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…that credited your account each morning with $86,400 and carried over no balance from day to day, kept no cash in that account, and cancelled off whatever monies you failed to use that day, what would YOU do? Withdraw every cent!
Well, you have such a bank and it is called “time.” Each morning you start with 86,400 seconds to “spend.” Each night whatever you failed to invest to a good purpose is lost. It carries no balances and allows no overdrafts. Each day is a new account. Each night burns the records of the day. If you fail to use the deposits, the loss is yours. You must live in the present – on today’s deposit. Invest it wisely, so that you get the most in health, happiness and success as you define it.
PROCRASTINATION is a BAD HABIT.
HABITS can be changed. Here’s how…
Success comes from doing what is really important to gain the results that you desire, and not getting caught up in the UNimportant activities and tasks that seem to take up our time.
There is a difference between procrastination and prioritizing. Both delay doing something. With prioritizing, a lower priority item is delayed to spend the time on a higher priority task. With procrastination, we delay for “no good reason.” It is really an excuse, not a reason, to put the task off. Choose wisely which tasks to delay and accomplish more.
Everyone procrastinates some. When-ever you choose to complete a low priority task instead of a higher one, you may be procrastinating. Procrastination has several causes: the task is unpleasant, is difficult or complex, and may seem overwhelming, or include some difficult decisions.
One of the most valuable things you can do is to recognize when or what you are procrastinating. Once you determine what tasks you are putting off, you can evaluate why you are choosing to do that. Look for the reason, so you can stop rationalizing and start accomplishing.
Some techniques for overcoming the procrastination habit are:
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Do the most difficult jobs first. Get them out of the way to give yourself a sense of accomplishment. It is a stress reducer, since this difficult task that you had been avoiding is not hanging over your head. Now you are working on it or have it done. The task no longer interrupts your thoughts, so you can focus completely on the next task.
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Break difficult and complex jobs into smaller pieces and shorter time segments. List them; number order them; focus on one at a time; and then cross each one off, as it is finished.
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Give yourself deadlines. Some people do seem to love the thrill of a deadline, but most people really do not work well under pressure. You may even want to include some extra time to complete the task before the true deadline.
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If it is a particularly difficult or overwhelming task, consult with a trusted friend, co-worker or spouse. Often when we talk about the anticipated challenges and anxiety of the task, we find that our fears are reduced or may be unfounded. This is most effective when you seek good counsel, not just an excuse to complain.
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If possible, delegate the task to someone else who might enjoy this same task that you don’t like doing. Make sure that this isn’t “dumping” in a work environment, or that you consider “negotiating” in a home situation.
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Do a small task that will get you moving in the right direction. Give yourself a time limit, like “I’ll work on this project for 15 minutes. At the end of that time, I’ll make the choice to continue or to quit.” Set a timer. I’ve found that once I have gotten started and into the project, that I rarely want to quit when the timer goes off.
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Watch out for perfectionism. Some-times “good enough” is just fine. You are probably reinforced for the results you achieve, not being perfect.
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(My favorite) Promise yourself a reward for completing a particular task that you have been procrastinating. I often “reward” myself for accomplishing a work task I don’t want to do. It helps me get started on the procrastinated task(s). When it is completed, I can enjoy doing the “reward” work task. Both tasks accomplish work on my “to do” list.
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Imagine that you have less than one year to live. What important things would you want to do? Avoid using phrases like “I hope”, “I wish” and “someday” and say “I WILL”, instead.
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If you are delaying because you fear the consequences, ask yourself: “What is the worst thing that could happen if I do this today?”
Do it now! – Take 5 minutes and list the items that you have been procrastinating. Then, do one of those tasks right away.
SE HABLA ESPANOL.
Would you like to communicate better with your Spanish-speaking customers, co-workers and clients? WorkplaceSpanish® learning manuals include industry specific vocabulary and phrases, plus CDs to practice beyond the classroom. Christine can customize a training program and facilitate learning and practice at your location.
PUBLIC CLASSES offered through the Kern Center at Terra Community College.
Check out the dates, times and detailed descriptions, plus human resource development topics customized for our clients at www.cassenterprisesmc.com.
We consider client referrals to be the highest compliment. Thank you!
WE WISH YOU A MOST PRODUCTIVE AND SATISFYING 2012.
Christine Schneider Smith, President
CASS Enterprises Management Consultants
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