One thing many of us struggle with is procrastination. Instead of breaking projects into smaller tasks and tackling them in stages, we tend to put things off until the last minute. Overcoming procrastination for better time management is essential because delaying tasks often leads to increased stress, missed deadlines, and significantly reduced productivity.
But the key to overcoming procrastination for better time management is understanding the WHY behind it. This can shed major light on your business and how you work. I’ve found that there are five common reasons why we procrastinate, each with a different way of overcoming it.
Overcoming Shiny Object Syndrome
Sometimes we are excited to tackle a task or project, but get distracted by things out of our control—AKA shiny objects. You’re not actively seeking distractions as an act of avoidance, but random things pop up that draw your attention away from the task at hand.
The easiest way to overcome this is to notice it, stay focused, and not allow it to happen. Recognize the distraction and redirect your attention to the task at hand. If it’s an idea you want to remember, write it down somewhere safe. And if things get too distracting, seek God’s help to stay focused.
Managing Low Energy Levels
We all have days when we’re just not in the mood. Maybe you don’t have the energy for what you’re trying to accomplish. Forcing yourself to do things when you’re not in the mood can waste a lot of time and lead to unproductive work.
Track your energy levels during the day. Are there specific times when your energy is low or times when you’re feeling driven? Use that information to schedule your tasks accordingly. Plan low-effort tasks during times when your drive is lower. This is a key strategy in overcoming procrastination for better time management.
Finding a Starting Point
Another reason you may procrastinate is that you’re not sure where to start. Maybe you haven’t done enough legwork to understand the task as a whole. If you’re like me, you might bounce between tasks as they pop into your head, never really accomplishing anything fully.
Take a step back and map out the projects you’re trying to accomplish. This helps you see the bigger picture, where the current task fits in, and what other tasks need to be completed. It also shows you whether there’s something else you need to focus on first. This approach is crucial for overcoming procrastination for better time management.
Avoiding Brain Overload
As entrepreneurs, we tend to overwork ourselves, trying to get everything done, attend all the meetings, and respond to all the emails. At some point, our brains get tired and struggle to focus. When this happens, give yourself permission to rest. Our brains can only handle so much each day, and we need to prioritize self-care over pushing ourselves to exhaustion.
Addressing Lack of Motivation
We all have tasks that need to get done but that we really don’t want to do. This can be a red flag, especially if you love what you do! When you’re struggling to get excited about a task, ask yourself why. It’s usually a good indicator that you may not be on the right path and it could be an opportunity to change direction.
By identifying the WHY behind your procrastination, you can find ways to overcome it and get back on track quickly. Overcoming procrastination for better time management helps you be more purposeful with your time and boosts your productivity.
If you’re tired of feeling overwhelmed and scattered in your entrepreneurial journey, check out The Sustainable Foundation Collective and join other Christian women entrepreneurs as we transform chaos into calm, uncertainty into confidence, and dreams into structured reality!
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