Avoiding procrastination has always been a difficult challenge for many people. I have always had a propensity to procrastinate on some tasks. Blaming the fact that I just do not have the motivation today to get something started. Sometimes the overall immensity of the task at hand is so large that my mind becomes overwhelmed and I simply shut down. This can add even more stress on my mind and body that ultimately other tasks and motivations can become negatively impacted until I freeze in place and nothing gets accomplished.
Today I want to address how I get going on those tougher projects/plans and how I unload my mind from smaller day to day tasks. The tool I use to really make my life and mind at ease is a little trick from the world of software development. Commonly known as a SCRUM board.
Generally this tool is used to manage larger software projects. Enabling software developers to break down larger tasks into more easily manageable tasks that can be completed in a few developing sessions. I have manipulated this process to accommodate my own day to day tasks.
Everyday all day long if I ever think of a task that I need to accomplish from mowing the lawn or completing an entire restoration of my new sailboat I write it down in a few words on a yellow sticky note. Generally I write the current date and any relevant information down. I then place this note on my wall at home. The notes are broken into three categories: Backlog, In-Process, Completed.
Backlog
The backlog is where you store anything that has to be done in the future. Anything that is bothering you and ultimately needs to get accomplished, but not today.
For example: I might need to mow the lawn later this week, but the work is not a pressing subject.
In-Process
Once an item in the backlog needs to be address more critically or I have the time to knock a few items off the list the sticky note gets moved to the In-Process list. This list should never have more than a few items in it at a time. It is critical that this list never be overburdened or it will defeat its purpose.
Complete
This is where you can rejoice and reflect on your past accomplishments. Think of it as a trophy hall of your success. It can be all too easy to forget what you have accomplished last month let alone yesterday. What is more motivating than seeing your hard work add up in this pseudo trophy board.
Example Board
If you find a task too daunting and you are unable to get motivated to start the task, see if you can break it down further. * For example, my sailboat that I just purchased last fall needs a lot of cosmetic work. If I think about everything that has to be done I can easily get overwhelmed. Instead I pick smaller tasks that need to be accomplished such as removing all the wood trim from the exterior. This is a task I can get done in an evening after work. If I still can’t manage to get off my butt, I might break it down even further. I might simply create a task to load up the car with the required tools.
Generally if I break down a task far enough I will eventually get started and then I often keep going and get a lot more done. I tend to procrastinate and this helps me get started if I know that the task is small enough. 9 times out of 10 once I get moving I find the motivation to continue.
Once you have completed a task rejoice in your accomplishment and pick another item from you backlog to add to your In-Process board.
Try this process and you will find your mind free to think about other things. You will get more done, feel less stress and visibly see what you have accomplished.
What tools do you use to avoid procrastination completed in your life?
* Yes, I purchased a small sailboat to start my path to crossing off a bucket list item – Sail to the Bahamas. I want to start learning about how to sail and see if sailing is truly for me.
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