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5 ways to beat procrastination

So, do you procrastinate?
I must say, my own answer to this is a mixed one…You see there are plenty of things I have disciplined myself to do and there are a few things I realise I have been putting off. Like, clearing out the storage cupboard!

Of course depending on how important something is, we all delay or prioritise our tasks. But if you find that procrastination is getting in the way of your important work, then read on. These 5 tips are gold! I promise they will help!

There are many reasons why we procrastinate. Most of them are a variation on“I don’t feel like it”. When you’re meant to be spending the morning writing your report, you instead work on other, easier to action tasks. You delay writing the report. 

Your mind chatter goes something like this…
I don’t feel like it.
I have more urgent things to address.
It’s a big task, I don’t know where to start.
It’s going to take up too much time.
I don’t have time now.I can do it tomorrow.
Yes, tomorrow I have time.

Instant relief, you don’t have to do it today. You’ve convinced yourself that it’s not possible. You buy into your reasoning and allow yourself to relax now that that’s over, you can get on with other things.

But, the next day… the same thing happens again. 

Why?
The answer lies in the reasons we give for not doing the thing we should be doing. The excuses and stories we tell ourselves provide an insight into how we can overcome procrastination.

Let’s start with one of the reasons mentioned above:I have more urgent things to address.This implies that the task you are delaying is not important or that you can’t really see, at least at this moment, why you should be doing it over something else. Herein lies the first tip to beating procrastination:
1. Make sure you know your why
If you’re not clear on why you need/want to do the task you are putting off, then it’s easy to push it down the list of things to do. Understanding the reason why the task is important and the bigger picture around it, will help you to value the task more and be less likely to delay it. 
Example: Task: To go for a run
The WHY behind it: to feel good/ to be energised throughout the day/ to lose weight/ to get better so I can run the marathon etc.

Next, our reason to procrastinate was: It’s a big task
2. Reduce the commitment in your mind
Our minds will resist anything that it sees as a big task or challenge. It basically gets overwhelmed and we instinctively just want to walk away. Everyone has this built into their brains, so don’t worry, it’s not just you! 
So how do we avoid going into overwhelm?

Commit to just a bit, to get you started. The idea is you tell yourself you will just do 10 minutes and that’s enough to drop your defences. You relax a little and you get started. The trick is, once you start, you keep going to the end. I’ve used this innumerable times to get me to the gym and on the treadmill. I tell myself I only have to do 15 minutes today (and not think about 45 minutes at all). But once I’m at 15 minutes, I just do another 10 minutes and so on, until the original goal is achieved.
Example: Task: To write the report
Reduce the commitment: I will just do 1 page of the report/ I will just write for half an hour.

The next reason we have is: I don’t know where to start
3. Know exactly where to start
Good, this is easy. So what do we do? We plan in advance so you know exactly where to start! The first step needs to be made as clear and easy as possible.
Example: Task: Create a FB ad
Create the place to start: Write the process to create the ad in small actionable steps

The next reason: It’s going to take up too much time.In reality, maybe it will, maybe it won’t. The key here is:
4. Don’t do the whole thing
Not to be confused with tip #2, in this case you will not aim to finish the task.You will break the task into small pieces and you will do just one piece. The smaller the better. Break your task into 20 small pieces if you like! All you have to do is complete 1 of the small pieces.
Example:Task: Paint the house
Break it down, the small pieces could be: calculate how much paint you need, decide on the colour, buy the paint and materials, schedule days in your diary to paint 1 room at a time, prep the room etc.

The next reason is the most common reason. Somehow many of us buy into it as a valid reason:I don’t feel like it.
5. Accept that you will not feel like doing it
We use this reason to not do a task because we believe on some level that “feeling like doing” something is the way it’s supposed to be. We all assume that not feeling like doing something is a sign of some sort. We use it to justify that it’s not the right time, I don’t have the right mindset, I’m not ready… Here’s the deal: You are not going to feel like doing it most of the time! If you can accept that not feeling like doing it doesn’t mean anything at all (just a human resistance to doing anything different), then you can power through it! 

This is how success is created, how productivity is created, how champions are born.You do it, regardless of how you feel.
All successful people understand this principle. It’s what separates them from the pack. They are willing to do things when they don’t feel like it. Think about it. 

What would your life look like if you started to do all the things you don’t feel like doing?

Yes, I know, it’d be a lot different!
The choice is yours:)

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How you waste time…

When you sit down to do a task, do you just start? Okay, you may think about where you’re at with the project so you can jump back in to where you left off. Is this how you are working on your tasks and projects?

