Beneath so many life challenges from clearing out the basement to improving productivity, lie the thinking traps that get us stuck in delay, procrastination, or simply do-it-later-itis.
Here are five versions of one simple I’ll get around to it later thinking trap that has major implications for our productivity:
I need a dedicated block of time for this task.
There’s not enough time for it now.
I will find time for it when I am not so busy.
That’s too big a project to start right now, and it’s not due right away anyway.
I just don’t have the capacity to deal with that now.
Yes, wouldn’t it be nice if all of a sudden a huge block of time with no clients and no deadlines opened up in your calendar. And we all know how often that happens!
Here’s what it important to know. Big projects are best tackled, initially, with some small steps. My April article for Slaw.ca was all about getting free of the thinking traps that are holding you back. You can read it here.
Bottom line? Break your large projects into small, actionable next steps. For the basement, start by sorting through one box and getting rid of or recycling what you don’t need. For productivity in the office, get moving on big projects earlier with small actionable next steps to get the ball rolling. Even a ten minute investment in “getting started” can have a significant impact. I use this strategy every day, and it is a life saver. Try it today!
