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Finding Time For Tomorrow's Deadline - 5 Last-Minute Solutions For Procrastinators
Did you procrastinate and run out of time? Are you panicking? Relax! These Do's and Don'ts will get you back on track in no time!
Time management techniques are lifesavers when you’re going down for the third time. For example, recall that project you found out about two weeks ago? The one you haven’t worked on yet, but figured you would “tomorrow”? Well, the deadline really IS tomorrow!
5 Things Not to Do:
— DO NOT skip town, hunt for disguises or take a new name.
— DO NOT keep procrastinating.
— DO NOT panic.
— DO NOT berate yourself.
— DO NOT throw in the towel.
Details may vary from one time to the next, but the basic story remains the same. You’ve been putting something off, or letting other priorities get in the way of completing a task. That sinking feeling in the pit of your stomach may make you want to disappear, but showing up is the best antidote!
To successfully complete your task, set new patterns in place. Commit to making this project a success, and use tips below as building blocks for better time choices from here on.
5 Tips to Help You Meet Your Deadline.
— DO create a boundary.
— DO get your tools together.
— DO define your task.
— DO get started.
— DO keep in mind that DONE is better than perfect!
Create a boundary. Notify people that you simply can’t be disturbed until you complete your project. Enlist in their support, if needed. Let the answering machine take your messages. Direct your full attention and energy to the task at hand.
Assemble your tools. What do you need to complete your task? A computer? Papers from work? Coffee? Gather nearby whatever will help you to get the job done.
Define your task. Visualize the point of completion. Then brainstorm how you can reach it. What is the most direct route? Let simplicity be your guide. If you get caught up in the details, it’s time to translate thought into action.
Get started. This is the top priority. Once you get started, keep going. Do not let doubts or interruptions stop you. You may hit bumps, but keep moving. Give yourself small breaks if you need to, but set a time frame for them and return to your task quickly.
Finish. Remind yourself: perfection isn’t your goal. You simply need to complete your project on schedule. Once you have finished, if you have time, you can go back and polish your work. If it helps, think of your finished product as a starting point rather than an endpoint!
The way you spend your time is the way you live your life
Once you’ve gotten out of that corner you backed yourself into, congratulate yourself! You have learned first-hand how boundaries, focus and mobilizing yourself enables you to meet your deadline. This is just one example of the benefits you will enjoy if you regularly study your time choices to enhance your effectiveness. Become your own hero. Rescue yourself from a life of urgency and avoidance! With practice, you will experience increasing success at finding time.
What is your next step to be finding time?