Do you often suffer because of what you initially considered as easy has turned difficult with the loss of time because of procrastination? Also, if you continue to procrastinate because something appeared hard, now due to further delay, has become impossible?
Like many others, you can indeed stop procrastinating and start meeting deadlines, by following a few simple steps that teach you effective time management. You may draw comfort from the fact that you are in the company of many that are affected by procrastination. Nevertheless, you must realize that you will experience true comfort, if you get rid of your laziness by shaking yourself up into action.
1. Plan your daily must-do activities. Draw up a to-do list; preferably, write it down on paper; or, use a computer if you prefer.
2. Prioritize the activities, the more important ones taking precedence over the less important. If there are urgent things to do, but not important enough to be worried about if not done, put them below the important ones. The idea is based on the established principle that 80% of rewards accrue from 20% of effort directed towards accomplishing important work.
3. Estimate the time required for each of the listed activities after analyzing their complexity. Avoid overestimation, for that may leave some activities without enough time. Avoid underestimation, as you may not have enough time to do well a particular piece of work. Similarly, a realistic budgeting of time is necessary. Time allocation is a skill that is acquired with experience. So keep reviewing, and revising your time schedule as you progress.
4. Organize your life. Remember lack of discipline causes confusion, even chaos, in your life. Avoid sloppiness. For instance, leave your personal belongings of daily use, like your glasses, your clothing, your computer etc., in the same place. It eats into your time when you can’t find something you need right now. If you stay organized, you will avoid wasting your precious time and leave more time for the actual work. Apply the principle of doing work first and then taking time for pleasure and relaxation. Reverse the order only at the pain of falling prey to procrastination. You can get time for rest and relaxation if you are efficient in doing your assigned work.
5. Break you work into small segments. You may see a mountain at first, but mountains can be moved, especially if you begin by moving just a small stone from it. You know you cannot move the entire mountain all at once. Do not let the presumed immensity of the task deter you. If you do you will put off the task for another day, which will never come. Just begin by taking one small step and you will reach your destination.
6. Put first things first early in the day. Remember procrastination grows into a habit by the minute. Begin your day by launching yourself head first into the most important job waiting to be done.
7. Learn to cope with anxiety, depression, stress and other similar conditions of the mind related to your problems in life. Keep yourself fit, not just physically but mentally as well. Learn and practice suitable mental relaxation techniques such as meditation.