Beat procrastination

Do you have a project or task you simply can't get started on? Do you recognise that feeling of dread when you think about it; that overpowering compulsion to do any other activity so long as it's not that one thing? We've all been there, but you can beat your procrastination.

Here are ten actions to help you get over procrastination.

1. Check your planning. If you don't plan or haven't planned properly your task me seem way to big - you get a feeling that it's simply not achievable.

2. Break down your tasks into smaller chunks. When the chunks are too big our imagination simply can't see a way through the task. Keep breaking the task down until you are able to make a start.

3. Practise the action you're holding back from. Telling yourself that you are only practising is a brilliant way of building your skills, making your mistakes and taking the pressure off. And often before your realise it you've moved easily from practice to the real thing.

4. Confront your fears. Exactly what is it about this that is putting you off? It's worth spending a little time on this. Once you know what's scaring you it becomes much easier to tackle.

5. If it's a job you hate doing. You need to you make it more enjoyable by focussing on the rewards for doing it.

6. You don't know enough to get started. This is an important one. If there genuinely is more groundwork to be done, it's important for your success that you do it. So, how can you plan and start the groundwork?

7. What if I'm not good enough? It's true that there are things we might not excel at. Pavarotti, for instance, may not be a natural at hang gliding, break dancing or the world pogo championships. Do any of these mean that Pavarotti is 'not good enough'?

8. What if it doesn't work? Good question. If it's worrying you - then make a list of the consequences of failing - but you should also make a list of the consequences of not starting.

9. Embrace the idea of failure. This is a big one - changing our attitude to the word 'failure' from negative to positive can seem a little crazy at first. In fact it's incredibly empowering to have a healthy attitude to failure. Go back to the previous tip and add in all the positives that come out of having tried. At the very least, you'll have learned an awful lot for next time.

10. Finally - find your motivations. What are the real benefits of doing this project or task? Ask yourself these three questions: a. What are the benefits of finally getting started? b. What will the benefits be of completing? c. How much better will I feel about myself when it's done?

William Montgomery
CEO of TEN

Through his workshops, William Montgomery has helped hundreds of organisations and schools plus thousands of people to achieve their potential. To discuss your continuous improvement requirements, please call 0117 325 2010 or send a message to mail@askten.co.uk.