5 Tricks To Keep You Going When It’s Time to Execute!

I admit it. I love to challenge deadlines.

The rush to meet a deadline inspires me. It’s an adrenaline high to finish something just under the allotted time. I love it!

But procrastination is also a sure-fire way to produce mediocre work.

“But I didn’t have time!” Really??? That’s why I keep my fool-proof remedy for procrastination on hand at all times.

Here are five tricks to get me going when it’s time to execute (a.k.a. 5 ways I kick procrastination’s butt!):

1.) Schedule a Start Time. The very minor task of scheduling a specific time to work on a task or project produces great results. I’m mentally prepared and I’ve cleared my workspace to focus on just one thing.

I schedule an appointment with myself! Try it.

2.) Follow the 15-Minute Rule. If the project has multiple tasks, I make certain that no single task takes longer than fifteen minutes to complete. (Yes I’m attention-challenged)

I can keep my head down and free from distractions for fifteen minutes. After that, all bets are off. Look at your project and break it down into smaller chunks.

3.) Do the Easy Stuff First. To get a project headed in the right direction you need to build momentum. Start by tackling the smaller tasks first. You’ll gain a lot of confidence as you check these simpler tasks off your list.

Then, when you get to the bigger stuff, you’re more likely to have the juices flowing to finish the project.

4.) Turn Off…Everything! And yes, I mean everything. Phone, email, web browser – anything that isn’t essential to the project. Close your door and put a “Do Not Disturb” sign on the outside.

Remove all distractions so you are singularly focused on the task at hand. This will send a message to your brain that this project is very important, and nothing is worth the interruption.

5.) Plan Mini-Rewards. Before you start any phase of the project you should give yourself a specific target and a specific reward. For example, “If I can accomplish these two tasks by 11:00 AM I will treat myself to a milkshake today.”

Small rewards for minor tasks; big rewards for major accomplishments. When you have a reward system in place, you’re more likely to stay committed to the project’s completion.

So what are you doing to ensure excellence in your execution? Do you have an anti-procrastination plan?

Trust me, it’s best to get your projects out-of-the-way early.

The reward? Peace of mind. It’s well worth it, my friends. Well worth it.


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About the Author: Jeff Shore

Jeff Shore is the Founder and CEO of Shore Consulting, Inc. a company specializing in psychology-based sales training programs. Using these modern, game-changing techniques, Jeff Shore’s clients delivered over 145,000 new homes generating $54 billion in revenue last year.