Tips to Stop Procrastination

Tips to Stop ProcrastinationTips to Stop ProcrastinationProcrastination is when you find reasons to put off things for another time. It is an inefficient way to handle your life because you are essentially borrowing against time in the future when tasks will eventually have to be handled. In addition, putting something off until a later date can have negative consequences. For example, waiting until the last minute to pay off a debt that doesnt arrive at the debtor on time, can result in a late fee. Or, not having your car tuned up in time and then breaking down in the middle of nowhere. When You Are Not Procrastinating At one time or another, tasks may be put off until a later date for a variety of reasons that have nothing to do with procrastination. To manage our lives, its important to prioritize items of importance, meaning that some items will need to be handled at a later date. Also, sometimes its necessary to put things off because something mora important needs attention in the present, or because waiting could actually lead to a better outcome. However, if you are a habitual procrastinator, especially about specific tasks, you need to consider the cause. When You Are Procrastinating If you routinely put things off until later, you will probably discover that its for an emotional reason rather than just plain laziness. Avoidance If you dislike talking to a particular client because a five-minute phone call becomes a 30-minute call, you may choose to delay returning it. Instead, call after hours and leave a message or email your response. This may not resolve the issue- at some point, you will still have to talk to the client- but it does buy you more time, as the client will need to return your call if they need more information. Resentment Many people put things off because they resent having to do them, especially if they should be someone elses responsibility. Delaying a task wont get it finished and will only add to your frustration. You ha ve two choices You can opt to do it yourself to get it finished or you can pass it on to someone else. In the work world, you may be asked to perform tasks that seem unfair or outside of your job description. Let go of any resentment and do whatever is asked in a timely manner. Delaying tasks until a later date will only hurt your career. Job Dissatisfaction If you are unhappy in your current position and are seeking another job, continue to do what is required in an efficient, timely manner. If you put things off because you are unhappy, you can end up on probation, getting demoted, or even let go. How to Avoid Procrastination These guidelines can help you handle tasks efficientlyPlan your day along with the tasks that need to be completed.Set small goals and check off those that youve accomplished.Avoid finding reasons to delay tasks.Understand that you will feel less burdened once they are completed.Prioritize tasks according to their size and importance, so they are more managea ble.Let your supervisor know if you are overburdened with tasks.Ask for assistance from co-workers, friends, and family. The Bottom Line If you procrastinate often, you are not managing your time wisely, as you are adding to your workload burden with each task you put off and are making it more difficult to complete these tasks in the future. Create positive habits by prioritizing tasks and completing them before they pile up and become unmanageable.