How many times have you promised yourself that you were going to do something and yet somehow it never got it done?
You know that nagging feeling of having tasks linger out there, unfinished, undone and unaccomplished. It drains your energy knowing that there are things you are supposed to be doing– and maybe even want to do– but some invisible block prevents you from doing them.
Don’t worry–you are not alone. Procrastination affects all of us at some point or another. We feel overwhelmed and guilty. We often berate ourselves for not being able to get things done which then causes us to feel bad about ourselves.
We wonder why it is that we never finished that online class we enrolled in? Why we can’t seem to do that one thing we know will help our business? Why we know we should be taking action and yet another day, a week, a month or maybe even a year goes by with those tasks left undone?
Thankfully there is a cure! And it is easier than you think. It doesn’t involve medication or therapy either. It is three simple steps that you take on a daily basis that will lift you out of procrastination and allow you to start getting things done. You will feel euphoric when you actually start moving towards your goals and fulfilling those long held dreams that were so far off in the distance for far too long.
So are you ready? Here is what you need to do. Disclaimer: You have to do these on a daily basis. If you procrastinate here you will be out of luck!
Step 1: Dump Your Brain
Grab a notebook or planner, put the date on it and write down everything you need to do for the day, business and personal. Just write down anything and everything you need to get done today. This is your brain dump and by writing everything down both big and small you get them out of your mind and onto paper.
Step 2: Pick 3
Now go over your list and circle the 3 most important things you must do today. Rewrite these 3 tasks on the planner or notebook.
Step 3: Choose a Reward
At the bottom of the notepad or planner write down a reward for yourself for the day. You only get this reward if you do the 3 things on your list, so make it something that you would really like to do. It can be something simple like giving yourself permission to take a nap, watch a favorite TV show, have a glass of wine at 5:00 pm, anything you feel will motivate you to take care of those 3 tasks.
What you will discover by implementing this technique is that once you conquer your 3 tasks you will feel energized and motivated to tackle the rest on your list. Simply move over the unfinished tasks to the next day. You will feel so proud of yourself when you complete your 3 tasks and ready to enjoy and savor your reward of the day.
