How we can overcome
Procrastination
Gan, Chennai
Procrastination is
avoiding doing things that need to be done or leaving things undone for as long
as possible. Procrastination puts off doing things till last minute.
Procrastination is an attitude problem. Everyone has unique reasons for one's
Procrastination.
Reasons
for Procrastination:
1.
Starting
Trouble: Beginning of an action
is the most crucial part in any activity. For example when you are lying on a
bed, you don't feel like getting up and putting off the switch. When someone
comes inside the room we would ask them to put off the switch.
From this what we can clearly understand is there is always. Starting
Torque in any activity. In fact, it is the mind which is coming in the way of
performing an activity. The activity itself may be very very
simple like attending a phone call, arranging the newspapers etc
Solution
:
GIVE AN IMPETUS TO THE
MIND:
The best remedy for starting trouble is to somehow start the
activity. Somehow start it. Tell some slogans like, "Krishna
!", "Jesus!" and give an impetus to the mind and start the
activity. An action started is easy to continue. Capitalize the opportunity and
continue to do it.
2.
Fear
of Perfection:
There is nothing like absolutely Perfect Action. Perfection is largely an
imagined aspect. Many times we would
altogether abandon an action for fear of doing it perfectly.
Solution: Not even 5% of our activities require too much of
perfection to the extent of our imagination. For example filling up of Income
Tax Returns requires perfection. Take somebody's help if it involves so much of
perfection. Consult somebody who is expert in it and get going.
3.
Anxiety
and Fear of Failure:
Anxiety and Fear are by and large imagined aspects. Anxiety will lead one
to fear.Where there is lack of knowledge fear will rule its roost. Fear must
make one dynamic and not static. Fear need not put brakes and desist
us from doing an action.
Solution: Knowledge only can replace Fear.
For example everyone would like to put off undergoing a health check up
for fear of negative results. Fear is never a solution for anything. Well
planned and coordinated action is the solution for all fears. Take somebody's
help if it involves so much of fear. Consult somebody who is expert in it and
get going.
4.
Negligence
and Carelessness:Negligence is an attitude
problem. Some Negligence may prove to be very costly later.
Solution: Knowledge only can correct attitude problems.
For example, an open power cable if left un attended may prove fatal. We know
stitch in time saves nine. Never be negligent even if it is less important.
Correct it then and there.
5.
Unable
to Decide:
When not able to decide
the course of action automatically procrastination occurs. Lack of ability to
prioritize also will lead to important tasks being put in cold storage.
Solution: A Decision is crucial to performing an action.
Decision making is vital to success in life. Every minute we are
performing the Decision making process knowingly or unknowingly. Some decisions
are extremely crucial. In such cases take the advice of knowledgeable persons.
Advices may come from multiple sources, It is up to you to make the judgment of
them and arrive at a decisions. Take full responsibility for your decisions and
actions.
6.
Laziness:
Laziness is inactivity resulting from a dislike
of work. Laziness is the mother of Procrastination. Laziness puts off things
indefinitely and some times permanently. Fundamentally Laziness and
Procrastination are different in nature. Laziness and Procrastination has
overlapping areas of implications.
Solution: To be in the company of Dynamic people will make
one overcome Laziness.
7.
Distractions:
We lose
focus in prioritizing our actions due to Distractions.
Solution: Avoid all distractions. Avoid unnecessary Talks.
Keep reminders.
8.
Fatigue:
Lack of
energy will ruin performance. All actions will suffer due to fatigue.
Solution: Perform Yoga, Meditation, and Exercise
and boost your energy. Take naps and boost you performance. Some how,
energize yourself through good habits.
:: ACTION PLAN ::
//Any Thought without an Action
Plan becomes futile//
10.
Prepare a Daily To-do-List : Having
a Goal is the First Step to overcome Procrastination. When a Deadline is Fixed
we feel a sense of responsibility to carry it out. The Technique is to control
the Mind using your own Mind.
A
Simple 8 Fold - To-do-List -Sheet (Ready
Reckoner - To be kept in Pocket Always)
A Simple 3 Fold To-do-List -
Sheet (Ready Reckoner - To be kept in Pocket Always)
20.
Announcements : Confirm to others that you would perform the said
action. These persons may be your Family Members or Friends who have interest in
your welfare. Once it is committed to somebody, you would be obliged to do it
without fail.
30.
God Talk :
Talking
to God give an impetus to your works.
Pray to God,
40. Break Down a Big Task into Smaller Tasks:
By using this technique you may be able to overcome the fear of seeing the
volume of task ahead of you.
50. Reward Yourself: Pat yourself for
accomplishing Tasks. Reward suitably.
60. Satsangs
and Group Discussions: Discuss and
Share your Experience with like minded people on your success and use it as
platform for your growth. Appreciate people when they achieve work without
procrastinating.
70. Enjoy Music and Dance: Pep your
self to Enthusiasm by hearing Music, Dancing and lift your mood to do the work.
This will get you out of Gloomy Moods while performing difficult tasks which you
have been procrastinating for a long.
80. Take other's Help: Isolation is one of
the reasons for Procrastination. Take others help to accomplish tasks. Convert
difficult tasks into Group Tasks.
90. Delegate: Division of Labor, Delegation
of work and Follow up is a key Strategy to achieve better work output. This will
disable procrastination from lifting its head.
100. Change your Attitude: Unless one's
Attitude changes, no amount of advice will yield any benefit. The way to change
your attitude is to associate with Right Minded people who have better attitude.
Associate yourself with Dynamic People. You would also become Dynamic and
Procrastination will be a Past Story.