(Time Lost by gothick_matt @ Flickr)
You are wasting your valuable time through procrastination. Feel guilty? It happens to the best of us. It’s not necessarily bad either. Procrastination can be great for you. Some people would never have a clean house unless they had a report due. Others delay about buying something and don’t make a decision which saves them money (but they possibly never really get what they want – something I’ve talked about here).
Now I’m going to keep this short. This text is small, and you’ve probably got 100 other things to do. Even right now you’re probably thinking I’ll bookmark this to read it later. Well, I’m here to tell you about taking action, and you’re here reading so you might as well keep going…
Five ways to beat procrastination:
1. The Reward
If I just can’t get going, it’s time to change tack. Unhook the internet and plug it back in once you’ve achieved something. Buy a block of chocolate and enjoy some once you’ve done the hard yards. Ring up a friend to meet for a coffee in two hours and go like stink until then. Do these things as a reward for yourself, after you have completed a task.
Half the time the hardest thing to do is to start. Once you’ve put pen to paper and pushed off the start line, you’ll feel the shackles fall off. Plus, chances are good after you’ve been rewarded, you’ll be keen to come back and keep going.
2. The Power of 10 Minutes
If I can’t seem to start, I sit and jot down a list of a few tasks that can be worked on in 10 minutes. I’ll then work on one of these tasks with full concentration and focus. It doesn’t have to get done, it just has to move forward within that 10 minutes. After that 10 minutes, I’ll stop and evaluate where I am. I’ll take a quick refresher and then go to the next task, or do another 10 minute stint moving that task forwards.
It’s all a trick. I’m just trying to get started and involve myself so that I forget the break after 10 minutes, and end up doing half an hour or more without thinking about anything else. This quickly breaks any resistance to the work, even if it’s not much fun. If I do this, suddenly I’ve got my day underway and my workload feels smaller. Forget multi-tasking. It’s just multi-distracting and untasking yourself. Do 10 minutes deeply focused in a burst or two, and without realising, you’ll be underway.
3. Be honest about why you aren’t doing ‘it’
If you’re avoiding ‘it’, whatever it may be, you might need to look at why. It can be anything, an assignment, a job at work, or writing an article on your website. When I’m consciously or unconsciously avoiding something, it’ often because I’m dealing with fear, and usually fear of failure. Conquering this isn’t easy, but as Leo Babatua might say – feel the fear and do it anyway!
Chances are if I’m avoiding it, it’s because I’m not really sure what I’m doing – so I’ll ask myself – what’s the worst thing that can happen? It’s never as bad as I’m making it out to be. Beat the fear, beat the procrastination, and create opportunities for yourself by getting it done.
4. The Use of Music
This won’t work for everyone, but music can be a useful tool. You can use it in a few different ways. Sometimes I’ll try and pump up and get inspired by listening to some tracks that make me jump (I like Creedence Clearwater Revivial – Fotunate Son) and get me going. Or, on the flip side, try removing distractions by playing a nice bit of instrumental only or soft vocal music. I often stick on a CD of Massive Attack to quietly drown out the world and help me dial in.
5. Give yourself guaranteed time for fun
Guaranteeing yourself fun is a great way to make you do something. I’m often guilty of spending hours on a task getting nothing done because I know I have plenty of time. Somewhat ironically, If I restrict myself to a certain time limit, I get more work done, work better, and enjoy my free time. Realistically, a deadline is often the only reason people start things anyway. Instead of working towards a deadline, work towards a “liveline” where once you have done it, you’re free to do whatever and live.
Thanks for making it this far. Take a break – you deserve it!
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#1 by Dan Miranda on May 5, 2009 - 7:12 am
You are right indeed. Loved this article, really awesome. I think you made a excellent point when you stated that you need to be honest about what is holding you back. If you don’t know why, you are never going to complete the aforementioned task.
#2 by Tristan Rayner on May 5, 2009 - 8:54 am
Thanks Dan. I’m really happy you can take something away from the article. The honesty part is hard to do, especially when you can’t work out what’s holding you back when it’s a subconscious thing. Tackle it head on, and work out what’s going on.
