When I tell people that I help others get organized they say " Boy I could sure use that." Everyone at some point in their lives needs help with organization. We all get so busy that we put things on the back burner. Things that we really don't want to do. Our favorite statements are:
* "I don't know how."
* "It's easier to let things go."
* "I have children."
* If I get organized, I won't be creative anymore."
* " My problems are different from those of everyone else ( I get more mail, I have more appointments, responsibilities, etc.), so I can't get organized.
* Getting organized will be too predictable and boring."
While people believe these excuses are true, the fact remains that you probably won't be famous if you don't know where things are..."
People who are successful share a common secret. They know that to get ahead they must plan, set priorities, and always follow through.
The process of getting organized will amaze you. You may find that what you've put off for years takes only an hour to do! Believe me, it takes less time to be organized-it's actually easier to be organized- so let's get started.
#1 Procrastination
Are you a procrastinator? Here are some warning signs:
* Wait to the last minute to start a project
* Send belated Birthday Cards
* File taxes on April 15th or later
* Holiday shopping on Christmas Eve
* Put off the dentist or doctor
* How long have you been waiting to clean out our closet/drawers/kitchen/ medicine cabinets?
*Put off making decisions about something?
* Are you waiting for the "right" time to make that dreaded phone call, confront your boss about a well-deserved raise, or start an exercise program?
Most of us procrastinate in one area or another. As children we learned that procrastination brought a certain element of satisfaction. As adults, procrastination generally signals some type of internal conflict. While we have made the decision to do something, there's still a part of us that holds back.
What would cause us to do this. Here are some examples the are very possible:
* Overwhelmed
*Overestimate time needed
*They'd rather do something else
*Waiting long enough and it will go away
*Want it done with perfection
*Don't want to assume responsibility
*Fear success
*Last-minute adrenaline rush
The first thing you must do is figure out which situation generally cause you to procrastinate.
*What types of situation do you usually procrastinate?
*How has it worked against you?
*What price did you pay for the delay?
*When you procrastinate for a long time and then finally do it, what finally gets you going? (Imminent deadline? reward ?some outside pressure?)
* When you find yourself procrastination about something specific, consider the following:
* What situation causes conflict for you? What are you avoiding?
* If you delay, what is likely to be the result"
* If the question really is when to do it( and there is really no possibility that you won't do it), ask yourself if you truly want to pay the price of a delay.
27 Ways to Stop Procrastination
*The hardest part is getting started. Once you're in motion, it will be easier to stick with. Once you have overcome the hurdle things will seem like second nature.
* Procrastinators often have an unrealistic sense of time; you may have the feeling that a project will take forever or that you "plenty of time." The more realistic you become , the less likely you'll be to procrastinate. To get a better sense of time, start keeping a log of how long various projects take. (Use your desk calendar to keep track. You can do a tally at he end of each month.)
* Work with the time available to you. Sometimes people estimate that a project will take 10 or 12 hours, so they keep waiting for a day when they can devote the amount of time needed to complete the project. Of course, that day never comes. Break your projects down to more manageable parts. Make a list of each step you will need to complete it. Then take on the project with set deadlines with a realistic view.
*Keep in mind the as you break your projects down that even 5 minutes is enough to get something done. Two phone calls can be completed in that time.
*Keep in mind that if you really want to complete something, you will find the time.
*You don't always have to start at the beginning. If the first step seems to much, then start at a different part of the project if possible.
*If you find that there are parts of a project you hate, then start with the hardest first to get it out of the way. Then the rest of the project will run smoother.
*Make sure to set small deadlines and promise yourself a small reward. A little time with family, friends, or doing something that makes you happy.
*Try to do things as they occur to you. Don't wait till things get out of hand.
*"Is there a simpler way of doing this?" Maybe you are making the task harder than it really is.
*Ask yourself "What is the worst thing that could happen if I do it now?" Maybe you will have more time to enjoy on a Saturday.
*Do Nothing! Sit the project in-front of you for 15 minutes. Most people can't stand it and will dive in just to complete it.
*Clear your work area of all else so you don't let your eyes wonder.
*Trick yourself into finishing the project.
*Plan an appropriate reason to be motivated. A party or other event.
*Be opportunistic. If your are handed a chance to add a couple of minutes on a project take it and use it wisely.
* Make your "To Do List" a get it done list.
*Expect problems and do your best to work around them.
*If you stall at the end of a project because you are afraid of being judged, go easy on yourself. It doesn't have to be perfect.
* If you have promised to get back to someone on a decision but have not make up your mind yet, call and tell them that. Let them know exactly when you will have an answer and do not forget it.
*Don't be afraid to delegate projects. Others are their to help you and they can do a great job. Also there are people you can hire to help get the stress off when you are overwhelmed. YOU SHOULD NEVER BE EMBARRASSED TO HIRE HELP. PEOPLE WHO DON'T USUALLY HAVE AN UNHEALTHY LIFE AND ARE STRESSED MORE THAN THOSE WHO GET THE HELP THEY NEED.
*Use your leisure time for leisure only. Stop worrying about things and enjoy a well earned break.
* Sometimes procrastination is a decision. You need to see what is causing it and why. Only you will know if you want to really do it or not.
How to Help Procrastinators
You can't make a procrastinator do anything they don't want to. Here is some advice to help you out:
*Discuss the project with them. Make sure the you have a clear understanding of the project and the have control over it. Let them understand the problem with delays and the outcome of that choice. Never threaten them.
*Help them be realistic.
*Suggest that they break down the work and then things should run smoother.
*Whatever you do, don't do it for them! Give lots of support!
*Offer and incentive for completion of the project. Something that they would enjoy.
If is said the certain people are so well organized they are even born on their due dates. This is not always the case. All you need to do is find the motivation of the procrastinator and then they to will get back on track!