Often, I’ve found, the majority of people start a task without the most important things in mind. It’s this basic error that truly limits your productivity capabilities. There are 2 specific parameters you must define before you begin working on a task or project:
1. What is the specific outcome I will achieve?
2. What specific amount of time will I set to complete it in?
Let’s start with Number 1: A specific outcome is measurable. You either achieve it or you don’t. There is no confusion as to whether this has been achieved or not. Doing “more”work on your blog post is not specific. “More” is not measurable. Here’s an example of a specific outcome: “Complete the introduction and outline of 3 blog posts.” It’s specific so you can easily tell if you have achieved it at the end. The result must be 3 outlines and 3 introductions. Rather than sitting down “to work on” something, create a very specific outcome…with a specific time-frame (this is part 2).

Part 2: A specific amount of time. Again it’s all about measurement. You need to define a specific amount of time in which you will complete the task. The common mistake is that we often think “well, I don’t know how long it will take” and decide not to put a time-frame on it or allow a huge amount of time in which to complete it. These critical mistakes will severely limit your productivity. You must have a specific time-frame in which to complete your specific task. And don’t be afraid to make the time-frame tight. Here’s why: If you give yourself 2 hours to write a report, you will take 2 hours. If you make sure it has to be done in 1 hour, you will take 1 hour. Don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t get the same task done in a smaller space of time because you can. Ever procrastinated? Done something right at the last minute? In a very tight time-frame you produced a large amount of work. How? You had a tight deadline and it made you focus. You can apply this to your normal workday tasks to increase your productivity dramatically.

The easiest way to start doing this is to implement a basic tool: a timer. Set a timer for the time you’ve allocated for the task and work towards getting it done before the time runs out. You will find that when you have a tight time-frame and a specific outcome and the timer running…you focus, you block out distractions and you go to work! You will surprise yourself with what you produce and how good it feels to work in such a clear and focused way.

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Put the joy back into your work

Love having your own business but sometimes feel like it’s all hard work and no play?

We’ve all experienced this at one time or another. It can often start as a phase where you feel that you really aren’t connecting with your work. And sometimes this stage extends into a permanent situation of stress or reduced enthusiasm. So much to do, so little time…and before you know it you’re dreading the tasks on your to-do.

Here’s 5 ways to move out of that drudgery or avoid going there altogether!

1. Make sure your work aligns with your values
If your work is in conflict with your values you are more likely to experience anxiety and a lack of fulfillment in what you are doing. It’s best to check in and get this sorted now, to make sure that your business is developing in the way that will support your personal needs and lifestyle. Aligning your values to your work is the path to true fulfillment and results. Check out my article here on how to identify your values.

2. Work at the pace that works for you
We all have an idea of how much we should be getting done, but where is that measurement coming from? Now, we are all unique individuals, but as driven Solopreneurs there’s a good chance that many of you are expecting a lot from yourself. Is that you? To enjoy your work you need to be realistic about your workload but even more so about how you work. Find the pace that works for you, where you are focused but not stressed or overwhelmed. You can still be as productive even when you slow down a little- believe me!

3. Have a specific goals plan
A specific goals plan is peace of mind– there I said it. It really is! It’s like you’ve set a goal and paved a step by step process, so when you sit down to work, all you have to do is look at the next step. It makes it easier to forget about the rest of the things you have to do because you know you’ve already planned for it. It’s all done, so you can just focus working on this current step.

4. Do each task as if it is the only one you have to do
I love this idea. You totally have to give this a try. When you sit down to do a task, simply start by thinking only about that particular task, not anything you need to do after. You kind of “pretend” it’s the only task for today. What does that do? It relaxes you first of all, and it brings you into the present moment where you can give the task your full attention. The result is that you will become absorbed in what you’re doing. And anytime that happens, you truly enjoy what you’re doing.

5. Create clear boundaries for work and non-work times
It’s easier to enjoy your work when it is fitting in with your lifestyle and not taking over your life. Okay, busy work periods are inevitable in any business, but you should still maintain healthy boundaries even if your work hours have increased. What do I mean by this? Have specific days or parts of days that are designated a “work-free” zone. You can do anything in these times, but no work and that also means no looking at email on your phone. Creating clear boundaries will help you recharge by being completely away from your work both mentally and physically. Then when you are back at the desk, you will have more energy and mental clarity. This will in turn improve your enjoyment of your work and eliminate the struggle to focus.

