Wednesday, October 3, 2012

The Art of Procrastination: Option 1, Make like a Princess

So a client has stood me up and as I have not had a lunch break, and as nearly all my admin is up to date, I am taking this opportunity to write and let you in on option 1 in the noble art of procrastination.

The story so far: The hated task is leering at you (for me admin). You know it's there. You are dreading it. You REALLY do not want to do it. In fact physical pain is preferable.

The first question I'd suggest you ask yourself is 'How important is completing this task to my business/life/whatever?'

It may be that it is not important or does not need to get done ever, and if that is the case why do it? You can in fact take great delight in using your sharpie and permanently removing it from the list... forever. GONE!

If however, it is something that needs to be done then you have a choice.

Your first option. There's no nice way to say this so I won't even try. The first option you have is to make like a princess, suck it up and just do it. I know, it's not nice. It's not what anyone wants to hear, but sometimes you just have to suck it up like the good little princess you are and do it. Sigh. It really is that simple.

BUT, and here's the kicker, you reward yourself. That's the sweetener, the incentive and the reason why you do it.

You have to be nice to yourself. This is a task/job/whatever you absolutely detest, something you would rather not do and the only person who knows how awful this task/thing that must not be named is, is you and maybe your business coach. So treat yourself. Make this task as painless as possible and reward yourself after. Make it a reward you want. Something that will compensate you for the pain you are about to face, and something you can look forward to.

So, that begs the question 'what does reward look like to you?;' Every one is different and we all take our pleasures in different ways. Do you like hot bubble baths with a glass of wine and a good book? Do you like going to the flicks? Do you deserve a weekend/night/day off? Just because it's a reward does not mean you have to spend money.

Think about how you can treat yourself after, and plan to do this very thing ONCE the dreaded task is done. Go on, celebrate! Kick up your heels. It's allowed and in my opinion is required. You have faced the nightmare, done battle with your demons and won. The damned thing is DONE. You can take great delight in crossing the thing off your to do list!

So to summarize option 1: Suck it up Princess. Get like Nike, and just DO IT. BUT remember to celebrate and reward yourself.

If option 1, does not appeal, then we are onto option 2.... and that will be covered in the next post.

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