5 Ways To Stop Putting Things Off

As a leader, you always need to be at the top of your game.

You’re the person who the whole team looks toward for inspiration. You’re the one they’re going to emulate.

But let’s be honest. Even though you’re in charge, you’re still human. So like everyone else, there are going to be tasks throughout your day you want to avoid. They’re simply not fun.

If you’re like me, you would love to be able to blink them away from your list of things to do. Unfortunately, none of us have that magic power. So instead, we rationalize why we just can’t get these projects done.

But success requires that certain things are taken care of in a timely fashion. I found out the hard way that putting things off did not necessarily make them go away. In fact, if I did not give them proper attention, I was actually putting my business at a disadvantage.

So how do I avoid procrastination?

Always keep these five things in mind

1. 1. Understand what’s at stake.

What are the benefits of doing or not doing those I-totally-want-to-avoid-them tasks? If you’re still waffling on completing those chores, get the good and bad points down on paper. Believe me, seeing them in black and white makes them real, and that will get you moving.

1. 2. Set clear priorities.

We all love the idea of being the hero, but not adequately focusing on what is necessary will cause us to be the goat. Who or what are the areas that are most important to you right now?

1. 3. Realize growing comes from doing.

Everyone wants to succeed and be the one others will follow. You must attack the necessary to arrive at the desired.

1. 4. Identify what is holding you back.

Often, fear or nervousness about the outcome prevents certain tasks. Think about that difficult conversation you need to have with a team member or that tough decision you have to make. Both are very necessary for success—and almost every single one of us wants to avoid doing either one of them. Left unattended, they can cause unnecessary setbacks.

1. 5. Get a mentor.

Find someone who will call you out and up to your goals. Think of them as a guide to help identify obstacles and plan to deal with them. You can collaborate with this person and share your heart.

The Takeaway:

As you make your to-do list, attack a few of the less desirable tasks early in the day. You will feel better and more accomplished, because those want-to-avoid chores are completed and now in your rear view.

There are benefits to getting things done. Remember, procrastination extends the travel time to the desired destination.