It’s easy to procrastinate and put things off when your schedule is jammed packed. With so many tasks to juggle on a daily basis, sometimes the most important ones are left for the next day. Time is our enemy. When time is spent, we can never get take it back. Time is limited and irreplaceable, so make sure you spend it wisely – every day.
If you have some key goals to achieve and you know that it is within your reach, you can and will find a way to achieve it. Just make sure these goals are realistic given the limited resources you have. Create expectations that are reasonable and not unachievable, otherwise, you set yourself up for disappointment and regret.
If you do have some projects you want to tackle that has been on your to-do list for awhile, try some of these tips and advice on how to approach your project so you can remove all obstacles and move forward with getting your tasks accomplished.
1) Make your Goal or Task List is Visual
By using a whiteboard or a list where you can see your task list, you are reminded of what needs to be done. Have other people like friends or family members hold you accountable for the tasks that need to be done.
2) Track your Progress
On your whiteboard, divide your list between “To Do”, “In Progress” and “Complete”. The idea is to get as many tasks on the “To Do” column to move along to the right side into the “Complete” column. By seeing tasks move to the next column, you see your progress and feel encouraged that things are moving along. Make a habit of updating your board each day.
3) Identify the Most Important Task
Each day, identify the most important task and prioritize. Don’t get overwhelmed by the number of tasks on your list. Focus on the most important one (for example, go grocery shopping) and if you are able to get help with other non-critical but necessary tasks, delegate them to friends or other family members who can help.
Focus on the most important one (for example, go grocery shopping) and if you are able to get help with other non-critical but necessary tasks, delegate them to friends or other family members who can help.
4) Commit to Completing your Most Important Task
Build a habit of finishing what you start but also be realistic about your ability to complete it within the time frame you set out for yourself. You will fall back into procrastination mode if your task is too difficult to complete within the time frame you set.
5) Remind Yourself of the Benefit of your Most Important Task
If you feel yourself making excuses for why you don’t feel it is necessary to complete your task, remind yourself of the benefit you reap from completing it.
6) Take a Break if you get the Urge to Procrastinate
If mid-way through your project or task, you feel the urge to procrastinate again, take a break. Reboot, recharge and refocus on the task at hand. Remember your commitment to complete what you start, remember the benefit of doing the task and the feeling of accomplishment when you track your progress and see your “To Do” list get shorter.
Key Takeaways
When there is a mountain of tasks to do and very little time to do it, it’s easier not to have to think about it. But if you really want success in your life, your career and your family, you need to find a way to balance it all without compromising your health and wellbeing.
The idea is not to overwhelm yourself with the scope of the work. It’s about identifying the most important priority today, tomorrow and the future and committing to starting it and completing it within the time frame you assign to it. Be realistic and use your time strategically. You can do anything you set your mind to!
