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ExecTech Management Consulting
Tips and Ideas
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Ten Ways to Stop Procrastinating
The more you put off an important project, the more difficult the project becomes. You also waste time fending off questions and making up excuses to explain your lack of progress. You get more done if you:
1. Look at the little picture. Break the big project down into small tasks. Do one task. For example, instead of trying to deal with a fifteen-inch pile of paperwork, handle just one inch.
2. Consider alternatives. Why should you do the project at all? What are your options? Are you exaggerating the need? Maybe you can delegate it. In fact, perhaps the job is really not necessary!
3. Even though it's difficult, boring or distasteful, jump in for just 15 minutes. At the end of the 15 minutes, see if you feel like working for another 15 minutes. You might be pleasantly surprised.
4. Promise yourself a reward for completing the project. If that doesn't motivate you, promise yourself smaller rewards at certain points along the way. "As soon as I dictate these three reports, I'm going to Starbucks.
5. Get someone to push you through it. "Mary, I really need to clean off my desk before the weekend. Can you remind me about this and push me to do it? Don't listen to my excuses, okay?"
6. Get help. Rather than struggle alone, find someone who can help you get through the project. Get their advice or direct assistance. Use your consultant, staff, family or friends.
7. Give yourself a written deadline and look at it often. For example, you post a sticky note on your computer screen: "Get the tax info to the CPA by Friday." As a result, you line up your actions to fit with your deadline.
8. Tell several people about your deadline. The more people who know when you will finish, the more your reputation is at stake. "Hey Jill. I'm going to finish the first chapter of my book by the end of the month!"
9. Take one small step forward. For example, "I can't possibly find all the tax information right now, but I'll at least get a box to put it in. Here's a box. Okay, that's done. I guess I can do just one more thing . . . .
10. Imagine the completion. Think of how it will feel when you are done. List the benefits. Envision the rest of your day with the project fully done.
Be Nicer to . . .
You!
No matter how often or thoroughly you criticize yourself, you do not improve.
If you get others to validate you or admire you, you still do not improve.
Yet if you validate yourself, you open the door to personal improvement.
How?
1. Be kind to yourself. When you start to judge yourself negatively, stop it and give yourself a little pat on the back. Your stress level will drop.
2. Take pride in your accomplishments. Think of what you have recently completed. Feel important.
3. Give yourself the praise you deserve. You become more powerful.
4. Treat yourself the same way you want others to treat you. How do you want others to act toward you? Write it down. Now treat yourself that same way.
You'll not only feel great, you'll move ahead!
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For information about ExecTech consulting services, or for help with your practice, call Clayton at (800) 555-6063, ext. 7 to receive a free consultation.
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