Breaking through the 'Procrastination Barrier'

Whatever the reasons, procrastination threatens to overtake the work-from-home professional who is not on guard. Here are a few strategies you can use to fight back.

When the task is overwhelming…

• Break it up.

Deconstruct large projects into smaller steps. Large jobs can seem overpowering and tempting to put off. But a series of small jobs done over time are more manageable. Identify the small pieces that make up the larger whole and build them into your schedule at a pace that will meet your deadline. Once it’s clear just what specific tasks you need to do—and when and how you’ll be able to do them—you’ll be less tempted to procrastinate.

When it’s something you aren’t good at…

• Outsource it.

There’s no point in forcing yourself to do something you don’t really have the skill to do if you can hand it off to someone else. It may take you longer than it’s worth to do a poor job when your time could be more profitably spent on your core business activities. There is undoubtedly someone else whose business is built on doing exactly what you aren’t good at. Find that person!

• Learn how to do it

If the task is an integral part of your work, or something you can’t justify outsourcing, accept the fact that you need to take a class, get a tutor, or read a book. Learn what you need to know and get the job done.

When it’s unpleasant, uninteresting or boring…

o Use the simplest approach and minimum effort that will get the job done.
o Do it first thing in the morning and get it out of the way.
o Decide on a way to reward yourself when it’s done.
o Remove distractions that will divert your attention from the task at hand.
o Relocate yourself to more pleasant surroundings to minimize the unpleasantness of the chore.
o Standardize the process so you don’t have to think much about it.
o Limit the amount of time you require yourself to spend doing unpleasant tasks. Promise yourself that after 15 minutes you can stop if you want to.
o If it’s a difficult interaction with another person that you’re putting off, rehearse the conversation in your head so that you know what you will say. When you feel prepared, it will be easier.

Procrastination prevents progress, and that’s something you really can’t afford when you’re on your own. If you don’t find ways to keep moving forward, your business will suffer and you may soon find yourself out of business.
Since everyone procrastinates to some extent, we all know the wonderful feeling of relief once you have finished a task you know you have to do. Stop getting ready to get ready, and just do it!