Let’s Get Things Done This YEAR  – Rolling On – Management Tip 88

It has been said that procrastination is the thief of time. All organisations are cluttered with unfinished projects that have been put aside to do later when we have time. Make a list of these tasks and prioritise them. Which ones do you want to complete this year?

        The longer we put off  difficult tasks the harder they become. We say – we are too busy, or the job is  too big to start now.

        Why do we procrastinate?  Procrastination is not solely a matter of having poor management skills but it can often be traced back to psychological reasons.

        To overcome procrastination try to commit yourself to deadlines. Break big jobs into small units and get started.

        A leader’s  procrastination can reduce the productivity of the whole team so try to make fast and sound decisions as soon as possible. Get a reputation as a doer by following these simple steps.

A handful of tips to overcome procrastination and get things done this year

* Make a plan and start

        First set your priorities. If it is a big job, list the broad steps you will need to take. Then take one step at a time and break each up into workable tasks, setting deadlines.

        If it’s a report ‘mind map’ it, setting out the key headings before you start.

* Share your plan

        Tell others your plan. When you make a commitment  to finish a task by a set date you are more likely to finish it on time.

        A procrastinator is a person with a ‘wait‘ problem. “One of these days is none of these days.” 

* Break big tasks into small workable bites

        Make a realistic ‘to do list’ and set time limits.

        By completing one section at a time you will be  encouraged to tackle the next step.

* Set deadlines

        Budget your time and  include social,  physical and family activities. Get rid of the time-consuming, not so important tasks.

        Focus on meaningful goals. Reward yourself when you meet a deadline. “When I finish this report I will take a few days off.”

*Get started!

        The first step is often the hardest step to take.

It’s determination that gets the first step done.

        There is nothing more tiring than worrying about an uncompleted task, the sooner you start the better. Instead of saying “I wish I had …… say, “I will……”

         Never put off until tomorrow what can be done today. Do it now!

-Geoffrey Moss (mossassociates.co.nz)

“Procrastination is the thief of time.”

For amplification of this topic see, “Managing for Tomorrow. A mentor for New Team Leaders” first published by Moss Associates, New Zealand, by the Singapore Institute of Management and by VIKAS Publishing House, India.

There is a free book available for those in need titled “NO JOB! WHAT NOW?” , available from my website. mossassociates.co.nz