Firstly, is interesting to reflect on what is happening when we are procrastinating. There might be a few reasons for procrastination.
Whatever the case, we simply can’t seem to get moving on a task. As a result, we may know what to do. But can’t seem to fire up the motivation or momentum to start.
Consequently, this lack of action starts to cause a build-up in stress. As a rule, this stress will build up until the deadline is fast looming, or even past. In most cases, this will lead to a huge binge of work.
By the same token, this is also when people start to delegate. Pushing the ‘monkey’ over the fence to get it off their desk. Consequently, others are getting dumped with the work and the stress builds up for then. Alternatively, you might freeze. Unable to do the work, despite the deadline.
Somewhere along the line we need a circuit breaker.
One of the best tools we have found to overcome procrastination we call WDEP.
WDEP is an acronym for a short set of questions that you can ask yourself. Alternatively, you can use them with your team. This tool features in our Certificate IV in Workplace and Business Coaching (10834NAT) program.
Without a doubt the tool has a bit of a sting in the tail. Particularly because it makes us face reality of what is happening when we procrastinate. Furthermore, we evaluate whether what we are doing is getting us what we want. With this in mind, here are the key questions:
(W) What is it that you WANT?
(D) What are you DOING about it? Or What DIRECTION are you taking to get what you want?
(E) What’s your EVALUATION? How is what you are doing getting you what you want?
(P) How do you PLAN to PROCEED?
As a consequence of coaching yourself, it’s time to get moving with the plan. It should be noted, one of the easiest things we can do is to break big goals down into smaller chunks. The key is to pick any small piece and start doing it. Furthermore, setting a count-down and alarm on your phone really helps. Set your phone to 15 minutes and go for it.
In summary here’s the steps:
Importantly, for most people, the best time of day is first thing in the morning. Consequently, if you do this, try it first thing in the morning. Before you open email or log on to other forums. In spite of everything else you have on during the day. Hit your 15-minute task and you will 100 percent thank yourself for doing it. Undoubtedly, it is these consistent actions that will make a difference over time.
How did you make that decision?