The Keys to Overcoming Procrastination
The Keys to Overcoming Procrastination
You know you need to do it. That project is looming over your head, causing you undue stress and anxiety whenever you think about it. But for some reason, you just can't bring yourself to make the first step in getting this particular work going. It appears that you are suffering from a case of procrastination, my friend, and the best method for overcoming procrastination is to face your challenge head on and plow through it. Of course, this is much easier said than done. But with a few keys to overcoming procrastination under your belt, you will be on the road to finishing that task in no time at all.
Step One: Write it Down
Sometimes the easiest way to break a project down into manageable parts is to write down an action plan that will lay out all of the steps that need to be completed. Make your written plan as simple and straightforward as possible, and break the entire project down into easy to complete pieces whenever possible. This will help you to effectively schedule the tasks that are required and see the project as a series of smaller steps rather than a giant leap to the finish. This breaking down of projects is a great technique in overcoming procrastination. Make lists of the supplies that will be required for each step, and give a time estimate on how long you think you will need to complete them.
Step Two: Get it Scheduled
Once your written plan is complete, it's time to start scheduling each of those small steps so that you can begin to see progress towards the completion of your project and work toward overcoming procrastination. Try to schedule the steps in no more than 30-minute increments, to make the tasks appear less daunting and easier to fit into the rest of your day. Make sure that you set a time or date that you want each step completed so that you can keep yourself on track. And use the "check off" method so that you can see progress being made, since this is often what motivates people to stick with a job until the end, and helps them in overcoming procrastination.
Step Three: Get Real
Here's a secret for you to keep in mind as you are working through your project; you are not perfect and you never will be. Disappointed? Hopefully not, since the rest of the population is in the same boat that you are. The reason that you want to instill this idea into your mind is that perfectionism is often the one thing that can sabotage your efforts at overcoming procrastination. Some folks are so afraid that they won't complete a project flawlessly, that they won't complete it at all. Say goodbye to perfectionism and know that the work that you do is the absolute best for you. Bye-bye, procrastination.