Procrastination - Why We Procrastinate, And Issues We Can Do To Stop Procrastinating

The habit of postponing every job to the last feasible minute is procrastination. Most of us develop this habit during school days and by the time we begin working, this habit becomes a part and parcel of every job we are supposed to do. There is certainly nothing wrong with taking a break from work but a delay till the last minute can create panic and impact the outcomes of that certain job. Therefore, it's advisable to strike a balance between work and leisure. Procrastination may possibly also result in the loss of the overall productivity of an organization.

Reasons Of Procrastination

Lack of organizational skills

Organization and planning of tasks is very important in order to complete them within the allotted time. Absence of time management and organization skills leads to delays in the completion of assigned work.

Inability To Set Priorities

Setting a list of priorities enables a person to complete the urgent and important tasks first. Inability to set priorities creates confusions and important work may lag behind.

Complicated Tasks

Certain tasks appear to be complicated and the nervousness and fear of not becoming able to complete them cause us to postpone them until the last feasible moment.

Fear Of Imperfection

The anxiety of not being competent enough to perform the assigned work up to the mark causes a person to delay the work till the last moment.

Inability To Take Decisions

Specific projects require decision making to be able to proceed with them. Indecisiveness leads to pushing back work.

Interruptions

Emails, phone calls and co workers stopping by while you’re working break your concentration and this may lead to postponing assignments at times.

Ideas To Overcome Procrastination

Schedule Your Tasks

Prepare a schedule of tasks every day in accordance with their priority and stick to that schedule to ensure its completion on a daily basis.

Simplify Work

Break down complicated work into smaller parts and set deadlines to complete each part timely. You can also get help from seniors or co workers to guide you through the job.

Time Estimation

Do not under or over estimate time needed to complete a job. Ensure that you take realistic and attainable assumptions regarding the time requirements of the work assigned to you.

Motivate Yourself

Do not underestimate your competency and make yourself understand that there is nothing like perfection and also the best time to complete a task is NOW.

Concentrate On Work

Various interruptions break the concentration in work and lead to distraction. Strive hard to develop focus and concentration skills and resist the urge to take breaks too often.

Automate Repetitive Tasks

Certain small tasks, which are frequently repeated in work assignments and projects, are boring in nature and might be delayed. Automation of such tasks expedites the completion of projects.

Written by Mark Woods, co-author of the time management book Attack Your Day! Before It Attacks You. For more time management and productivity strategies visit http://www.attackyourday.com or http://www.trapperwoods.com.