The Problem: You’re procrastinating, and even though you want to be working you just can’t seem to break out of it.

The Solution:

1. Stand up and step away from your desk. It sounds like a small step, but this is the most important part of this idea. Just remember, “Feeling Stuck –> Stand Up!”

While you are standing, shut off whatever was distracting you. Do not sit down.

2. Change your environment by taking a short walk, and once you’re moving start picking up the pace until it feels like you’re hurrying. Try to feel like you’re building up momentum. When you get back you’re not going to “settle into work,” you’re going to hit it like a train!

3. Hit it like a train.

The Secret: It’s easy to think that your body simply follows instructions from your brain, but each is affected by the other. Here we’re getting our mind back on track by cranking up our body.

Want a quick example of using your body to affect your brain and your mood?

1) Notice how you feel right now.
2) Stand up and shake it out.
3) Stand up straight and confidently, and hold your head up high.
4) Look around to see if anyone is looking.
5) Smile ridiculously BIG!

How do you feel? Any different than you felt 30 seconds ago?

Topics: All Productivity Tips, Overcoming Procrastination 17 Comments »

The Problem: Large projects can be difficult to start.

The Trick: Instead of trying to start the project, list the steps
you would do to complete it.

The Secret: We don’t resist planning nearly as much as doing.

How it works: Creating a list of small specific steps makes it’s
easier for your brain to say “oh, I can do that!” For example,
it’s easier to get started with “Find accountant’s phone number”
than with “Handle taxes”.

Your goal isn’t to make a short list, it’s to leave nothing out.
Many small items on a list gives you a feeling of progress as you
check things off. It’s more fun too.

Have a great weekend.

Topics: All Productivity Tips, Overcoming Procrastination 8 Comments »

The Problem: Procrastination. (Yes, we all do it.).

The Secret: Doing the project isn’t the real challenge, it’s getting started in the first place.

The Trick: A quick burst of effort on whatever you’re avoiding. The idea is to start small enough that you’ll actually do it. It’s ok if the amount of effort feels “ridiculously small”, especially if you’re really stuck.

Example: “I’m going to clean this room for one minute” or “I’m going to open the project and write one sentence.”

How it works: The longer you avoid doing something the bigger it gets inside your mind. Any progress that gets you started wipes away that feeling and gives you a fresh start. From there it’s easier to keep moving.

Topics: All Productivity Tips, Overcoming Procrastination 3 Comments »