You may delay, but time will not, and lost time is never
found again. — Benjamin Franklin
“In delay there lies no plenty.” -- William Shakespeare
Procrastination is just a habit. Logic and re-habituating will fix even the staunchest procrastinator. Here is how to re-train and live without procrastination!
Putting first things first requires a belief that we are in charge of our life and that we create (with our imagination and will) our own path. If we establish that we’re in charge, next is finding the motivation to prioritize and act on the priorities. When we have the end in mind or can see the results of our efforts, it becomes easy to pay attention to what has to be done. Presto, there’s the motivation! Success or a sure knowledge of success assures doing the most important first.
The New Habit. Successful people create a habit of accomplishing those things that most people do not like doing. Even though it’s not enjoyable, it gets done. This habit takes about 21 days to retrain the brain to accept. This will be the concerted effort part of retraining. It takes a conscious effort to accomplish the 21 days. This is what is meant by the phrase ‘paying attention’. The next step is your reward!
Why change? A proactive attitude towards the duties of life/business will often mitigate the duration and difficulties of various tasks. (i.e., getting things done before procrastination sets in) In plain English this means that everything is easier and accomplished quicker if you can kick the procrastination habit.
What now? (answer something that is applicable to you)
If I could change one thing to improve my life... what would it be? (i.e., “If I exercise every morning for 30 minutes I will be healthier and more energetic to be prepared to handle a big day.” It will improve all aspects of my life)
If I could add one thing professionally to ensure success ...what would it be? (i.e., “If I make 5 lead calls before I start my existing work I will have a more continual flow of closings.)
This is the easy part! We all know what we tend to put off and even why we do it. Let’s see what happens in the next 21 days when we actually do what we are avoiding! The PAYOFF will illuminate how procrastination has impacted you. The Payoff will also be very rewarding!
Here is the how,
1. Notes and checklists (this is primary in learning priorities)
2. Calendars and appointment books (secondary)
3. Prioritizing, planning, goal setting and value determination. This means that the results of an activity determine the importance of an activity, importance determines the priority. (This is the last rung of the ladder but the most important tool in learning to prioritize.) An activity becomes a higher priority if the outcome is really, really, impactful to your life or your business.
It sounds easy but if we look at all the motivational material out there, they all have a section on the ability to prioritize. Check your calendars; weigh in on your own priorities to see if they are indeed, success oriented.