Procrastination
Part 2
When our sons were
teenagers it was their duty to cut the grass each. Their strategy was
very simple. One week Josiah would cut the grass, and the next week
Seth would cut the grass. But no matter who was cutting the grass,
they always seemed to drag their feet getting the job done.
On a hot summer day the
job felt overwhelming. But then the boys got an idea. I am surprised
no one thought of this idea before. (including me) Each week both
boys did half the yard. By each boy cutting half the yard each week,
the job seemed easier.
We sometimes
procrastinate an important task for one simple reason. The task seems
too large. Perhaps you feel overwhelmed with your monthly sales
report, a college term paper, your tax returns, or an important
speech. You procrastinate hoping the project will simply disappear.
But down deep inside you
know your project will not disappear. Instead it screams for
attention. The more you procrastinate, the more guilt you experience
in your life. So let me share with you three steps you can take when
you feel overwhelmed by a project. These three steps will help you
overcome your procrastination.
Step #1 Schedule Your
Start Date
I
have a friend who procrastinates his writing assignments. If his
publisher gives him a dead line date for an article, he will wait
until the last minute to complete the project. And that often means
staying up all night to complete the work.
But
this is how he can solve his problem. Imagine that his article is due
on March 1. He knows it will take at least three working days to
complete the project. He then counts backwards three days to Feb.
25th. (Don't include non-working days like Saturdays and
Sundays) Then add three extra days just in case something goes wrong.
That means he would start the project on Feb. 20th.
So
get out your calendar. Decide what will be the best starting date.
Then make sure nothing gets in the way. Remember this important fact.
The sooner you start the better you will feel, and the sooner you
will finish the job.
Step #2 Break the
Project Down into Smaller Goals
Most
projects can be broken down into smaller goals. For example, if a
student needs to do a term paper he or she has to do at least four
things. The student must do the research, write the paper, type the
paper, and hand the paper into the professor on time.
You
may find it helpful to schedule when you will complete each of the
four smaller goals. Have the research done by March 1. Write the
paper by March 15. Hand the paper into the professor by April 1. And
since the paper is due on April 15th you have some extra
time in your schedule just in case something goes wrong.
I
remember doing a paper in college. I got delayed because the
university library did not have the research materials I needed. I
had to travel to another library an hour and half away to do my
research. Had I waited to the last moment I would have been late with
my paper.
Step # 3 Knock a Large
Hole in the Project
When
I need to complete a major project I like to kick a big hole in the
task at the beginning. I do this by putting several hours of
uninterrupted time into the project. Putting a big hole in the
project at the beginning helps take away that overwhelming feeling. I
feel like I have already accomplished a lot.
It
sometimes helps to get away from the office. I find it helpful to
work at home, or go to Starbucks. I find getting away from the office
prevents interruptions. Away from the office I can't take phone calls
or handle surprise visits from fellow workers.
Please
make sure working outside your office is acceptable to your boss. I
have a lot more freedom in this area than most people. Please also
make sure you do not over use this privilege. I would hate for my
suggestion to cause you to lose your job.
Conclusion
If
you feel overwhelmed then don't procrastinate. Move forward by taking
one step at a time. As you take each step you will get closer to your
goal. Within time you will be able to celebrate. The project is now
completed.
