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Working Smarter
Dear Sue: Do you have advice for ways to get things done before
they reach a crisis mode? My plate is so full that I tend to put
things off until the last minute, which means I am always
working under pressure and on a tight deadline. This is causing
me a lot of stress. I am very busy every day, but some days
never get to many of my tasks. - Stressed
Sue Says: There is a difference between being busy and being
productive. People can busy themselves in many ways; spending
time organizing, preparing, talking on the phone , talking with
people, dealing with other people's problems, etc. However,
random busyness can often lead to a feeling of distress if you
are busying yourself with things that aren't really important.
Have you ever had your sleep disrupted because you remembered
something you forgot to do? Have you ever felt at the end of the
day as though you didn't get anything done? Chances are you
weren't sitting idle; you probably were busy, but busy doing
things that either weren't critical, necessary or important.
There are many reasons people avoid doing things before they
become a crisis. Some people simply prefer to work under
pressure and find that only when a deadline is near that they
will take the time to the task. Other common reasons for
procrastination: the task is too time consuming, difficult,
boring or overwhelming. TOP
Mark Goulston, author of "Get Out Of Your Own Way", has a unique
perspective on procrastination, and says that people
procrastinate when they are lonely. For example, many alcoholics
and substance abusers have difficulty overcoming their addiction
until they join Alcoholics Anonymous or another recovery
program. Goulston says that it's not the 12 steps that help such
people to finally give up drinking or using drugs, it's having
the support of a sponsor and a fellowship to look to when you're
wandering off course.
The same is true for people who procrastinate on taking better
care of their health. Although it is a well-known fact that a
healthy diet and exercise will lead to better health, many
people fail to do anything about changing their bad habits
unless they are forced to. Some people become motivated when
they discover that their clothes no longer fit, while for others
it may take something more serious, such as a health crisis. For
some, working with a nutritionist or personal trainer is the
answer to finally gaining momentum on the path to better health.
TOP
Goulston recommends overcoming loneliness-based procrastination
by enlisting the support of other people. A procrastinator can
become an activator when around others. That's why people have
jogging buddies, study groups and collaborators. Make a trade
with a friend and reciprocate by offering to help out with
something he or she is trying to get done.
Determine at the start of each day what you need to get done,
and spend your time on the tasks you have identified as most
important rather than allowing yourself to be distracted by
spending time on menial tasks. You have identified a trigger of
your stress, and the good news is that you can do something to
eliminate it.
Not only will you feel better as a result, but ultimately, you
will be more productive, in control and the type of person
others can count on.
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