Stop Procrastinating - Get Started The Right Way

Do you have a problem getting started? Do you need to stop procrastinating?

This tip from Brian Tracy will help you to get started the right way.

***

Prepare Thoroughly Before You Begin
By: Brian Tracy

Have Everything At Hand

One of the best ways for you to overcome procrastination and get more things done faster is for you to have everything you need at hand before you begin.

When you are fully prepared, you are like a cocked gun or an archer with an arrow pulled back taut in the bow. You just need one small mental push to get started on your highest value tasks.

Clear Your Workspace

Begin by clearing off your desk or workspace so that you only have one task in front of you. If necessary, put everything on the floor or on the table behind you.

Gather all the information, reports, details, papers, and work materials that you will require to complete the job. Have them at hand so you can reach them without getting up or moving. Be sure that you have all writing materials, computer disks, access codes, email addresses and everything else you need to start and continue working until the job is done.

Make It Comfortable

Set up your work area so that it is comfortable, attractive and conducive to working for long periods. Especially, make sure that you have a comfortable chair that supports your back and allows your feet to sit flat on the floor.

The most productive people take the time to create a work area where they enjoy spending time. The cleaner and neater your work area before you begin, the easier it is for you to get started and keep going.

Assume The Position

When you sit down, with everything in front of you, ready to go, assume the body language of high performance.

Sit up straight, sit forward and away from the back of the chair. Carry yourself as though you were an efficient, effective high performing personality.

Then, pick up the first item and say to yourself, "Let's get to work!" and plunge in.

And once you've started, keep going until the job is finished.

Action Exercises

Here are two things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.

First, take a good look at your desk or office, both at home and at the office. Ask yourself, "What kind of a person works in an environment like that?"

Second, resolve today to clean up your desk and office completely so that you feel effective, efficient and ready to get going each time you sit down to work.

Brian Tracy Resources To Improve Your Productivity

Simplify Your Life - a 60 minute audio program to help you to reduce stress and take control of your life.

These are available from BrianTracy.com (affiliate link)

***

My Thoughts

If the job is important and you should be doing it as a top priority, then decide for yourself "I will start and finish ... today".

As Brian Tracy explains, getting tasks done has two key problems:

1. getting started
    
   
2. keeping going until you are done   
   

So if the job is too big to do in one sitting - even as a disciplined and effective time manager and achiever - split the job into smaller, standalone tasks that can be done in one sitting.

Then take that first step.