In Proverbs (found in the Holy Bible), the wisest and wealthiest man known to the world advocated the need for planning and follow through. It’s been almost 3 millennia and research shows that insights to the benefits of this very fine habit could only have been inspired by highly crystallized wisdom. One would think that even with the knowledge and hype surrounding the merits of productive planning everyone would have the habit intricately sewn into their lives so as to fit it towards various needs. Sadly, this is not the case. That is because an equally potent enemy lurks deep within each of us and steals what is of the most value to us: The enemy is Procrastination.
Before we begin lets take a moment to understand what procrastination is. I'll be as brief as I can.
Simply put, procrastination is putting off today's important tasks till "tomorrow" or "later". We all do it! For various reasons that have shown consistent cause throughout the human race. However, for some reason, some people still seem to get things done and get stellar results that leave the rest of us dazzled. Look into their lives and you will see that they have succeeded in putting this arch-enemy at bay. Either eradicating it or mitigating it to a minimal; the possibility of eradicating it completely may seem quite herculean. For that reason, we will focus on how to minimize the tendency to procrastinate gradually so that you can get things done and derive the results you seek.
Basically, we procrastinate due to the primitive tendency of "flight or fight". What this means is that when faced with a threating situation such as suddenly seeing a vicious pit bull dog behind you. Our brain switches to "flight or fight" mode. In this mode, the brain sends oxygen rich blood to the body where it feels it is needed in the arms and legs to either "fight" or "flight". We respond to important but seemingly tedious or boring task in a similar manner because the task may seem overwhelming, we may fear not to being able to successfully carry out the task or we entertain perfectionistic thoughts that keep us from doing what needs be done because we want everything to turn out "perfect". Either way, we put it off until we become forced to look into the matter and in so doing bring about results that are not up to our expectations.
Now that you have a somewhat fair understanding, lets delve into how you can mitigate this time killer.
#1 Plan Goals using Targets
When planning a "set" goal, it is advisable to do so by breaking the goal into small measurable targets and gradually work your way up with each target. Assuming you have a huge complex task that needs be done over a duration. Get a piece of paper, or anything you can comfortably write upon. Break the project into small targets (as small as possible) and begin on working on each small task. This would make things seem less overwhelming and bring you closer to achieving your overall goal.
#2 Set durations and plan your time
Setting a deadline for the completion of a project can bring us closer towards actually getting them done. It has helped me A LOT in publishing posts on this blog... Setting a deadline gives a frame as to the duration of whatever project we may want to undertake and when done correctly can force us into action before things are really due. Estimate the duration it would take to "perfectly" accomplish your project, add some lag time to account for the "imperfections" that are bound to arise. Make this projected duration lesser than the actual duration it would be to really complete the project.
Know the process that brings you closer to your goal. What are the skills that you need to acquire? Have you acquired them? Would your goal be better off if carried out in phases and each phase is delegated to another individual? Knowing the process is exceptionally important and can make or break whatever progress we are to make in realizing our goals and planning this process
#4 Make Resources Available
It is important to know exactly what would be needed to carry out a goal and have them handy when ready to begin performing the targets. If its people you need; have them available. If you need to snack consistently during the duration of a target, be sure to have your snack close at hand. Let’s say you are studying and you intend to learn a chart and perhaps draw a hard copy of a graph using a pencil and a graph sheet, you will need to be sure your eraser, pencil and graph book are readily available even before you begin to study. Not doing so perhaps not having an eraser available and you make an error, tendencies are that in an attempt to look for an eraser you won’t be successful in finding one and you will put off continuing with the graph.
#5 Handle Distractions Properly
Some of us find it easy to manage distractions. Others are not so lucky. Having your smart phone on "loud" when carrying out a serious target isn't a good idea or sitting in front of "The Avengers" while supposedly studying or preparing an important business presentation. Distractions may also come in form of people: Natasha trolls in wielding "The Gist of Life" and carries you through various episodes of her story till sun-set. 'Oh well! Today has ended, we can continue with this work tomorrow'.
#6 Plan 4 Set-backs
Usually, we want things to go very smoothly to the very end. But this is more often far from what actually happens. Most of us see this moments as "failure" and give up the pursuit of what we set out to achieve. Don't give UP!
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