Climbing the Ladder
How to get over procrastination on the job
With spring in the air, it’s easy to get distracted at work. Just glancing out the window could send your mind daydreaming about warm spring days and enjoyable outdoor activities. This distraction can make procrastination a real problem for many of us while at work. Putting off one project here and another report there can really add up! Below are some causes of procrastination and how to get over it.
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It has to be perfect!
One of the most common reasons people procrastinate is because they worry that it will fall short of their own high standards. Expecting perfection is a setup for failure because – with very few exceptions – everything can always be improved in some way or another. Remind yourself that it’s OK to be human, and doing the best you can is good enough.
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Too much dreaming!
Some of us can come up with a great idea but then find it difficult to create a clear plan of action. Bosses are often pleased with these grand ideas at first, but are later frustrated with the lack of results. Create a step-by-step plan for bringing your ideas to life before presenting them to anyone.
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It’s too much work!
When you consider all the myriad details of completing a large project, it can be overwhelming – and de-motivating. Instead, concentrate on just one small step at a time, and avoid thinking about the long road ahead. When you finish each step, enjoy it for what it is – a real accomplishment! After enough of these little accomplishments, your large project will complete itself.
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They’re making me do it!
If you feel like you’re being forced do something against your will, sometimes the natural response is to rebel by putting it off. Remember that you don't ever have to do anything you don’t want to do. Yes, there will be consequences if you don’t do it, but that applies to every choice you make in life. Forget about the consequences and instead freely choose to do it because you want to see it done!
What things cause you to procrastinate on the job?