Recognizing The Reasons We Procrastinate By Lynn Powers At Isnare.com Ezine Articles

Let’s face it. There are certain aspects of our business that we dislike. For you, it might be making cold calls, bookkeeping, or brainstorming creative ideas. But regardless of the tasks we’d like to avoid, they are most likely things that will need to be done at some point.

Some people tackle those dreaded chores with gusto. They seem to have no problem just diving in and doing what needs to be done. Then there are those who put off the yucky stuff until the very last minute or until even the thought of the task gets so overwhelming they either give up altogether or experience such stress that even their health is affected.

Unfortunately, I tend to fall into the latter category. I have found that when I’m feeling stressed, it’s usually because I have put off doing things until the last minute.

The good news is procrastinating is a habit. Why is that good news? Because we all know that habits can be broken! And the first step towards breaking the pull of procrastination is recognizing the reasons behind it. Figure out which of the following may be true for you:

• Schedule Overload. When I’m overwhelmed in business - or even life in general - and my mind is filled with all the things I need to do, it’s difficult to focus on just one task. I’ve realized that when I’m feeling overwhelmed, there’s a very good chance that I’m trying to do too much. If that sounds like you, consider cutting a few things out of your schedule. Sit down and make a list of everything you do. Then decide which of those can be cut out.

• Fear. None of us like to admit we’re afraid of failing. But often, we put off doing the things we think we won’t be able to do well. Perhaps you’re putting off cold- calling because you’re afraid people will reject your efforts. In this case, you have two choices: You can face that fear head on and possibly gain some extra business, or you can figure out a new way to generate business without the cold calling. Neither option is right or wrong. You just need to decide which is right for you.

• Poor Time Management Skills. Organizational skills can be learned, as daunting a task as it may seem. Invest in a detailed planner in which you can itemize your daily duties. In addition to a daily planner, I have a large wall calendar next to my desk so every morning I can see at a glance what needs to be done that day. You might want to schedule a little time each day to search the internet for tips on time management. But use that time wisely – not as another excuse not to get your work done.

• You’re Tired! When I’m tired, laying around or watching my favorite reality show sounds much more appealing than work. But when I’m well-rested, I’m more ready to tackle those not-so-fun projects. Shoot for at least eight hours of sleep per night. And don’t forget to take a couple of breaks during the day to exercise or read a chapter in a good book.

Once you’ve identified the reason (or two) you’re prone to procrastination, it’s easier to zone in on a solution. And the sooner you dive in and do that work, the sooner you can make procrastination a thing of the past.

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