Procrastination - How to Expel the Gremlins Playing Mischief in Your Business Part II
Procrastination is probably one of the largest contributors to lack of success and/or productivity. How can we dispel the Procrastination Gremlins wreaking havoc in our efforts to be productive?
Remember, previously Brian Tracy’s advice was to “Eat That Frog!”; so our first priority of the day is to:
Place Tasks in Order of Importance
Write down on a piece of paper a “To Do” list of Ten Items. You must write it down! If You try to remember everything You want to accomplish today, distraction, interruption, “gremlins” will throw You off track. Write it down.
Once it’s on paper, look over Your tasks carefully. If One or Two of those items will be five or ten times more effective and valuable than the other eight items all put together, they should be placed at the top of the list. Follow through with the first order of the day to completion and You will reap double or triple the value in that task alone versus any of the others tasks You’ve written down.
Use the 20/80% Rule - Choose the Least Desirable Task First
Tackle Your hardest task first! This is typically found at the bottom of Your list yet often one of the most important tasks You should complete. These are usually the hardest and most complex tasks, but also would achieve the highest reward.
Decide which of Your tasks on the list fall in the top 20% rule and which are in the bottom 80%. It’s important here to refuse to touch any other task You have until you have efficiently and effectively completed the first and/or second tasks.
Most of us love to be busy working on significant tasks that can make a difference. Start by feeding Your mind and creativity with Your most challenging activity or task! Once You’ve completed Your hardest task the energy and motivation You’ll have will float You effortlessly through the rest of Your day!
Motivate Your Gremlins Right out the Door!
Do whatever it takes to rev Your engine, stimulate Your energy, get motivated. This can be a simple self talk in the morning, a positive mind visual, a stimulating walk, jog or bike ride. You know You best. Just Do It! Give Yourself a few minutes to think about starting and finishing an important task and the best way to begin, with positive emotions guiding You.
Whatever You use to motivate Yourself will help You to overcome procrastination. What motivates You to get out of bed? What reasons do You have that motivate Yourself into action?
You control what you do next.
Time management is all about life management and personal management. It’s taking control of Your day and how each event will unfold.
And You are free to choose between what is important and what is not. That is key in determining Your success in life and in Your business.
People who discipline themselves to start on the most important task before them are the most effective and productive. Because they force themselves into action, to tackle and complete the most complex of tasks first they accomplish much more than the average person and are much happier as a result.
It all starts with You; Don’t allow the procrastination gremlin to control Your success.
