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How to Kill Procrastination
Procrastination feeds a common human desire – Drama! Indeed
procrastinating brings on undue stress and anxiety. But the thrill that
comes from completing the task at the last minute brings a greater
high than simply completing an otherwise mundane task on time.
Anticipate the payoff first – then translate that feeling into the present
instead of the future. Below are three ways to tame the procrastinator
gremlin.
Three Steps to Kill Procrastination
1) Where in my life am I bored and long for drama or excitement?
2) What does procrastinating allow me to feel that is positive? (ie: I can
accomplish great things in little time.)
3) How can I recreate that feeling now and not wait for it to occur later
after much stress and anxiety? (ie: Pace the project with a goal to
complete it prior to the deadline.)
Practical Project Motivators
1) Designate someone to report to on your project. If someone is
holding you accountable, you will not want to let him or her down.
2) Put colored tape simulating “Crime Scene” tape (blue painters tape
or yellow ribbon will do) around the areas in which you tend to spend
time that divert your attention away from the task at hand. These areas
(computer, TV, video games, favorite books) are now “hands off” and
become a reward for accomplishment.
3) Post your task at hand on Post-it notes all around your personal and
work space. Remember to phrase the notes not as a negative
problem but as a positive solution: Not “Need to write the proposal!”
but instead post “Writing the proposal means we may get funded!”
4) Instead of starting the project, make a list of the steps necessary to
start the project before you get started. What resources will you need?
Who will you need to contact? What data will you need?
5) Then make a list of the steps you will need to take in order to
execute the project. What is the sequence you will need to follow to
succeed?
6) Set a kitchen or computer timer for 10 minutes and commit to just
devote 10 minutes to starting something on your list.
7) Extend that time every day or session that you address the project.
8) When you are in your “grove” and working productively on the
project, cover the clock.
9) Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It sounds trite but how
can you be productive if your body and emotional energy are starved?
Eat healthy foods, sleep the same amount of hours every night, take
the right vitamins for your age and condition, maintain healthy choices
for a healthy and balanced lifestyle with healthy relationships,
entertainment, exercise and cultural diversity.
Nine Proven and Simple Ways to Pace Yourself
1.) Begin the day with exercise instead of email.
2.) In your work space create a “Personal Zone” free of distractions
where only the essentials necessary to meet your big goals are
visible. Tune in to motivating music, scents and other sense
stimulators.
3.) Answer phone messages and email at scheduled times of the
days ie: 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
4.) Schedule 20 and 40 minute meetings instead of 30 and 60 minute
meetings.
5.) Create a Triple Five Report every week: 1) List 5 goals for the week;
2) Rate how you did on the 5 goals from the previous week, and 3) List
any frustrations that need to be addressed.
6.) Eat lunch away from your desk.
7.) Set your computer or smart phone to chime five minutes before
each hour. Use the chime as a cue to step back and assess what
you're doing.
8.) Take a five minute deep breathing and stretching break at least
once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Include a 5 to 10
minute walk. Stop to chat with the people you see. It's a simple way to
practice management by walking around.
9.) Take a lesson from the Brits and make a habit of taking a mid-
afternoon break for tea.
Instead of focusing on a dreaded task at hand, focus your vision on the
feeling you will have when you complete the task. When the project is
complete won’t you feel relieved and invigorated? When your bills are
paid won’t you feel less stress? Start now!
Get Mary Lee’s free tip sheets on “Feel the Fear – How to Build Self
Confidence” and “Replace the Mad Hatter with Your Personal Plan” at
that Articles and Tips Page.
Email this information to a friend. Follow Mary Lee’s tips on Twitter at
StartingOverNow.
Mary Lee Gannon is the president of Gannon Group - a full service
executive coaching, training and consulting firm that provides
turnaround strategies for people and organizations by improving team
performance, executive leadership skills, board performance, planning
and project execution. Mary Lee’s personal turnaround came as a stay-
at-home mother, with four children under seven-years-old, who
endured a divorce that took she and the children from the country club
life to public assistance from where within a short time she worked out
of that to the level of CEO. Her book "Starting Over - 25 Rules for When
You've Bottomed Out" is available in bookstores, on Amazon or on her
web site. Email Mary Lee at marylee@startingovernow.com.
