Time. One minute, you have plenty of it, and the next you’re chasing it. Procrastination is a time stealer, and it will hinder your productivity.
More often than not, it’s the little things that trip us up. For many moms, it’s their kids.
When the work piles up, who wouldn’t want to be shopping or out playing with the kids? Procrastination takes full advantage of the fact you’re having a difficult time balancing work and family. You kid yourself that a little extra time with the kids won’t hurt, but deviating from your well planned schedule can literally cripple your productivity.
Here are few examples of procrastination and their solutions:
1. You look at the work left to be done and worry over the amount. You want to be productive but built-in downtime is essential. Between a project finish and a new project start, take the time to bask in the knowledge of a job well done. You might not be able to take the afternoon off, but you can spend an hour or two doing something you like, such as taking the kids to the park or watching a movie with them. Knowing that you don’ t have to rush into the next thing, takes the pressure off and is an incentive for getting work done in an efficient and timely manner.
2. Your desk is a mess. A messy desk also makes it hard to concentrate; a clean desk helps to keep your mind clear. Consider using a filing system to organize your business, and therefore keep your desk clean and tidy. If you are midstream with a project, pencil in some time to get it cleaned up. Once your desk is cleared, you’ll be more psyched to sit down and get to work.
3. Hearing the kids playing with dad makes the mind wander. Any hint of fun that distracts you will force you out of that chair and away from work. Know your procrastination triggers. If working on the weekend is a trigger, schedule more time through the week for business and leave the weekends open for family fun. Giggles can be distracting so where possible, choose an office space with a door to block out other sounds when your home office is open for business.
Don’t set yourself up for failure. Learn what makes you procrastinate, and eliminate those triggers from your working day.
Keep in mind you are not the only one who is vulnerable to procrastination. Striking a balance in your home and knowing your triggers are two ways to sweep the procrastination devil right out of your life.
Cheryl Wright - Cheryl Wright is an award-winning Australian author, freelance journalist, and editor. She is the owner of www.Writer2Writer.com ...
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