The fact is that everyone procrastinates. Everyone has too much to do and too little time. What can you do to stop procrastinating?
There are a series of techniques that you can use to overcome or at least manage wasting time. In fact, there are libraries full of books, one or two of them written by myself, on the subject of overcoming procrastination.
But, here are some good ideas to get started.
1) Stop Procrastinating by Programming Your Subconscious Mind
Perhaps the most powerful words you can use to increase your productivity are the words; “Do it now! Do it now! Do it now!”
Whenever you find yourself procrastinating on an important task, repeat to yourself, with energy and enthusiasm, the words, “Do it now! Do it now! Do it now!”
The amazing discovery is that after you have repeated these words 10, 20, or even 100 times, you will find yourself programming your subconscious mind into starting on your most important task and completing that job before you do anything else.
Throughout the day, when you are distracted by people, emails, telephone calls and other factors, and you find yourself drifting away from your most important tasks, take control of yourself by repeating the words,“Back to work! Back to work! Back to work!”
2) Stop Procrastinating Using Task Management and Breaking into Small Parts
Any big task that you have to complete can be completed if you break it down into enough small parts using task management.
One of the best techniques of all is to divide your task into what are called “bite-sized pieces.” Take a piece of paper and write down every small part of the task that you have to do, in sequence, from the first little job to the final job that completes the task.
Then, discipline yourself to do “number one” on your list. Sometimes, the decision to take action on the first step on a large task impels you into the task and makes it easier for you to do the next step, and the next step, and the next step as well.
Sometimes just forcing yourself to start on a major task will enable you to develop the momentum and energy necessary to work right through until the task is complete.
3) Stop Procrastinating Using The Salami Slice Method
Another method to help increase productivity stop procrastinating is called the “salami slice method.”
This is similar to the method above. Just as you would not try to eat a loaf of salami in one bite, you do not try to do a large task in one time period. Instead, you “salami-slice” the task by breaking it down into small parts. You then resolve to complete one small part at this time, before you go on to something else.
Each time you sit down with your major task, especially if you are overwhelmed with other pressing responsibilities, you resolve to complete one part of the task at a time. Often this strategy will get you started on the project and make it easier to complete parts two, three, four, and so on.
Conclusion
Everyone procrastinates a little bit, but when you program your subconscious mind to stop procrastinating and break up your tasks you will be able to get much more done during your day.
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