And that's a problem: After all, as entrepreneurs, we understand the challenges of trying to find time to get all of the work done. But, if we waste time on trivial tasks as a way to avoid important work and responsibilities, we need to find ways to break these success-killing habits.
While it's not easy for a procrastinator to change -- just getting started is often a challenge -- it is possible. Here are the top reasons people tend to procrastinate and some tips and techniques for addressing the problem:
1. You feel overwhelmed.
Sometimes, when you feel consumed by the number of tasks on your to-do list, it's easy to shut down. This can be particularly true when you face large or complicated tasks. Instead of digging in, you put them off. You tell yourself that you don't have the hours needed to work on the task. Therefore, you should wait for the requisite extended period of uninterrupted time. As you can imagine, though, this luxury does not materialize.
Solution: Break the task into smaller pieces. As the old saying goes -- "How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Break large tasks into smaller pieces, ones that will take no more than 15, 30 or 45 minutes to complete. Put these more manageable tasks on your to-do list and start the feast!
2. You've had bad timing.
Often, people procrastinate because they are trying to work against their body's natural rhythms. Circadian rhythms regulate our sleep/wake cycles. When you are tired, it becomes easy to play the role of Scarlett O'Hara and put things off. After all, tomorrow is another day.
Solution: Play to your best times. Determine when you are at your peak. Are you a morning person? Do you feel most alive in the late afternoon? Do you get a second wind after dinner? It is critical to schedule and perform difficult, complicated or distasteful tasks at these peak times. You will be less likely to delay.
Read the full article here: https://www.entrepreneur.com/article/294268
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