Let's talk about the P-word...procrastination. As a business owner, you wear many hats to keep your business running. You schedule your day and what is a priority and what is not. You might use every excuse in the book to justify why some tasks weren't checked off the list. Did you know that it is a natural human survival instinct that our ancient brains used to avoid tasks that seem dangerous or a waste of energy? Regardless of whether you call it instinct or simply putting off an undesirable project, it is important to recognize why you are procrastinating and stop it right in its tracks. Here are some tips to overcome the big P-word.
Designate A Work Space
Entrepreneurs have many tasks on their to-do lists and in order to focus and not get distracted, designate a free-from-clutter, private workspace. Devote an allotted amount of time to spend in this space and prioritize what you need to accomplish. Keeping your work space organized and free from clutter will also cut down on distractions that can keep you from completing your tasks. This will create a regular routine for you to take on those "I'll get to it later" back-burner tasks more quickly.
Break Projects Down
Large goals or difficult projects in our daily lives can be overwhelming and so time-consuming that we instinctively put them off until we have enough time and energy to get started. Some experts refer to this as "analysis paralysis." To overcome this, break down large projects into smaller, doable tasks. As you complete each one, check it off the list and before you know it, the large project will be tackled!
Link Tasks Together
Remember the saying, "the squeaky wheel gets the grease?" If a project or task isn't a priority and the "squeak" in this case may get overlooked and delayed. Give every task a deadline date to create urgency and motivate you to get it completed. Or create a strategy to link tasks together. Ask yourself how completing each task is instrumental to other tasks and how the total outcome will improve your overall business. Our modern brains can build systems like these to help train ourselves to not succumb to procrastination.
Take Risks to Enjoy Rewards
Entrepreneurs are risk-takers by nature. Sometimes these risks cause us to question our confidence so we put it off until later. Remind yourself that the most successful business owners didn't always get it right the first time. Don't let fear get in your way. Even if the idea doesn't go as planned, learn from the experience and your past mistakes so you don’t repeat the same actions that reinforce the tendency to procrastinate; this will lay the groundwork for a successful future!
Take the First Step
Entrepreneurs are driven, talented, and creative but also have a natural instinct to procrastinate. Use these tips today to take on the big “P” with a new can-do attitude!
Contact Infix
Need more guidance on how to stop procrastinating? Ask us about it in your free 30-minute virtual coaching session. Just contact us at 949-484-6349 or fill out our online form.
