Your boss gave you a big assignment, a project which could certainly add several feathers on your cap. But for one reason or another, you are unable to get yourself going. You don’t seem to know where to start, so you find yourself putting things off.
How do you rouse yourself from your seemingly paralytic state and overcome your procrastinating ways? We’ve got a few suggestions.
Problem #1 The task is too big, too overwhelming.
Solution: When a task feels too overwhelming, it can be intimidating. And so it’s understandable to want to put off doing it. When this happens, try breaking down the big project into small manageable tasks. Make a to-do list of the things you need to do. The important thing is to get the ball rolling.
Problem #2 I don’t know how to do it.
Solution: You feel that you lack the necessary ability, knowledge, skills, or resources to accomplish the task. You’re afraid that if you take it on, you’ll fail.
Check yourself. There’s a good reason the task was assigned to you; your bosses probably believe that you can accomplish it. Maybe you’re just afraid of failing. There are two ways to deal with this fear: First, accept that failure is part of the learning process. It happens to the best of us. Second, give yourself a pep talk! If others believe that you can do it—enough to assign the task to you—then maybe you should believe that you can do it, too.
If you really don’t have the skills, then acquire them. Learn the skills you need to get the job done. Find a way to procure whatever it is you feel you don’t possess.
Problem #3 It has to be perfect!
Solution: No, it really doesn’t. Perfection is an illusion and sometimes a procrastinator’s excuse to not get the job done. Some perfectionists will say that if they can’t do something perfectly, than they’d rather not do it at all. But remember that it’s still infinitely better to have completed a task (even if it’s not perfect), than to not have finished the job at all.
Problem #4 I need more motivation.
Solution: Reward yourself! After you’ve completed a task, treat yourself to a cookie or a yummy meal or watch an episode of your favorite TV show. Do something fun to celebrate your accomplishment. This way, you can associate accomplishing tasks with positive experiences instead of equating it with stress or resentment. Now go ahead and give yourself a pat on the back, you certainly deserve it!