Overcoming Procrastination

January 2008

We’ve all done it from time to time. Sometimes to a greater extent, other times to a lesser extent. The more we do it, the worse it makes us feel. But more than that, if we don’t get it under control, it will limit our success, curb our potential, and be the cause of missed opportunities, stress, and even feelings of guilt.

What Is Procrastination?

Procrastination is a complex set of psychological behaviors. Simply stated, procrastination according to Webster’s II New College Dictionary is, “To put off doing something until a later date; to delay.” According to Edward Young (1683-1765) “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Procrastination is usually NOT related to time management. Salespeople and managers most often than not know exactly what things they should be doing, even if they don’t do them at all or on a timely basis.

What Does Procrastination Sound Like?

Perhaps you have heard others (or even yourself) say the following:

• “I need to get organized before I tackle that project.”
• “I need to wait until my prospect gets to work and has time to settle in before I call.”
• I’ll need to set aside a large block of time before I can start that project.”

People who procrastinate are made not born. They actively look for distractions. Checking e-mail, doing paperwork, and endlessly working on proposals are some examples of distractions.

Reasons for Procrastination

Most of the literature about procrastination states that fear of failure is on the top of the list as the most likely cause of procrastination. Other reasons for procrastination include:

• The task seems hard or difficult to do
• It will take too long to complete
• I don’t know how to do it
• If I get it wrong, others will know
• It’s got to be perfect
• I have to get it started and finished right now

Strategies to Overcome Procrastination

Recognize that you have the freedom to choose to do what you want to do. While some tasks are more pleasant than others, the choice (and consequences) of doing them or not is yours. Here are some suggestions that have worked for others in overcoming procrastination:

• Have realistic expectations of yourself and the task at hand
• Don’t worry about “finishing it” right now. Focus on “starting it.”
• Break it down into a series of smaller tasks or steps
• It’s ok to devote as little as 5-15 minutes at a time to the task or project
• Reward yourself for putting in the incremental time
• Delegate tasks wherever possible
• Ask a trusted friend or associate for help
• Ask a trusted friend or associate to help keep you on track by checking your progress
• Keep a balance to your life. Work, play, have fun.
• Take the time to recharge
• Embrace the self-suggestion, “Do it Now.”
• Mix up your day with both pleasant and unpleasant tasks

I hope you will be able to apply some of these strategies to reduce or even eliminate your procrastination. Realize that procrastination is caused by some form of pain or unpleasantness that is associated with the task at hand. Turn that pain to pleasure by rewarding yourself for beginning the task. Celebrate your progress and forward motion.

As Lord Chesterfield (1694-1773) said in a letter to his son on December 26, 1749;

“Know the true value of time; snatch, seize, and enjoy every moment of it. No idleness, no laziness, no procrastination; never put off till tomorrow what you can do today.”

Good luck on your journey to success.

InsuranceCoachU | Bob Arzt | 301.610.5624
10216 Sweetwood Ave. Rockville, MD 20850