After a long (and somewhat unproductive) summer, I feel like September is the time to get back on track. How can I be most productive?
Gennifer K. emailed us at expert@sweetspot.ca, and Life Coach Julia James answered:
Are you a procrastinator? Are you looking at your pile of paperwork thinking you want to play another game of Solitaire? Dirty dishes in the sink—maybe it’s time to paint your nails? You're not alone.
We can all be productive, despite our tendency to avoid the things we don’t feel inspired to do. The next time you feel overwhelmed by your long to-do list and find yourself looking for excuses, try these simple steps:
Relax & Refresh
The key to conquering procrastination is to recognize that it’s a reflection of your need to recharge. A quick way to relax and refresh is to take a mini-retreat. Here are a few ideas to get you started:
♦ Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths.
♦ Get outside and feel the sun on your skin.
♦ Turn on your favourite song and dance or sing along.
After a few moments, you’ll feel your energy level pick up, your mood lighten and your inspiration return. You’ll have what it takes to move forward to step two.
Prioritize
♦ With renewed energy and a relaxed state of mind, choose one project from your to-do list that seems like the most urgent and important.
♦ Write this project on a note and post it somewhere where you will see it every day.
♦ Put away your to-do list until you have completed your first project.
Shrink the Task & Take Action Daily
♦ Break down the project into small tasks that can be accomplished in five-minute segments.
♦ Do one task towards the completion of your project every day.
♦ Begin with the tasks that will give you a sense of accomplishment quickly. If your project is cleaning the house, spend five minutes cleaning every day, beginning with the smallest room.
Celebrate Your Success
For every task you accomplish, take a moment to celebrate. This can be as simple as:
♦ Deeply appreciating your accomplishment.
♦ Sharing your joy with someone supportive.
♦ Soaking in a bubble bath, enjoying this relaxing time for yourself.
When you relax, prioritize, shrink the task, take daily action and celebrate your success, you can have fun while getting things done.
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Julia James, CPCC, PCC, M.Sc. is a multilingual certified life coach and International speaker. She helps busy professionals around the world achieve balance in their lives. Award-winning author of the book, The Mini-Retreat Solution and the audio CD series, Guided Mini-Retreats for Busy People, she provides tools to manage stress effectively. |
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