Spark Idea #5: Dealing with Procrastination in A New Light

Dealing With Procrastination in A New Light

So often we are at war with that re-occuring thing called “procrastination”. Yes, I do believe you know what I’m talking about! There are so many guides and how-to’s out there to show us just exactly how to work through abandoning procrastination and leaving it in the dust.

This week I wanted to share with you the one tip that has really caught my attention and inspired me to look at accomplishing tasks in a new light. It is inspired by what I usually see as “sucking it up”, or a “work now, play later” kind of mindset and it goes something like this…

[ctt title=”“Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day.” – Mark Twain” tweet=”Eat a live frog first thing in the morning, and nothing worse will happen to you the rest of the day. – Mark Twain via @thecarlivh” coverup=”eaSR0″]

This quote has been popping up all over my business and personal worlds and has really caught my attention.

How often do we drag out those long tasks we’ve been dreading? If you’re anything like me, you probably always convince yourself that if you get all of the other smaller tasks done and out of the way first, then perhaps you’ll finally we able to take on the big nasty ugly one. Oh how wrong this is!

This heavy procrastination has been shown to decrease our productivity, making us less effective at the next tasks we need to perform. If instead we focus on doing the ‘worst task’ first, our minds will be cleared. You won’t have to spend the rest of the day thinking about it because it will be done. This relaxes you and opens up your creativity and increases your overall productive output for the day.

So How Exactly Do You Conquer Procrastination?

Mark Twain’s advices still stands today, and supports the research that shows how our willpower starts off high in the mornings, and then gradually depletes as the day goes on. Therefore, it is more likely that you will get the hard task done if you do it first thing rather than leaving it to later – completely decreasing the probability that you will even glance at it.

This is why it is so crucial to identify your “frog” of the day, and leverage your high amounts of willpower at the start of your work day to get it completely out of the way.

[fancy_box id=”2″]TIP: If your “frog” is too large, create smaller bite-sized mini-tasks.[/fancy_box]

Often times our hard task is a bit much to take on in one all at once and there is a potential that it will suck all of your energy in one go. Therefore I recommend you break it down into smaller more manageable sections. Personally, I prefer to do it in two’s – this give me enough time between the two sections and doesn’t drag it out for too long.

These two sections can either two separate days, or perhaps two “starts” to your day. For example, I like to use the start to my morning session and the start to my afternoon session – perfectly spaced after regenerative breaks. This is when my productivity is high, and willpower is strong. It also allows me a sufficient break between the two sections where I can work on other, more enjoyable tasks and is combined with a relaxation break to re-energize.

Of course, this comes down to personal preference! So make sure that you are giving yourself the best shot at overcoming that pesky procrastination. Set yourself for success, and you will achieve it!

Challenge: “Eat That Frog!”

For this week’s challenge let’s focus on getting those pesky tasks done as soon as possible. Instead of slotting them on to a to-do list, schedule them right at the start of your day and don’t move on until you are proud of your work.

[ctt title=”“Don’t stop until you are proud!”” tweet=”Don’t stop until you are proud! via @thecarlivh” coverup=”23W6c”]

Don’t forget to note your productivity throughout the day. Has the completed task freed up your mind to be more effective when taking on your next task?

I hope you were as inspired by Mr Twain as I was, and that you’ll join me in the challenge this week.

Now I’d love to hear from YOU!

How do you conquer those “frogs” on your to-do list? What other ways do you use to decrease procrastination?
Love this challenge? Send it on to your fellow entrepreneurs to encourage them to take on the challenge with us!
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As always, desire to inspire!