One of the bigger causes of stress in modern life is knowing that you have to get something done and just not being able to bring yourself to do it. That report is due on Friday. You've known about it for a month, but here it is Wednesday and you haven't written a word. Those thank you notes should have been sent out 2 weeks ago, and the cards are still in the wrapper. You know you would feel better with these tasks behind you instead of looming in front of you. It would seem simple enough really. Something needs to be done. So why don't you just do it?
There are two answers really. Procrastination and perfectionism. And they are terrifically intertwined with each other. You don't just want to do it. You want to do it to perfection. And if you don't believe you can do it to perfection, you choose instead to not do it at all.
Since that really isn't any way to get anything done, and we do in life need to get things done, I've come up with ten tips to defeat this deadly duo:
1. Divide the task up into smaller chunks.
Getting a little done every day keeps you moving forward toward completion, which of course is the ultimate goal. It also develops a habit of doing instead of just thinking. Try the 3% Rule. Aim to do 3% of the task every day and pretty soon you will have it completed, no sweat. And the secret is, that once you make a start, often you will do far more than 3%.
2. Create a schedule.
Make it more than a to do list. Plot out the tasks and the time it will take to complete the tasks, and schedule them into your day. Be realistic, but don't allow much more time than you think you need for each chunk. (That would give you the impression that you have time to waste, and you will tend to go ahead and waste it).
3. Just start.
Focus on the smallest of goals, the goal of starting. Don't think about what comes next. Just start. Once you've done this, celebrate it. Then and only then, move on.
4. Go with the flow.
If you feel inspired to work on your task, just do it. Use your motivation when you have it. Don't assume it will still be with you later.
5. Create a reminder of why you're doing this in the first place.
What value does it have? Even if the value is simply the relief you'll feel when the task is complete. Remind yourself of that value. It will serve as much-needed motivation.
6. Once you set a target for the completion of the small task, make it non-negotiable.
It must be done or else. If you give yourself wiggle room, you will take it. This will help with creating that habit of completing tasks and moving on.
7. Remove the "it's got to be perfect" mentality from the process.
If you have to go back over it later to edit it or touch it up, then so be it. Just don't let the need to be perfect right off the bat get in the way of actually doing it. There is a phrase -"write for the bin." It means, deliberately write or do your work knowing it may not be good enough. That way you will have the base material to edit and change. Practice being "imperfect" to develop the habit of just doing it and breaking the perfectionism impulse.
8. Practice "good enough"
Not everything does have to be perfect. Apply appropriate standards. If it's an email to a peer level co-worker, does every word really need to be laboured over? Save that level of care for situations that call for it.
9. Forget the other perfectionists out there.
Don't set yourself up to be judged by others. Everyone has their opinions, and not everyone is going to love everything you do. Besides, they have their own stuff to worry about.
10. Realize that nobody is going to scrutinize your work as closely as you do.
The recipients of your thank you cards will not be scouring the notes looking for lack of appropriate sentiment and dangling participles. They will be glad you took the time to appreciate them.
So the next time you're faced with a daunting project that you just can't get yourself to tackle, remember the perils of procrastination and perfectionism. Then remember these top ten tips to beat them back.
Hi, I'm Dave Algeo, the Stress(ed) Guru. I am all about making stress manageable and improving performance and well-being.
Through learning, humour and interaction, the message is loud and clear....
'Stress can be managed to improve motivation, health and vitality leading to greater personal and professional success and life satisfaction.'
With a policing background spanning 19 years, over 13 of which as an operational Sergeant, I have witnessed, experienced and worked with stress in its many forms. From the traumatic to the trying, i know the mechanics of stress and the impact it can have on people and performance.
Whilst stress can be perceived as a negative force, it can be managed effectively using proven techniques and an individual approach.
