By Elaine Quinn

It’s so easy to put off tasks we don’t want to do—or are afraid we won’t do right. We just never quite get around to them. Everyone procrastinates to some degree, but a procrastination habit can be destructive and self-defeating. It can keep you from being successful. In general, procrastination creeps in when a task is:

• Overwhelming
• New, with an unknown path to success
• Something you aren’t good at
• Unpleasant, uninteresting, or downright boring

Whatever the reasons, procrastination will sneak up on you if you’re not on guard. Here are a few strategies you can use to fight back.

When the task is overwhelming . . .

Break it up

Deconstruct large projects into smaller steps. Large jobs can seem overpowering and tempting to put off. But a series of small jobs done over time are more manageable. Identify the small pieces that make up the larger whole and build them into your schedule at a pace that will meet your deadline. Once it’s clear just what specific tasks you need to do—and when and how you’ll be able to do them—you’ll be less tempted to procrastinate.

When the path to success is unknown . . .

Procrastinate without guilt

Allow yourself to procrastinate—but set a time limit. Some tasks have unclear starting points. It’s tempting to think about them for a while to see if some point of entry presents itself. In fact, it’s often effective to let things sit until they sort themselves out. If you’re going to do this, set a time limit. Enter a date in your planner when you will stop thinking and begin working, even if you’re still not sure where to start.

Start anywhere

The truth is it’s often easier not to start at the beginning. And when you’re headed into unfamiliar territory, you often don’t have a big enough picture to know where the beginning is anyway. Pick some aspect of the job that seems approachable and jump in. Often momentum will carry you once you get going. Soon you’ll see what should come before and what should come after whatever point you started at. The key is simply to start.

Reach out

Chances are you know someone who has done some type of similar work and can help get you started. Ask if they can give you some insight, ideas, or direction.

Remember that most tasks don’t have to be done perfectly; they just have to be done

It may be necessary to adjust your personal standards somewhat. Many people are accustomed to excelling in everything they do and approach every task with this mindset. Yet perfection isn’t always necessary—or even desirable. If you worry about doing everything perfectly, you won’t get anything done. Do the best you can and move on.

When it’s something you’re not good at . . .

Outsource it

There’s no point in forcing yourself to do something you don’t really have the skill to do if you can hand it off to someone else. It may take you longer than it’s worth to do a poor job when your time could be more profitably spent on your core business activities. There is undoubtedly someone else whose business is built on doing exactly what you aren’t good at. Find that person!

Learn how to do it

If the task is an integral part of your work, or something you can’t justify outsourcing, accept the fact that you need to take a class, get a tutor, or read a book. Learn what you need to know and get the job done.

When it’s unpleasant, uninteresting, or boring . . .

• Use the simplest approach and minimum effort that will get the job done.
• Do it first thing in the morning and get it out of the way.
• Decide on a way to reward yourself when it’s done.
• Remove distractions that will divert your attention from the task at hand.
• Relocate yourself to more pleasant surroundings to minimize the unpleasantness of the chore.
• Standardize the process so you don’t have to think much about it.
• Limit the amount of time you require yourself to spend doing unpleasant tasks. Promise yourself that after fifteen minutes you can stop if you want to.
• If it’s a difficult interaction with another person that you’re putting off, rehearse the conversation in your head so that you know what you will say. When you feel prepared, it will be easier.

Procrastination prevents progress, and that’s something you really can’t afford. If you don’t find ways to keep moving forward, you won’t fulfill your true potential. Since everyone procrastinates to some extent, we all know the wonderful feeling of relief once you have finished a task you know you have to do. Stop getting ready to get ready and just do it!

Elaine Quinn Mini Bio:

Elaine Quinn is an internationally-recognized organizing and time management expert based in Chicago. With 25 years prior experience in sales, sales training, and sales & marketing management with Fortune 100 corporations, she has well-developed skills in problem-solving, productivity, organization and time management as well as the ability to guide others. As a work-from-home professional consultant for the last 10 years, Elaine has helped hundreds of small business owners and solopreneurs get the most from their workspace and workday. She knows just what it takes to help them get organized, stay motivated, and get things done, and shares her expertise in her new book, There’s No Place Like Working From Home.

Links to Elaine:

Website:    http://NoPlaceLikeWorkingFromHome.com

LinkedIn:   http://linkedin.com/in/elainequinn1

Facebook:  http://facebook.com/NoPlaceLikeWorkingFromHome

A Message from Jaki ~ Thank you

Thank you so much Elaine. I remember the first time I met you. At one of Brendon Burchard’s seminars. I was in awe of how poised and organised you are! At that time, I still had so much to learn (I still do and I am loving the journey!). Making the decision and taking action really is the key – then breaking it down in to smaller chunks makes anything possible – Thank you :))

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Jaki :)