Procrastination….tips for getting around this time-waster
Posted by Rebecca McDaniel
By Amanda Mendonza, Technical Services Representative
Even the most project-driven individuals struggle with getting started. It can be overwhelming to execute a project, especially one that is going to be long-term, time-consuming and require additional help. The following guidelines can be used as a project development tool to help you kick-start yourself through the procrastination step and get planning. :
1. Plan and Schedule- a quick brainstorming session of the aspects that need to be addressed and conceptualize how much time is needed to complete them
2. Delegate- portions of the project to the most qualified individuals
3. Trade – if you have been delegated a responsibility that you don’t want to do but someone else is proficient then trade tasks with them
4. Break Down the Project- Set aside easy tasks from complex tasks and tackle the easier items first
5. Plan a Reward- Do this as early as the brainstorming session. Incentives always make work more enjoyable
6. Plan an Event- For large scale projects that finally get rolled out, set up an event for all colleagues to experience it together
7. Work Together- negativity makes me people want to procrastinate. Focus on the positive aspects of the project at hand but always listen to the complaints and address the team’s concerns
8. Establish a Standard Starting Format- if you always kick-off with a brainstorming session you’ll have the material fresh in your mind to keep moving forward.
9. Tell Others- telling your peers about the project will place accountability on you to complete it. Having to keep telling people “it’s not ready” will wear you down and you will eventually pump out subpar work
10. Set a Deadline- At the brainstorming session, once the smaller time frames have been conceptualized set a broad deadline to shoot for.
