Hey there, Brand Builders!
Today, let’s talk about something that affects us all: procrastination. I recently went to a ‘Lunch and Learn’ talk given by business coach Karen Astill and I loved the lessons she shared around ‘a different way of looking at procrastination.’
It really got me thinking more on the subject. We’ve all been there, haven’t we? Putting off that important task until the very last minute, even though we know we’ll regret it later. But why do we do it? And how can we break the cycle?
In her talk, Karen shared some of the reasons why we procrastinate. There are a few reasons, actually.
REASONS WE PROCRASTINATE
First, we might be feeling overwhelmed by the task at hand. Maybe it’s a big project that requires a lot of time and effort, and we don’t know where to begin. Or maybe it’s something we’re not confident in doing, so we keep putting it off.
Another reason is that we might be distracted by other things. In this age of constant connectivity, it’s easy to get side-tracked by social media, emails, or other notifications that pull us away from what we’re supposed to be doing.
And let’s be honest, sometimes we just don’t feel like doing the task, so we find other things to occupy our time.
HOW CAN WE STOP?
But here’s the thing: procrastination only makes things worse. It adds to our stress levels, it makes the task seem even bigger and scarier than it really is, and it can lead to rushed, subpar work.
So, how can we STOP?
One way I like to encourage my ‘Do One Thing’ members to well…actually get things done, is to break the task down into smaller, more manageable chunks.
Instead of looking at the entire project, focus on one small piece at a time. Set a timer for 20 minutes and work on that piece until the timer goes off. Then take a break and come back to it later. This helps make the task feel less overwhelming and more achievable.
Another way is to eliminate distractions. Turn off your phone, close your email inbox, and focus solely on the task at hand.
You might be surprised at how much more you can accomplish when you’re not constantly interrupted!
Another tip is to set aside some ring fenced time each day, dedicated to doing the tasks you know will really move your business forward. I (and others) like to call this working ON your business, rather than IN it.
And finally…this is a point Karen really emphasised in her recent talk, we must actually remember to be kind to ourselves too.
THE THING IS TO BEGIN
We all procrastinate sometimes, and that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up over it. Instead, focus on what you can do to get back on track.
And remember, the best way to overcome procrastination is…to begin! Just take that first step, and the rest will follow.
So, there you have it, friends. Procrastination is a common struggle, but it’s one that we can overcome. Break the task down, eliminate distractions, and be kind to yourself. And remember, the most important thing is to start.
Happy productivity!
Bye for now…
Ailsa
B is for Brand – Achieve Brand Clarity
Find out more about Business Coach Karen Astill: http://www.karenastill.com/