Procrastination feeds a common human desire – Drama! Indeed
procrastinating brings on undue stress and anxiety. But the thrill that
comes from completing the task at the last minute brings a greater
high than simply completing an otherwise mundane task on time.
Anticipate the payoff first – then translate that feeling into the present
instead of the future. Below are three ways to tame the procrastinator
gremlin.
Three Steps to Kill Procrastination
1) Where in my life am I bored and long for drama or excitement?
2) What does procrastinating allow me to feel that is positive? (ie: I can
accomplish great things in little time.)
3) How can I recreate that feeling now and not wait for it to occur later
after much stress and anxiety? (ie: Pace the project with a goal to
complete it prior to the deadline.)
Practical Project Motivators
1) Designate someone to report to on your project. If someone is
holding you accountable, you will not want to let him or her down.
2) Put colored tape simulating “Crime Scene” tape (blue painters tape
or yellow ribbon will do) around the areas in which you tend to spend
time that divert your attention away from the task at hand. These areas
(computer, TV, video games, favorite books) are now “hands off” and
become a reward for accomplishment.
3) Post your task at hand on Post-it notes all around your personal and
work space. Remember to phrase the notes not as a negative
problem but as a positive solution: Not “Need to write the proposal!”
but instead post “Writing the proposal means we may get funded!”
4) Instead of starting the project, make a list of the steps necessary to
start the project before you get started. What resources will you need?
Who will you need to contact? What data will you need?
5) Then make a list of the steps you will need to take in order to
execute the project. What is the sequence you will need to follow to
succeed?
6) Set a kitchen or computer timer for 10 minutes and commit to just
devote 10 minutes to starting something on your list.
7) Extend that time every day or session that you address the project.
8) When you are in your “grove” and working productively on the
project, cover the clock.
9) Maintain a healthy and balanced lifestyle. It sounds trite but how
can you be productive if your body and emotional energy are starved?
Eat healthy foods, sleep the same amount of hours every night, take
the right vitamins for your age and condition, maintain healthy choices
for a healthy and balanced lifestyle with healthy relationships,
entertainment, exercise and cultural diversity.
Nine Proven and Simple Ways to Pace Yourself
1.) Begin the day with exercise instead of email.
2.) In your work space create a “Personal Zone” free of distractions
where only the essentials necessary to meet your big goals are
visible. Tune in to motivating music, scents and other sense
stimulators.
3.) Answer phone messages and email at scheduled times of the
days ie: 11:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.
4.) Schedule 20 and 40 minute meetings instead of 30 and 60 minute
meetings.
5.) Create a Triple Five Report every week: 1) List 5 goals for the week;
2) Rate how you did on the 5 goals from the previous week, and 3) List
any frustrations that need to be addressed.
6.) Eat lunch away from your desk.
7.) Set your computer or smart phone to chime five minutes before
each hour. Use the chime as a cue to step back and assess what
you're doing.
8.) Take a five minute deep breathing and stretching break at least
once in the morning and once in the afternoon. Include a 5 to 10
minute walk. Stop to chat with the people you see. It's a simple way to
practice management by walking around.
9.) Take a lesson from the Brits and make a habit of taking a mid-
afternoon break for tea.
Instead of focusing on a dreaded task at hand, focus your vision on the
feeling you will have when you complete the task. When the project is
complete won’t you feel relieved and invigorated? When your bills are
paid won’t you feel less stress? Start now!
Get Mary Lee’s free tip sheets on “Feel the Fear – How to Build Self
Confidence” and “Replace the Mad Hatter with Your Personal Plan” at
that Articles and Tips Page.
Email this information to a friend. Follow Mary Lee’s tips on Twitter at
StartingOverNow.
