In our December newsletter, we discussed one of the keys to solving procrastination and just being more efficient overall – using your natural energy cycle. Here are the other two keys to solving procrastination:
- Break the task into small bits
- Chain yourself to your desk / work area to finish a full bit
Breaking a large task into small steps is nothing new. What is new is really taking the time to break it down into 15-30 minute bits. This takes thought, time and focus. As simple as this seems, do this during your high energy time. It’s tougher than it appears. Do it for every new project the day the project is assigned. Do it also for routine work that you can attack in small chunks.
The key is that each bit has a start and end point and can be accomplished in less than 30 minutes. Take one large task that you’ve been putting off and chain yourself to your desk and break it into small bits. Think about it in two stages: preparing for the task and doing the task.
Abraham Lincoln once said: “If I had an hour to cut down a tree, I’d spend the first 45 minutes sharpening the axe.” Planning is important and we often don’t plan time for it!
The steps involved in preparing include, before you even start the work:
- gathering information
- organizing your information (papers, files, old emails, etc.)
- collecting tools and materials
That’s the first set of bits. For some jobs it may be one 30 minute bit, for others, a series of bits.
Once you have all the materials ready, you will start the work. What bits are involved in that? Invest some time in planning your task and you’ll get it done faster and less painfully.
The third and final ingredient is will power. Or lacking that, a large chain and padlock. Pick ONE bit, lock yourself to your desk or work area and just stay there until you get it done. Plan a short reward for finishing each bit – a short walk, talking to a friend, doing a task you enjoy, etc.
Put these three ingredients together and you’ll begin to chip away at procrastination. Change takes time, stick with it and let me know if you see any improvement. Reply here, or email me at alan@krsol.com.
You may feel overwhelmed with so many bits. In our next newsletter we’ll talk about how to build a useful list that keeps all the bits in place.