3 Simple Ways to Battle Procrastination

Our most valuable asset is time. Procrastination is the enemy of time.

To tackle it, we have to take Sun Tzu’s advice; “Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer”. So let’s get to know procrastination a little …

1. Noun: Procrastination (pro’krastu’neyshun): To postpone doing what one should be doing.

The simple definition tells us everything. Procrastination isn’t the problem. It’s a symptom of the real problem. We need to understand WHY we postpone doing things we should be doing.

Why We Don’t Do What We Should

• Connection. We connect with things we understand. When we don’t connect with something, it’s easy to not do it. It’s easy to not know where to start or what direction to take it in.
• Overload. The fastest way to create indecision is to put too many possibilities on the table. And the fastest way to create inaction is to put too many tasks on a list that can’t be done before the list grows twice as long as it already is.
• Passion. How many people here think the best part of a great meal is doing the dishes? Raise your hands … that’s what I thought. Most people are not passionate about doing the dishes. It’s just something that needs to be done.

So now we understand procrastination. It’s time to get some things done.

3 Simple Ways to Do What We Need to Do

1. Just do it. Some things just have to be done. Do the dishes. It’s as simple as that. But the real key is to always keep learning. Connect with the things you have to do and find faster and easier ways to do them.
2. Just don’t do it. Some things aren’t worth doing. Doing things just for the effort, just to fill every second of your time or feel productive is to sqaunder your most precious asset; time. Conquer your overload by doing the things that really matter. And by not doing the things that don’t.
3. Just do something else. To do anything without passion should be a crime. Following your passion is the key to success, productivity, happiness and a hundred other things that are good for you, good for business, and good for the world in general. Sometimes it’s best to stop doing what you’re doing now, so you can start doing the things you really should be doing. The things you’re truly passionate about.

There will always be something you have to do that you’d rather postpone. By connecting and understanding how to do more things, by preventing overload, and by doing more things you’re passionate about, there’ll be a lot less of those things.

And a lot less procrastination. 

Some Procrastination Resources

Others, fighting the good fight …

• Overcome Procrastination Once and For All
• 11 Causes and Cures for Procrastination
• Fight Procrastination!
• 5 Simple Steps to Stop Procrastination Today
• A Practical Guide to Overcoming Procrastination
• One Simple Way to Reduce Procrastination
• Why Do Today What You Can Put Off Until Tomorrow

I almost put off writing this post till tomorrow. But you know what. There’s nothing else I’d rather be doing.