I think we all have faced procrastination at one time or another. Sometimes it’s just not a big deal. However, at other times, we really need to acknowledge and get a handle on it.
Lately, I’ve become a fan of Tim Herrera, editor of the N.Y. Times Smarter Living column. Drawing from the work of Charles Duhigg and Tim Urban, Herrera provides a capsule of how to overcome procrastination.
Duhigg suggests setting up a cue, a routine and reward process. Example: Getting up late
- Your alarm rings.
- This cue lets you know it’s time to get up.
- This routine provides the reward. (You are up on time.)
But what happens when your procrastination resistance is very strong? Urban suggests bringing compassion and forgiveness to yourself. Don’t beat yourself.
Then:
- Break the task down into small specific, easily achievable steps.
- Minimize distractions.
- Focus on completing one small step at a time.
- Congratulate yourself for completing the task.
- Allow momentum to carry you along.