End Procrastination Forever (after you read this post)

Posted on September 15th, 2010 by Keith Ferrazzi

Stever Robbins' new book is out! Congrats Stever.  Check out video and audio clips on www.SteverRobbinsBook.com - and of course, pick up a copy of the book at www.WorkLessAndDoMore.com.

Here is a tip from the book to stop yourself from procrastinating:

Thinking causes procrastination. No, really. We build up tasks in our mind, thinking they'll be huge, unachievable,or unpleasant. The remedy is to stop thinking and just start acting....

Make your brain happy by speed-dating your tasks.

1. List what you're procrastinating.

2. Start at the top and work on each task for exactly five minutes, then move to the next task. Use a timer to be precise.

3. When you're done, take a 5-10 minute break and do it again.

Five minutes is short; your brain will let you do it. Since you're hitting several of your procrastinated tasks, your brain knows you'll get to your other tasks just five minutes from now. It frees you to focus completely on the task in front of you, yet guarantees you'll go on to make progress on everything that's important.

How do you GET IT DONE when you need to?

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3 comments // In Time Management
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3 Responses so far | Have Your Say!

  1. Thanks Keith for pointing to the next book I need to read. I just finished your WGYB and it was an excellent read. Read it in a week but I know I will need to go back to it someday. Lessons in your book are to be re-read at diff stages of life. Thanks again.

    I started on Linchpin yesterday but a book on Procrastination is top prio.I am a master at it and I really need help.

    I like the 2 tips you shared from the book, espcially #2 about doing tasks 5 mins at time. I am sure when I get started on a task, 5 mins will become 10 and then 15 mins... the issue is always to get started.

    Thanks again.

    Raj
    @_13apples_

  2. I would add that over-planning is a huge part of procrastinating. Things don't have to be perfect the first time through and almost never are. So get started. Put some time in. And before you know it, you'll be on to versions 2, 3, 4, and so on. Getting out of my own way is one of my best procrastination beaters.

  3. The forum is a brigther place thanks to your posts. Thanks!

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