I’d ask for help… but I keep putting it off…
Task initiation and completion can be a challenge for Well Ones. Here are some helpful tips from ADDITUDEMAG.com (*a favorite resource of mine*).
Let me know what you find to be supportive. What other ideas can we come up with?
1. Procrastination Cause: “I dislike doing the task”
Look for ways to increase the task’s appeal.
Make it into a game and keep score, or compete with others doing similar tasks.
Listen to upbeat music while working.
Give yourself a reward after you complete the task.
2. Procrastination Cause: “I am overwhelmed”
Use a “divide and conquer” approach:
Break a large task into separate, short-term, easy-to-achieve segments.
Check off each segment as you accomplish it.
3. Procrastination Cause: “I have difficulty starting a task”
Create something to react to. Reactive tasks are easier to begin than those that you must initiate yourself.
Work on the task with others. Answering their questions or responding to e-mails is a good way to get – and keep – you moving forward.
Establish a deadline with your supervisor.
4. Procrastination Cause: “I’m not organized enough to start the task”
If you don’t know where to start, try the following:
Think through the task.
Talk through the steps with your supervisor.
Break the task into do-able segments.
Create a list of resources and supplies needed to accomplish the task.
Create a timeline for the task; do the first segment.
Set e-mail or text reminders for each segment.
5. Procrastination Cause: “I find the job too difficult”
Ask yourself why the task seems so hard – is more training, more practice, or more assistance from others needed? – then get the help to succeed.
Apply a Solution
Select a task that you keep putting off. Then look at the list of solutions above and choose one that you think is helpful. Your new solutions will soon become habits.
