. I have have a hard time remembering to write stuff down but maybe you can. Anyway, if you can remember to do it, next time you catch yourself procrastinating write down what it was you were avoiding, why you think you were avoiding it, and how you were avoiding it. It might give you some insight. Me? I have issues with writing (I know that's ironic right now), making business phone calls, dealing with confrontations or making presentations, mundane tasks, crowds, and handling gross things. What are yours? If you figure it out and want to share, leave me a comment.
Cut It Out
Avoid the things that cause you to lose time. You know what I mean. You tell yourself, "I'll only do this for 20 minutes and then I'll do such-and-such". Three hours later you realize that you don't have time to do such-and-such because you are going to be late for that appointment. Those are the things I'm talking about. Cut them out or severely limit them. It might be harder than you think to limit them though. One of my time losers is video games. My husband asked me recently to play a facebook game so that his mom could have "friends" on it. I told him that was risky for me. He said, "Just sign up. You don't have to play." It took me three months to give it up. Like I've said before, chronic procrastinators are addicts. Can an alchoholic have just one beer? Not likely. It's never just one for an alchoholic...just like it's never just 20 minutes for a chronic procrastinator. Know your limitations.
Reward Yourself
Who says only kids get to be rewarded for doing their chores? Reward yourself, but try to have the reward be something intangible. Remember, chronic procrastination is an addictive behavior which can sometimes switch over to another addictive behavior (compulsive overeating or shopping, etc). Don't just "take a break" though. Breaks can be bad for chronic procrastinators. Stopping when you've got the momentum can bring progress to a halt. Instead, reward yourself by allowing yourself to do a desired task when you have made progress with the un-desired. I make myself make the bed, wash the dishes, and do a load of laundry BEFORE I am allowed to check my email. Heading to the beach would probably require more progress. I suppose I could take a walk, but that would be productive. I am not sure I'm ready for that yet. What healthy rewards can you think of?
Use Your Timer
I have invested in a good timer. I use it for homeschool. It has the ability to time three different things at a time. I don't always use it for me, but it would sure help. It could be used to limit an activity or encourage you to do an activity. When I am faced with a task that overwhelms me, it helps to tell myself that I only have to do it for 15 minutes. I can do 15 minutes. Estimating that the job might actually take much longer to finish is sometimes discouraging, but 15 minutes? I can do that. Usually I'll set the timer, get started.... Did you hear that? I got started. Sometimes that's all it takes. If I'm still wanting to finish the job and I have the time, I will continue even when the timer signals.
Take Smaller Bites
Some jobs are more complicated or I am more prone to anxiety when faced with starting them. So, I break them down into smaller tasks. For instance, when faced with cleaning the bathroom, I will do a little at a time all day. First, I'll pull out my products and cleaning supplies. A little while later, I'll wash the windows and mirrors. Then after a while, I'll clean the sink and counters. Eventually it gets done and it doesn't feel as traumatic as it does when I do it all at once.
Checklists Are Awesome
I love checklists. Each time I check things off it makes me feel good. I have to be careful though. If my checklist is too short, I will worry that I will forget something. If it is too long, I will worry that I can't get anything done. So, what I do is I keep a running master to do list in my computer of everything that I need or want to do. I categorize the to do's into sub groups so that I can find what needs to be done in that area quickly. Every day, I determine what my top priorities for the day are and I write them on a 3X5 card (with checkboxes). This keeps my priorities in my pocket and keeps my worries of forgetting them from overwhelming me.
Take The Risk
Some things are hard for us to do because we are concerned about our ability to do it well. We are afraid that our attempts will look foolish or the outcome will be less than the perfect image we have created in our minds. Yet without taking any risks we will never accomplish anything, learn anything new, or get better at something. My husband, Mr. Soccer, loves to coach and he often uses this quote.
"You will miss 100% of the shots you don't make" --Wayne Gretsky
It's true. If you don't start, you will never get it done. If you don't ask, the answer will always be "no". If you don't try, you will always get it wrong. Do it. Wrong or right, at least you started. It is hard for me to get started writing. I have found, though, that if I write something...anything... even if it sounds stupid I can keep going. I am able to go back and fix what's wrong later. I just have to get the first sentence onto the paper. Take the risk.
Be A Tortoise
Do you remember the children's story of The Tortoise and the Hare? You can listen to it here if you'd like. The tortoise won the race because he just kept going. Sometimes we think that we have to get it all done RIGHT NOW. I have determined to "get caught up" all at once in the past and ended up discouraging myself instead. I am learning that the tortoise had it right. He just keeps plodding on. Little by little he moves forward. He doesn't stop. I want to be a tortoise. I may not be as smart, talented, or quick as others, but if I keep progressing, I can accomplish something amazing too.
Check back for The Chronic Procrastinators Guide To Getting Things Done Part #2!
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