#3 by Bill Thomas on May 5, 2009 - 9:08 pm
Good stuff. I’ve just been through a period where procrastinating was a huge problem, and now am getting back on track. I just read this too – very relevant: http://www.flyingsolo.com.au/p294825547_A-little-less-conversation.html
#4 by Tristan Rayner on May 5, 2009 - 9:23 pm
I’ve actually just started regularly checking Flying Solo myself Bill, although I hadn’t read that post.
You’re right too, it is a good point. It’s sort of a self-doubting phase we all go through that puts us off. I’ve called it fear but it’s not that we’re necessarily afraid, it’s just we talk ourselves out of doing things.
Sort of like that unmotivational quote – “Hard works pays off in the end, but laziness pays off right now”. It’s just easier, you know?
Thanks for the comment mate. Glad to have some fellow Australian’s on board!
#5 by Roger Pryor on May 5, 2009 - 10:59 pm
Thanks for sharing this message Tristan. Now, of course I’m wracked with guilt for all of those moments spent in earnest procrastination.
I do, however, see the benefit in your list of devices for putting flight to the beast..delayed gratification tends to work for me too.
#6 by Melanie James on May 6, 2009 - 12:00 am
Good points Tristan – the ten minute idea is one I use as is the music. The other thing I do is set myself a goal where I need to present what it is I need to so, or, if I’m procrastinating about something like tidying up the veranda, I’ll invite people over so I’m motivated to get it done. Cheers, Mel
#7 by Ann Elise on May 6, 2009 - 12:44 pm
You know, you’re right. Who isn’t getting more done when they have less time? Very useful article – will have to tweet it.
#8 by Tristan Rayner on May 6, 2009 - 1:51 pm
@Roger – Thanks for reading Roger. I hope I can help your guilt! At least the procrastination was in earnest
@Melanie – Ah the trick of forcing yourself to do something or else you’ll be publicly embarrassed – a good one!
@Ann Elise- A nice way to put it – thanks for the tweet too
#9 by Hema Mohan on May 6, 2009 - 3:01 pm
Great article! Short, sweet and simple:) A reward and a “liveline” are extremely useful tips to overcome procrastination. Thanks!
#10 by Jennifer Blanchard on May 6, 2009 - 3:57 pm
Great advice! I write a blog for writers who procrastinate and I’ve given a lot of similar advice myself. I think the most important way to overcome procrastination is to be honest with yourself about why you’re not writing (or doing whatever you’re procrastinating on). By looking at what’s holding you back, you’ll be able to finally overcome it and get started.
#11 by Bamboo Forest - PunIntended on May 7, 2009 - 2:29 am
This is some of the best advice I’ve ever seen on procrastination. And, you didn’t give me any filler, just the best advice that works and not a drop more.
I appreciate that.
#12 by Tristan Rayner on May 7, 2009 - 2:06 pm
@Hema – Glad you enjoyed, thanks
@Jennifer Nice site. Are writers notorious for procrastination? Is there any other group of people who are worse? A famous author (whose name eludes me) used to lock himself in a lit cupboard with a pen and paper so he could do nothing else but write. Interesting way to beat procrastination!
@Bamboo Forest – Thanks! And thanks also for letting me know what works for you. Really motivating. I hope you can use it to help yourself in those slow days we all get.
#13 by Bill on May 16, 2009 - 12:45 pm
Great article but what I find interesting is that there is nothing new in it and, really, nothing creative (don’t take offense) because there in lies the immense truth to what you are saying: “Hey guys, it’s simple, you just have to DO it!” Now GOYA and get productive!
#14 by GavinS on May 29, 2009 - 9:57 pm
Nice succinct post on procrastination. I’m afraid I’m guilty of procrastination in all areas of my life, though I’m trying to do something about it! I like the idea of point 2 in your list. Tricking myself into actually getting stuck into something sounds like it might work. I also try to use music, mainly to avoid distractions so I agree with point 4.
#15 by russds on June 5, 2009 - 6:03 am
Thanks, I really connected with #2. I once read that getting started is the hardest part of any task. Once you get started, it’s very easy to continue, but that initial 5-10 minutes is the most difficult. anything to simplify that (ie tricking yourself into only working on it for 10 minutes) is great! thanks!
#16 by Karen on June 18, 2009 - 1:08 pm
I love the 10 minute rule- it always helps me when I don’t feel like doing something (ie- cleaning) to just do it for 10 or 15 minutes. The toughest part usually is to just start taking action… once you get it rolling, it’s so much easier!! Great post.