So I sit down at the computer with bills and debit card in hand. The next thing I know it's two hours later YouTube is showing how to do it for the Vine and the debit card is sitting on the same stack of bills untouched. Naturally it wasn't on purpose and I try to get myself back on track. Deciding to get things done I walk to the kitchen for a glass of water hoping to jolt my motivation to finish the tasks at hand but along the way the new edition of Ebony magazine catches my eye. Next thing I know another two hours has passed, my tea is cold (which was supposed to be a glass of water but I made tea instead), Ebony is telling me about the best jeans for my body shape and the debit card is sitting on the same stack of bills untouched. Trying to bring myself back to the task at hand I walk back to the computer and think to myself "I can look up the website Ebony listed for those fabu bracelets" and well you know what comes next!
Over the years I've really battled with making sure I stay on task and avoiding the ever so appealing action of procrastination. Here are some techniques I've learned that aide me in staying away from Ebony and YouTube when my "to do" list is overflowing and in need of attention.
- Shorten the "To Do" List - This may seem like just another form of procrastination and I see your raised brow but hear me out. With 10 things on the "to do" list it's easier to pick the least important most tolerable "fun" thing to do instead of handling whats priority. So "cleaning out the junk drawer" should never take president over "pay the light bill." By shortening the list to approximately 3-5 things that are absolutely high priority we'll be more productive and save the mundane tasks that are actually only serving as supporters to our procrastination for the next "to do" list or a weekend project.
- Broadcast It - I have found that when I know others are depending on me I'm more likely to accomplish whatever the task maybe. Something as simple as a post to social media can conjure up support that you may not have even known you had. If you know that a friend is going to check in to see how the doctors appointment went, to inquire about your day at the gym or in my case, ask when the next blog entry is coming, you're more likely to stick to your commitments because you want to have something great to report (we all like to boast from time to time). Utilize email, Facebook, and even Twitter...a mass text could be helpful in holding you accountable.
- Grab A Partner - I'm not sure about you but I hate to be stood up. It's because of that it's not likely I'll stand anyone else up. Invite a friend to ride with you while you run errands around town. Lunch with the bestie is always a great incentive for me to get out and about. There have been times when the sun beams through my window and my mattress seems to have my body in a pillowy (is that a word lol) choke hold I think "maybe I'll just do it tomorrow" but when the text or phone call comes through to see if I'm still going or what time we are going to meet up I'm jolted back into proactive mode and I hit the ground running. Before I know it I've ran errands and am enjoying my mid day mojito!!
- Don't be So Hard On Yourself - Get done all that you can and at the end of the day write a "Done" list. Write all the things that you have accomplished in the day even the little things. Let that be the last thing you focus on when it comes to errands, chores, and household responsibilities. If you must write a "to do" list for the following day do so before writing your "Done" list and add "wrote "to do" list for tomorrow" to the "Done" list. Accomplishing something is always better than accomplishing nothing.
As an aide to the above listed suggestions I have found meditation to be a great help. Many people believe that meditation is simply being in deep thought but in fact it's more than that. Through meditation you allow your mind to still and silence and instead you are able to sit, without thinking, with only your feelings. Yes, sometimes I sit with my feelings of procrastination. I visualize and feel my sense of accomplishment when my errands and business is handled. I channel my overwhelming feelings of motivation and I simply sit in all those feelings and emotions without thinking and simply feeling...just being!!
No matter what road you choose choose the proactive road. Just remind yourself that "the sooner you start the sooner you'll be done" as my G-Ma used to say!
We'd love to hear your ideas and tips on staying focused and proactive. In the comments section below leave your comments, suggestions, and tips. You can find more Pages Of Vision if you #LikeUs, #Follow, and check us out on Instagram, Tumblr, and Pinterest and as always Peace, Love, and Motivation!! #TeamPagesOfVision
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