Advice for the Expert and Novice Procrastinator

For many people the tendency to procrastinate is basically normal. Then there are people that really have a hard time, and we'll call them expert procrastinators. Which one are you? Here are tips for both expert and novice... enjoy!

Written Aug 30, 2011, read 959 times since then.

Advice for the Expert and Novice Procrastinator

It’s Thursday afternoon, and Tracy realizes that her proposal for her newest client is due by the tomorrow morning. With a busy night of family events planned, she knows that if she doesn’t get this done prior to leaving work she is going to be dropping the ball. So far this proposal is only in outline and finishing it in time seems difficult. Can she do it?

For many people the tendency to procrastinate is basically normal and at worst it creates unnecessary time pressure and some inconvenience. We all occasionally put off doing things, avoid action or feel unmotivated at times. I could have put my name in that first paragraph too.

Then there are people that really have a hard time. They may seem incapable of getting things started, let alone done. We’ll call them ‘expert procrastinators’ as they, more often than not, find themselves immersed in stress and open loops. For them it may feel like living on the edge of a storm, constantly.

Today, I’ll share some easy methods that can help anyone, ‘expert or novice procrastinator’ beat procrastination and get back to feeling less stressed and more productive today.

Watch out for, acknowledge and counteract ‘deferral thoughts’ such as “I can send the report tomorrow”, “I will take the trash out after I watch my show” or “The dishes can wait till I need them for our next meal”. Instead, when you have these thoughts, try to take it from another angle and tell yourself “If I do the dishes now, I can enjoy the rest of the afternoon without this hanging over my head”.
Stop waiting for you to feel motivated and inspired to take action. It’s true, and I too have experienced it, we like to think we must feel ‘inspired’ before we act. In reality, most times it’s getting started that gets us more motivated to continue. Once you get started, one small task leads to another and before you know it some great progress can be made and that will inspire you to keep going.
Reward yourself. After completing a task give yourself a little treat. It can be anything you like and can afford, maybe even a nice walk around your neighbourhood or a sweet treat to enjoy.

More thoughts on Overcoming Procrastination:

Do you work better under pressure or is it that you only work under pressure?

Research done by Dr. Pychyl, an associate professor of psychology at Carleton University, suggests that people who claim to work better under pressure are really just procrastinating and he calls them "Arousal Procrastinators". It seems that the majority of us consider ourselves to be procrastinators as well, a whopping 75% according to Dr Pychyl's studies. However, the good news is that 95% of procrastinators want to change and there is help.

I know even I have been known to procrastinate from time to time. So in an effort to help here are more great tips to help you get more done and be more effective!

#1 - List your goals. Get yourself in a positive state of mind and start brainstorming. Choose the areas in your life that you need to consider and prioritize your goals. Consider goals that are really your own goals, and not goals that others may have for you.

#2 - Plan your actions. Write out your goals and the steps to get there. Make a "To Do" list for taking daily actions. Until a goal is in writing it is just an idea. Writing out goals is the most critical step to making them concrete, it is the reinforcement to make them reality.

#3 - Manage your time. Create a schedule for yourself as you would for any project. When life gets busy or you get distracted it can be easy to let things slide so having a written schedule will help keep you on track.

#4 - Track your goals and stay motivated. Use a journal to keep track of your goals journey. This is a great way to also keep track of great ideas you have or helpful tips and tools you come across and want to use later. You can leave voice messages for yourself to help motivate you or to help remind you of things that you need to do.

#5 - Get help when you need it. Be honest with yourself. If part of your goals requires doing something you are not good at, admit it and get assistance from others, even if that means enlisting the help of a coach or consultant.

#6 - Be grateful for what you have already. Although it is important in life to surround yourself with people that you can look up to and that can mentor you, remember, our personal experiences are unique. Don't compare yourself to others and put their heads above your own.

#7 - Review, reevaluate, rewrite. Keep your goals fresh, update them as needed and stay focused.

There is no time like the present! Start today to work on your goals and let your dreams take flight!

Learn more about the author, Michelle Panzlaff.