We all procrastinate sometimes. It can be hard to find the motivation to move forward. There are times you might not even realize you are procrastinating.
Just because you are busy, it doesn’t mean you are accomplishing anything. In fact, you might be choosing less important tasks to be busy with in order to avoid what you actually should be doing.
If you find yourself busy without really getting anything done, or if you think you might be procrastinating, here are 5 questions you can ask yourself to help you get back on track:
1. Should I Be Doing This?
This is one of the most important questions you can ask yourself. Consider your priorities. Are your current activities in line with your short-term and long-term goals. Will what you’re doing have the impact you want it to have on your business? Sometimes we procrastinate by being busy at something that won’t offer the returns we are looking for. Ask yourself if you should be engaged in the activity, and how much value it will bring.
2. Do I Feel Overwhelmed with Options?
Sometimes we procrastinate because we feel overwhelmed with the things we need to do. You might have several options for tasks that need doing, but you might not know which really is most important. In the end, you might just need to pick one thing to work on, and commit to it. Accomplishing one important task is better than procrastinating to the point that you get nothing done.
3. Am I Distracted?
Do you procrastinate because you are distracted? This is fairly common. However, it’s important to understand what is distracting you. Recently, I’ve been distracted by worries. It’s hard to focus when you are distracted by the worries associated with everything on your plate. You might be distracted by other things, too. TV, getting distracted by small tasks, and going down the social media rabbit hole can all help you procrastinate. Ask yourself if you are being distracted from your important tasks.
4. Do I Have What I Need?
Without the skills or resources to accomplish a task, it can be difficult to get excited about something. It might be easier to procrastinate. However, you need to pinpoint the problem. If you don’t think you have the necessary skills or time to complete a project, putting it off won’t help you much. Honestly evaluate the situation. Delegate or outsource some of the tasks that you have been procrastinating on. You can then focus on things at which you excel.
5. How Do I Feel?
When I am tired or unhappy, I have a hard time focusing. I find myself procrastinating by mindlessly scrolling through Facebook or reading a novel that I’ve read dozens of times. You also don’t want to feel overexcited because that can hamper your ability to focus as well. I work best, and am less likely to procrstinate, when I am well-rested, feel healthy, and have a positive outlook. If I don’t feel well, I try to pinpoint the reasons behind that feeling, and do what I can to remedy the situation, whether it’s meditation, taking a nap, or going for a walk.
Don’t get sucked into procrastination. Ask yourself these questions, and bring attention to your thoughts and feelings so that you are better able to stop procrastinating and work more effectively.
