BEAT PROCRASTINATION

Whether you’re a student or working professional, many struggle with procrastination. It’s important to visualize how good you’ll feel once the task is complete.

Take Nike’s advice and just do it, instead of avoiding what you need to get done.

Here are a few tips:

> Break the project into manageable chunks

> Handle one element at a time (i.e. research, writing, analysis, surveys)

> Set time limit(s) for each phase of the project’s completion

> Reward yourself for a job well done

Also, understand what triggers you NOT to focus. Things like surfing the web, and constantly checking email/texting are big time wasters. Set a FIRM time limit (say 20-30 minutes max); let your alarm buzz when time’s up. Learn to work efficiently and swiftly, then move on. Breaks are good and often cut the monotony of what you’re doing. Have a “digilist” ready with sites you’ve been meaning to check out; this way your web time can be spent on advance planning or goal-oriented professional development—instead of mindless “web grazing”.

Here’s a quick breakdown of my day. As a writer/consultant/professor, my time is stretched pretty thin.

> Writing (3+ hours minimum, each day, includes client projects)

> Teaching (3+ hours)

> Learning (3+ research, reading)

> Thinking (24/7: train your brain be receptive to inspiration and ideas)

> Walking (2 hours—one of my passions)

> Transportation (2 hours)

> Resting (2 hours, i.e. breaks)

> Eating/Sleeping (5 hours)

> Personal Time (6+; versatile, depending on day & responsibilities)

It’s important how much time you can find when stop and analyze your day. As you can see, on average, 18 hours of my day is booked—yours should be too! However, I usually have six or more hours to focus on MY GOALS, if I manage my time right; a constant quest. That time is reserved for IMPORTANT projects like my G2GPR book, companion website, other ventures and connecting with family or friends.

The trick: don’t waste time, manage it as the valuable commodity it is and MAKE TIME for your goals. If something’s not important or helping get you where you need to be—then stop doing it! Bulk tasks when possible. Get help when needed.

Congratulations, you’ve taken your blog break; now get back to what you were doing!