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Why have a morning routine?

meditate-1851165_1920If you’re a regular in self-development circles, then the term “morning routine” is not a new one for you. For those not as familiar with the idea, a morning routine is a set of actions that you routinely perform each morning that set you up for your day. It’s all about optimum performance and getting off on the right foot so you are at your best. It puts your mind and energy in the right space so you can operate effectively and efficiently.

There are things that we can do that will bring our mind and our energy levels up to that optimum level for productivity and focus within our work. As we are all different human beings, this is going to look very different for each of us. Also, depending on what work you are doing, your approach may even vary for that reason too. If you want to regularly create a “peak state” where you can work at your best, it comes down to regularly doing things that will bring you into that space, “setting you up” so-to speak.

Here’s how to get started in establishing your morning routine:

1. Have a think about what your “ideal” working day would be like. How would you start the day? List any activities/rituals/habits that you would ideally like to start your day with. Eg. this might include exercise, yoga/meditation, listening to music, eating certain foods, getting up at a certain time, writing in a journal, preparing your work in a certain way etc.

2. Now look at your list and choose your absolute top 3 ideas- the ones that you’d totally love to do to start your day.

3. Make a plan to incorporate the 3 morning rituals into your morning. Starting with just a few days a week, complete the 3 morning rituals.

4. Review the outcomes: At the end of each day for just 1 week, take 5 minutes to reflect on how your day went. Consider your level of productivity and how you felt on the days when you did the morning routine compared to those when you did not. Was the routine easy to incorporate or do you need to simplify it? Ultimately the question is: Did the morning routine improve your focus, energy and productivity?

5. Refine and repeat. Make small changes to improve the effectiveness of your morning routine. Don’t be afraid to change it completely to see what might work better for you. Once you are seeing and feeling the results, keep it going. The key to repeating it is to track it. So draw up a checklist and each day you complete your morning routine, check it off.

A good morning routine can really change your life and work productivity. You’re essentially tailoring an approach that optimizes your enjoyment and productivity of your work. You’ll no doubt find, like I did, that a morning routine, however small or simple, will also truly enrich your whole day. Before you know it, you’ll be convincing everyone to create one!

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How to enjoy your work more

running-man-1149787_1920I recently discovered something very powerful that totally changed my experience of working in my business. When it dawned on me I was shocked at the simplicity and also at my own internal resistance against it. Why would I be resisting something that worked for me or felt great? After some reflection I realised that underlying my resistance to this idea was actually just some good old expectation issues. You know, the “should” statements that your mind can make? I should be doing it this way. I should have more clients. I should be getting more done.

I was unconsciously should-ing, much more than I realised. I really was not aware that I had these expectations and so I want to share this realisation with you, in case you can relate too. It has helped me so much and really opened up a space to truly enjoy and be present with my work and my business.

I started to notice that while I was enjoying my work some of the time, there were many times when I would find the to-do list overwhelming. And the goals that I loved and really cared about, were not inspiring but actually intimidating. Then one day I noticed a shift. I had a day where I was absorbed in my work. I felt calm and I was really enjoying the process of what I was working on. At the end of the day I had not only been productive but I had truly enjoyed it all. Without rushing on to the next thing to do, I had taken my time to embrace each task, to be present with it. The result was amazing to me. I had never felt so good, so accomplished and working on “purpose”.

So what had actually happened?

I took the time to look at what I had done differently that day and here’s what I found: When I work at my own pace, it allows me to relax and focus on what is right in front of me. Instead of trying to rush through to maintain some other pace that I think I should be working at. If I actually work at the pace I feel comfortable at, it feels like joyful work and I get plenty done.

It’s simple, right? If you’re already doing this- hats off to you, well done! For some reason I had not put it together. Then I wondered, where did this idea come from? This idea that I had to be working at a certain speed, to be going at a certain pace? I’ve concluded there are a number of influences, some being an inclination to perfectionism, expecting instant results, being influenced by the latest personal development ideas on productivity and the old favourite- fear. All played a part in me feeling that I needed to be working at a certain pace. Of course the key is not to disregard everything that you have learnt to date about time management and productivity, rather it’s a matter of applying it in a way that works best for you and implementing it at your own rate of production.

After discovering this idea I realised I just needed to allow myself to slow down, to work at the pace that I enjoy. Having a plan is important, with a step-by-step process laid out. Then it’s just a matter of taking it one step at a time, in your own time. Working at a pace you feel comfortable with will totally change your experience of your work. Not only will you feel better but you will feel more engaged in what you’re doing and as a result, feel more “on your purpose”. And who doesn’t want more of that?