Procrastination can cause nightmares, literally. Have you ever had one of those dreams where you are in school and have a paper due or a test to take and you haven’t done anything to prepare? It seems to be almost a universal human experience. He good news is that even if you have procrastinated, you can usually remedy it.
Finding time is wonderful any time – and especially so when you are running out of it! So, let’s look at what to do when procrastination has put you in a position where the clock is ticking and you are sweating each second.
First, here are 5 Things Not to Do:
1. DO NOT panic; take a deep breath and relax your shoulders.
2. DO NOT throw in the towel; you still have time.
3. DO NOT berate yourself; it just wastes time, AND you need to be on your own team.
4. DO NOT continue to procrastinate; the clock is ticking, so take action.
5. DO NOT leave town, change your identity, or purchase a disguise.
When you have been putting something off or juggling priorities and not getting to all of your tasks, you may want to disappear. But that’s the LAST thing you need to do. Showing up and getting down to work is the only real solution.
To successfully complete the task you need to immediately put some new patterns in place. First commit yourself to making this project a success in the time that you have. Next, use the tips below to complete your task. These tips also give you practical stepping stones to make better time choices the next time around.
Here are 5 Tips to Get the Job Done:
1. DO create a boundary; this gives you the space to work.
2. DO define your task; decide what is necessary and what you can let go of.
3. DO get your tools together; don’t slow yourself down by not having what you need.
4. DO get started; the sooner you start the more time you have.
5. DO keep in mind that DONE is better than perfect!
Let’s break down each of these Do’s a bit more:
Create a boundary. Let others know you need undisturbed time until your project is completed. Ask for their support if you need it. Turn off e-mail; let your phone go to voicemail. Direct your full attention and energy to your work.
Define your task. Picture the end point of your task and work back from there. What is the most direct route and what do you need to get there? Simplicity is key. Let go of the details; it's time to translate thought into action.
Assemble your tools. Do you need a computer? Papers from work? Food? Coffee? Gather whatever you need to get the job done.
Start. And once you start, keep going. Don’t let interruptions (or self doubt or self-criticism) stop you. Give yourself small breaks if you need to, but set a time frame for them and be sure to return to your task as soon as your break is over.
Finish. Remember, your goal is to finish. It is not perfection. Getting to the end of a task on schedule is a victory. Once you’ve finished, use any remaining time to go back and polish your work.
BONUS TIP: If it helps with letting go, think of your finished product as a starting point rather than an endpoint!
Once you have gotten out of the corner your procrastination backed you into, remember to congratulate yourself! Not only have you completed your task but you have learned some very helpful lessons about how boundaries, focus and mobilizing yourself can always help you to meet your deadline.
This is just one example of the benefits you will enjoy as you make conscious time choices to enhance your effectiveness. Become your own hero as you rescue yourself from a life of urgency and avoidance and experience increasing success at finding time.
And to move toward your Heart-Based Time Success, sign up for our free gift, the Finding Time Success Kit, which includes "The New Finding Time Boundary Template: 9 Simple, Sequential Steps to Find More Time and Recharge Your Energy!" Using a workbook format this powerful and practical time template helps you progress beyond disappointment and frustration. Discover that 24 hours really are enough!
Offered by Paula Eder, Ph.D., The Time Finder Expert.
Paula Eder, PhD is an internationally-known coach and published author who specializes in mentoring heart-based entrepreneurs and small business owners, from the inside out, to align their core values and energy with their time choices and behaviors to make more money, create more freedom, and find more time.
You can learn more about Paula’s unique, Heart-Based Time Management™ System and begin your transformational journey by signing up for her Finding Time Success Kit. Follow your heart-based path to finding time for what matters most.