Finding time becomes immensely easier as you develop successful
alternatives to procrastination. You will be far more effective
in how you utilize your time, once you resolve conflicts with
others that you used to respond to by dragging your heels.
Do you find yourself so resentful at work or at home that you
undermine yourself? Did a project everyone was counting on you
to finish "somehow" get seriously delayed?
If so, avoid the trap of rationalizing, blaming others, or
giving up on yourself. These simply deprive you of more of your
valuable time.
Instead, use these 3 strategies to translate your time into
effectiveness. Following these tips will help you develop
assertiveness, productivity and self-esteem.
Tip #1: Face Yourself Squarely:
Don't judge yourself. Just monitor your internal muttering. Do
any of these time-wasting messages sound familiar?
"I don't want to!" That's the voice of your resistance. You may
even be able to envision yourself at three years of age, hands
on hips, stamping your foot.
"You can't make me!" and "I don't have to!" Your Rebel's
attitude. Is your focus supporting yourself or proving you can
balk at the other person's request?
"I forgot!" This is your 'Rebel under Wraps'. You defy someone
you're angry at by undermining the project. You can approach
this in two ways. Either you complete your task late or never
complete it. Either one can lead to dire consequences and loss
of trust.
Tip #2: Recognize Procrastination's Flimsy 'Payoffs':
If you haven't owned up to what drives your choice to
procrastinate, explore it now. Your capacity to use your time
more effectively depends on your diagnosing your issues and
developing your motivation.
Do you enjoy seeing how you can hold things up?
Do you feel you can't refuse a task, but you can drag your heels?
Is your delaying tactic sending a message you can't say aloud?
Are there other payoffs?
Tip#3: Utilize These Strategies to Stop Procrastinating:
Identify the situation (not personalities) you resent, as
specifically as you can. You can't alter others' personalities,
but you have significant power to change the situation by
relating more responsibly.
Brainstorm alternatives that fairly address the problem. Your
goal is to arrive at solutions that take everyone's needs into
consideration.
Develop assertiveness. Negotiate for what you need directly and
appropriately. The more you work at this, the more skillful you
will become at setting boundaries and resolving conflicts.
Develop a strong image of how much power you wish to claim over
your life. Make these images as specific as you can.
Consistently look to yourself to make your life work. The more
initiative you take, the more quickly you can create effective
strategies.
Ending procrastination will not only ease tensions at work and
at home; it is also one of the best methods for increasing your
real power and finding time!
About the Author:
Paula Eder, Ph.D., The Time Finder, has guided individuals and
organizations to effectively align values with their time
choices for 35+ years. For free weekly time tips & an
award-winning monthly Ezine, visit Finding Time
