Start but not finish?

Unfinished projects, books half written, a to do list that never seems to be completed, and that's just me - how about you? Do you still suffer from the same problem that I do?

Do you get fired up by new and exciting ideas, you dash around trying to fit everything into your already packed scheduled, only to find yourself running out of steam before the first coat of paint has dried?

So how do you keep going when your mind and body says - you know what - this is boring, i don't want to carry on, why on earth did i start that? and now i've got all these other things to do as well....looks like that is going to have to be delayed whilst i work on something else for someone else.

There are some simple things to remember:

- Are you trying to do your job as well as someone elses? If you have people working for you and they are twiddling their thumbs - then delegate. Yes you still have to project manage, but that is less tiresome than having to lick the stamps yourself....

- Are you taking on too many projects so you can avoid a) going home b) doing what you know you should be doing. if that is you, then you need to ask yourself why.

- Is the job that you are doing going against your core values. Say for example that you enjoy health and fitness - but you work for a company that sells food stuffs that you know are contributing to the world's fattening waist lines. Or you are an environmentalist but you work for a chemical company and you're not sure that the burn off from the residue is causing damage to the ozone layer. Consider looking at what you know to be your core values and then look to see if the reason you are procrastinating is because the two are not in alignment.

- YOu like to be helpful. Well - don't we all. But you will gain more respect if you say no - politely. If you are always behind in your own tasks because other people are unable to manage their own time effectively and expect you to help them out. Explain that you don't have the time to help today as your own project is due.

- Similarly if people always look to you to provide the solution to their issues, then it is time to turn it around. "OK so that's the problem, what would you do to fix it?" You are not a director of problems, or a director of solutions, you are a manager of your own time and a leader to those you work with. If you are the person taking the problems to someone else, then you too should consider working out some of the potential solutions also. "This is the problem as I see it. Now these might not be all the solutions, but these are the ones I think are the ones that best fix it...." That takes away the problem you may encounter with regards to ego's....yours and theirs. Neither of you have to defend your position, which leaves the way open to find the best solution.

Finally for today, reassess your priorities. What is the number 1 thing on your list of things that you know you have to do today. What can you do in the next five minutes to get started on that particular project, or moving that project on a bit further?

Remember, we will be judged by not what we start, but on what we achieve. All you have to remember is that you don't have to finish it all today. If the task seems too big, then break it down - paint one wall. Write one page. Make one telephone call. Pay one bill. Walk 1km. Tomorrow you can do the same again, and sooner rather than later, you will have achieved many things - one step at a time.
 
With Many thoughts,
Elle
MotivateMe! Providing you with the strategies you need to overcome the procrastination habit.

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  Elle
  Overcoming the procrastination habit with a daily dose of motivational medicine.