KEYPOINT: If you don't like the project, do it first and get it
out of the way!
If you have a task to do and there are parts of the job that you really dislike, do those first and get them out of the way.
You will feel better that they are finished and will be revitalized to complete the entire project, knowing you do not have to look forward to this dismal activity.
If you have more than one task that you dislike, you can alternate tasks
so that you are doing some of the things you DO like to do, among the
tasks you DO NOT like to do.
This will be a kind of reward and yet, it will keep you going toward your
goal.
Start with the task you dislike the most and then alternate enjoyable and
miserable tasks until you finish the job!
....or do what I do, which is do the stuff you can't stand first and then finish with the good stuff!
If you have others working with you, see if you can delegate some of the
projects you do not like.
If EVERYONE hates a project, this may not be a fair and equitable thing to
do, but if you ask around, you may find that, some people don’t mind doing
the task you hate.
KEYPOINT: Make your work space productive.
Set up your work space so that you are not distracted.
Face your desk away from the door to your cubicle so that you aren’t constantly distracted by people walking by or by things going on outside your work space.
If you can plan to make phone calls during certain times of the day, do so, and for the rest of the day send your calls to voicemail and turn off your pager.
If you like to work with music in the background, bring a CD player to work.
If ambient noise distracts you in a library or at work, plug in to your head phones and listen to your favorite music (just make it productive music that isn’t too loud or distracting).
Sip your favorite drink, and bring a healthy snack to munch on while you are working.
This will ensure that you are not tempted to take too many breaks and waste time or get into conversations with others when you should be working.
Keep your desk and work space clean.
Buy a few folders or files and label your projects or topics. File them in a file drawer or desk so that they aren’t all over your work surface.
FIND A PARTNER
You can choose a friend who is also a procrastinator, or someone who is well organized and wants to help you establish good habits.
Meet or talk regularly about what you are working on and discuss the size of the project or task and the timetable.
Get suggestions on other ways to accomplish your goal or just vent to your partner and let them cheer you on with their support.
TREAT YOURSELF WELL
Acknowledge that everyone needs a break. Taking a break will give you renewed mental clarity and dedication. Schedule your breaks and stick to the schedule.
When it is time to go back to work, GET BACK TO WORK.
When you complete a task or a project, reward and congratulate yourself. Be proud of your accomplishment and announce it to others.
They will share in your appreciation of your accomplishment and provide positive reinforcement to continue this new habit of GETTING THINGS DONE!
Rewarding your accomplishments encourages productivity.
