Overcoming Procrastination

by Terry Welford
Pursuit, Summer 2007

Remember Scarlett O’Hara’s famous lines in Gone with the Wind? “I can’t think about this now. I’ll think about it tomorrow.” Admit it. Scarlett isn’t alone. Most of us procrastinate, but it doesn’t usually work for deadline-oriented professionals. When procrastination becomes habitual, serious problems ensue: we put off what we need to do, guilt grows, and as the cycle continues stress levels increase.

Here are some common reasons why people procrastinate, and a few strategies to combat this self-destructive habit:

• Boredom with or dislike of a task: If there’s a part of your job that you don’t like, make it as much fun as possible. Play music softly. Get something to sip on. Also, alternate unpleasant tasks with ones you enjoy.

• Being overwhelmed by the task: Try breaking it up into manageable pieces. Don’t sit down with the intention of completing the entire project. Instead, set the goal of completing just one page. Or, set a timer and resolve to apply yourself to the task for just that long. After your self-established limit, you may find that you’re on a roll and perhaps even enjoying the work. Also try to get the most challenging piece of the project done first. This often makes the remaining work seem easier and will give you fewer reasons to procrastinate.

• Feelings of anxiety: You may worry that your work may not meet expectations, or you may be a perfectionist who believes in creating a flawless product on the first go-round. Take the pressure off by striving for “good” rather than “perfect.” You’ll increase your chances of success and your self-esteem.

Here are more tips:

• Set specific goals. Vowing to stop procrastinating won’t necessarily help. Saying that you’ll work on a certain project for two hours each Monday gives you a clear way to succeed.

• Identify your peak periods. Tackle the most challenging parts of your work when you are at your best.

• Alternate your projects. People concentrate best when the subject matter is varied from time to time.

• Schedule breaks. We focus best in one-hour increments. Take a short break every hour to refresh and refocus. Next time you procrastinate, try these strategies. You may find that your stress, anxiety, and guilt are “Gone with the Wind.”