We have all heard the saying “Procrastination is the thief of time.” Stealing time, the act of putting off until tomorrow what we could do today, can also ultimately leave us dipping into our valuable leisure time to complete the tasks that should have been carried out during working hours-and vice versa.
Procrastination can become a deadly habit that causes us to lose control of time and end up having little to show for ourselves in any area of life. Here, therefore, are a few simple tips to help overcome any inclination to put off the “must dos” in favor of the “nice to dos.”
1. Prioritize your tasks.
2. Break down your activities into chunks, and then set yourself deadlines for each.
3. Use a planner to write down your daily tasks, and make it your goal to stick within the time limits that you have set yourself.
4. Keep your planner handy and refer to it often throughout the day to ensure that you stay on track.
5. Minimize distractions. If you are inclined to become distracted by what is going on in your inbox, for example, then only open it up at the time allotted for dealing with e-mails.
Want more time for the family or golf? Don’t procrastinate about eliminating procrastination.
[Article first appeared in the November 2010 issue of Family Times.]
