How Can You OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION? Part II

7 Steps to Overcome Procrastination


As a follow-up to the previous blog, here is a description of the 7 steps:

1. Identify the source of the problem―Pinpoint the one or more causes from the preceding list that you feel are creating your procrastination.

2. Break down your tasks into subtasks—Write down the specific tasks that you are avoiding (see list of tasks in previous blog). Reduce the tasks to small, manageable subtasks that seem reasonable. Seeing these tiny chunks as molehills rather than as mountains can break the inactivity-avoidance cycle.

3. Apply the “Swiss Cheese Method” (Alan Lakein)―When a project appears overwhelming or boring, poke holes in it. Do the easy, small tasks that take only a few minutes first. Continue to poke until most of the work is done. Keep poking and poking. The completion of all of the holes and poking will motivate you to take on the tougher, more complex tasks that remain.

4. Focus on the outcomes and deadlines―Set attainable deadlines in your “to-do” list consistent with the real deadlines of the tasks. Express the tasks as outcomes to be finished within the time blocks. For example, state “draft main headings of article” instead of “write article.” Be specific and realistic with each task so you don’t backslide into avoidance behavior again.

5. Review your daily, weekly, and semester schedules regularly―Make sure your short-term tasks and deadlines are on target with your long-term deadlines. Make adjustments daily to stay on course. Pace yourself for the whole semester; don’t crunch tasks together in tight timeframes which you may not be able to complete. Been there, done that. Don’t drift back into your old behaviors.

6. Find an accountability partner—Choose a close buddy, colleague, or family member to whom you can report your successes and failures at the end of each week. The fear of embarrassment from not fulfilling the commitments on your “to-do” list can provide an additional incentive to stay on task and meet your deadlines. Fear of embarrassment will replace fear of failure. The former type of fear can improve your productivity; the latter can paralyze it.

7. Reward yourself for small and large victories—Celebrate your wins. Reward the new you for overcoming your procrastination. The preceding steps represent a time management makeover of you. That’s a significant achievement by itself.

I hope these suggested strategies are useful. Let me know your reaction.

COPYRIGHT © 2009 Ronald A. Berk, LLC & Coventry Press