How Can I Get Started With Anything, When I Am A Professional Procrastinator?

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Howdy, friends, family, fiends, foes, and funky folks! Today, I’m working on a topic that might hit close to home for many of us: procrastination. Yup, that pesky habit of putting off what you could do today until… well, probably never,,, or later than that. But fear not! Even if you’ve turned procrastination into a professional skill, there are ways to jumpstart any project, diet, or grand plan you may have been dodging. So, let’s break down 10 dynamite ideas to get rolling:

Break It Down — Ever looked at a task and just froze because it seemed like a mountain? Zig Ziglar, the motivational speaker said it best, “ How do you eat an elephant, one bite at a time!” Slice that mountain into manageable bite-sized hills. If it’s a project, start with brainstorming or outlining. For a diet, begin with a meal plan for just one day or even one meal! (That’s how I did the diet I am on currently, and it works for me. See my, “Damn, I’m Fat Again” series.
Set the Stage — Create your ideal environment. If it’s a clean desk you need, tidy up. If you’re starting a diet, purge the junk food. A clear space can lead to a clear mind, and a clear mind gets things moving! Perspective is vital!
Time It Right — Use the “Pomodoro technique”: set a timer for 25 minutes, work until it rings, then take a 3-minute break. It’s a game-changer for both focus and efficiency, especially when your brain knows there’s a break coming soon. IF you have trouble concentrating this helps a ton!
The Five-Minute Miracle — Tell yourself you’ll only work on it for five minutes. It’s a lot easier to commit to a mini session than a marathon. More often than not, once you start, you’ll find yourself cruising past that initial time slot. I know I do. That 5 minutes turns into 50 really quickly!
Visualize the Victory — Spend just a quick moment visualizing the finished product and the sweet feeling of finishing with a good product. Whether it’s the pride in a project completed or the benefits of a healthier diet, visualization can be a powerful motivator.
Buddy Up — Two heads (or more) are better than one. Team up with a friend who has similar goals. Having a buddy keeps you accountable and adds a layer of commitment that’s harder to shake. My pal, here at work, Sunday, (yeah, that’s his name), and I walk the lot a few times a day when we aren’t busy, we get in a lot of steps and feel better every day. Not to mention we can talk strategy and inventory when we are out on the used car lot.
Set a Deadline — Nothing lights a fire like a good old-fashioned deadline. Mark it on your phone’s calendar. Tell someone about it. Make it real, and watch procrastination take a hike.
Reward Yourself — Plan a reward for when you hit milestones. If you’re working on a project, maybe it’s a coffee break after a solid hour of work. Starting a diet? Treat yourself to a fancy new water bottle after a week of sticking to your goals. (Don’t use food as the reward, that leads to ugly stuff down the road!)
One Thing at a Time — Multitasking can be a procrastinator’s worst enemy. Pick one task and give it your all. You’ll not only do it better but finish quicker, which can spur you on to tackle the next thing. When I was a loan officer, years ago, I took my files and worked one at a time to get it ready. When my desk was empty, I was done, and it didn’t feel like I was overwhelmed. (One bite at a time)
Just Start — Sometimes, Nike is right, just do it! The best method is to dive right in. Don’t overthink it. The act of starting — no matter how small the action — can break the inertia and get the momentum going. Break loose of the stagnant, and get flowing. Power into and through it!

Remember, folks, starting is often the very hardest part, but once you’re moving, it gets easier. Here’s to conquering procrastination and getting the ball rolling on your goals, one step at a time. Now, let’s make it happen!

Let me know how you get started: deanbensonrocks@gmail.com .

Dean Benson, “The Dean Of Rock & Roll” SKY7music.com middays on the “Only Classic Rock Channel”. Also see more of my writing at: https://stan.store/DeanBensonRocks .