Getting It Done

Many of us procrastinate when we need to start a new or challenging project. The problem is that it doesn’t get any easier as time passes. In fact, if you delay too long, you may not have sufficient time to do a good job.

From experience, we find that a parallel can be drawn between physical inertia and what we refer to as psychological inertia.

Newtons’s first law about inertia says that bodies in motion stay in motion until stopped by an outside force, and motionless bodies remain motionless unless moved by an outside force. Beginning a difficult task is similar. In other words, when you keep putting it off it makes it harder to get started and accomplish anything. Conversely, when you start working on it you tend to keep working on it.

Another step that may help you get started is to plan your action. Divide what needs to be accomplished into steps. Plan where you will work, what information you may need to obtain, and what time you will work on the project. Try to stick to that time table.

Select a place to work where you will not be interrupted. Interruptions interfere with your thought processes and lead to putting off completion of the job.

If you have many duties or jobs to do, you need to prioritize them. The important items need to be handled first, but if the important item are expected to take a long time, you may need to divide those projects in to steps so you will not completely neglect the less important duties.

Make a list of all your duties and projects and estimate the amount of time they will require. If the time required is more than the time you have available, you need to obtain help. Otherwise, it may be necessary to put off certain items indefinitely.

Most people get a sense of satisfaction when they complete a job. Remember that good feeling. It provides an incentive to begin other projects.