Mary Lee Gannon is the president of Gannon Group - a full service
executive coaching, training and consulting firm that provides
turnaround strategies for people and organizations by improving team
performance, executive leadership skills, board performance, planning
and project execution. Mary Lee’s personal turnaround came as a stay-
at-home mother, with four children under seven-years-old, who
endured a divorce that took she and the children from the country club
life to public assistance from where within a short time she worked out
of that to the level of CEO. Her book "Starting Over - 25 Rules for When
You've Bottomed Out" is available in bookstores, on Amazon or on her
web site. Email Mary Lee at marylee@startingovernow.com.
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FREE resources on
this site are:
* Starting over in
their career or
personal life
* Empty nesters
* Entrepreneurs
* Networking
* Job Seekers
* Starting all over
again
* Going through a
divorce
* Looking for career
opportunities
* Seeking FREE
career advice and
education
* Finding mentors
* Setting new life
goals
To chart your road
map to success
click here for FREE
"Worksheets and
Articles."
Turnaround Solutions for People & Organizations
Gannon Group is a full service executive coaching, consulting and
training firm that provides turnaround strategies for people and
organizations. We improve team performance, executive leadership
skills, board performance, planning and project execution through
Executive Coaching, Management Team Development, Board
Development, and Training in the areas of...
Healthcare
Business
Operational Excellence
Strategic Direction & Meeting Facilitation
Fundraising
Association Management
Non-Profit Management
Personal Turnaround
Sales
Communications & Public Relations
Contact Gannon Group at info@startingovernow.com.
Gannon Group is a full service executive coaching, consulting and
training firm that provides turnaround strategies for people and
organizations. We improve team performance, executive leadership
skills, board performance, planning and project execution through
Executive Coaching, Management Team Development, Board
Development, and Training in the areas of...
Healthcare
Business
Operational Excellence
Strategic Direction & Meeting Facilitation
Fundraising
Association Management
Non-Profit Management
Personal Turnaround
Sales
Communications & Public Relations
Contact Gannon Group at info@startingovernow.com.
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FREE Resources
to help you:
1. United States of America's
primary source on career
information:
www.onetcenter.org
2. Wage Estimates
www.salary.com and Bureau of
Labor and Statistics
3. Organize Your Job Search -
Post a Question etc.:
www.cvtips.com
4. Starting Over After Divorce:
www.womansdivorce.com
5. Starting Over for Women:
www.makingbreadmagazine.co
m
6. Self Improvement:
www.selfgrowth.com.
7. Job Postings, Resume
Advice and Resources:
www.careerbuiler.com
8. Templates for: business
plans, competitive analysis,
start up costs and more:
www.score.org/business_toolbox
.html
9. Federal/Sate/Local
Government jobs:
www.USAJOBS.com
10. U.S. Government's Free
online courses, webinars and
podcasts for workforce
development:
www.onetacademy.com.
11. Occupational Outlook
Handbok 2008-09 by Bureau of
Labor and Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.ht
m
to help you:
1. United States of America's
primary source on career
information:
www.onetcenter.org
2. Wage Estimates
www.salary.com and Bureau of
Labor and Statistics
3. Organize Your Job Search -
Post a Question etc.:
www.cvtips.com
4. Starting Over After Divorce:
www.womansdivorce.com
5. Starting Over for Women:
www.makingbreadmagazine.co
m
6. Self Improvement:
www.selfgrowth.com.
7. Job Postings, Resume
Advice and Resources:
www.careerbuiler.com
8. Templates for: business
plans, competitive analysis,
start up costs and more:
www.score.org/business_toolbox
.html
9. Federal/Sate/Local
Government jobs:
www.USAJOBS.com
10. U.S. Government's Free
online courses, webinars and
podcasts for workforce
development:
www.onetacademy.com.
11. Occupational Outlook
Handbok 2008-09 by Bureau of
Labor and Statistics:
http://www.bls.gov/oco/home.ht
m
| Mary Lee Gannon is interviewed on Mind Your BIZness |
Listen to Mary
Lee's interview
"From Welfare
to CEO" on the
Renee Bobb
Show on
BlogTalk
Radio.com.
Lee's interview
"From Welfare
to CEO" on the
Renee Bobb
Show on
BlogTalk
Radio.com.
Gannon Group/StartingOverNow.com
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Mary Lee Gannon's
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Amazon.com - 5 Stars!
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available in bookstores
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