Time Management 2
Procrastination is the art of putting off doing something. We all find we can find something better to do than the job in hand.
The problem is that the work still has to be done and if you put it off eventually you will find yourself trying to cram it all in to a short time. This will make you more frustrated than ever.
Now let’s do a self-assessment. Are you a procrastinator? Have a look honestly at the following questions, and see how you measure up.
- Do you only start work on a project when the deadline is near?
- Do you find it hard to get started on a project?
- Are you always short of time for getting the work done?
- Does the thought of trying to complete anything make you nervous?
- Have you got lots of things to be done that have been carried over from previous weeks?
If you answered yes to most of these questions you prefer to put things off until the last minute.
So, what is the answer?
Well, it’s in the question; how do you eat a frog?
Do it first thing in the morning.
Next we can deal with perfectionism.
There are three strategies that can help you get things completed.
First, assume everything you do has an 80% chance of failure. This is a useful mindset for a business owner because it means you are less emotionally attached to your ideas and more open to feedback.
When you think what you are going to do isn’t guaranteed to work then you be more inclined to complete what you are working on because there is no need to get it to 100%. You can do that later when you know it works.
Speed of implementation is one advantage we have as a small businesses. Making mistakes is important and if you assume you are wrong you won’t bet the bank.
Maybe your standards are too high, on the wrong things? You shouldn’t need world class copywriting on your Website to make sales if you’re targeting a marketing segment with a distinctively different and compellingly attractive proposition.
Second, setting specific times can help get things done. Book three hours to get a task completed and stick to it.
Finally, shut up. We all have our little inner voice telling us what we are doing isn’t good enough or people won’t like it.
