Author: KStone / Source: Lifehack
Before we can solve the problem of procrastination, we must understand why we do it. There are a few basic reasons:
- Feeling overwhelmed with a situation.
- Given up hope that a situation can be changed or affected.
- Afraid of failing.
- Too “busy” to get the really important things done.
- Can’t make a decision.
- Overworked, tired.
- Want to avoid work you don’t like.
Each of these can be reduced down to the pleasure/pain principle which says that we do things to gain pleasure and to avoid pain.
The following method will help you to overcome procrastination and start doing things that matter, and to jettison excess baggage in your to-do list that only serves to weigh you down:
1. Get clear about what you want in life
Procrastinators, you’ll love this!
Take 20-30 minutes to do this quick goal planning exercise.
Write down all your goals in some or all of these categories: career, education, relationships, financial, physical, mindset, creative, spiritual, public service, travel, leisure, and other.
Once you have your list, then whittle it down to your top 10, then down to your top 5, and then your top 3.
Do this by asking yourself, “Can I live without this?” Let your less important goals lie dormant on a “maybe” list that you can check on again in a few months.
2. Tidy up your to-do list
Delete or delegate from your to-do list those things that don’t relate to your top 3-5 goals.
Just say bye bye. And don’t look back!
3. Link tasks you don’t like to your goals
It helps to mentally (and in writing) tie these tasks to one of your main goals or values.
For example, “Keeping a tidy and clean home and desk allows me to have clarity of mind which is something I highly value. By having clarity of mind I will be better able to work on my goals and have less anxiety.”
By linking the task to the pleasure of being able to think clearly, I now have a reason that will motivate me to take action.
4. Plan your day each day
This is not a big task. It should only take about 10-15 minutes of quiet time.
Do the most difficult and most important things first and work your way down to the easier stuff in the afternoon. You’ll feel really good if you do this.
Focus on that…
The post How to Overcome Procrastination and Start Doing What Matters appeared first on FeedBox.