I don’t know about you, but two of the biggest challenges I face on a daily basis are procrastination and distraction.  Today, I want to share with you 5 principles that I’ve learned that significantly help with these two issues.

1. Have Everything At Hand - One of the best ways for you to overcome procrastination and get more things done faster is for you to have everything you need at hand before you begin. When you are fully prepared, you are like a cocked gun or an archer with an arrow pulled back taut in the bow. You just need one small mental push to get started on your highest value tasks.
2. Clear Your Workspace - Begin by clearing off your desk or workspace so that you only have one task in front of you. If necessary, put everything on the floor or on the table behind you – out of sight. Gather all the information, reports, details, papers, and work materials that you will require to complete the job. Have them at hand so you can reach them without getting up or moving. Be sure that you have all writing materials, computer disks, access codes, email addresses and everything else you need to start and continue working until the job is done.
3. Make It Comfortable - Set up your work area so that it is comfortable, attractive and conducive to working for long periods. Especially, make sure that you have a comfortable chair that supports your back and allows your feet to sit flat on the floor.  The most productive people take the time to create a work area where they enjoy spending time. The cleaner and neater your work area before you begin, the easier it is for you to get started and keep going.
4. Assume The Position - When you sit down, with everything in front of you, ready to go, assume the body language of high performance. Sit up straight, sit forward and away from the back of the chair. Carry yourself as though you were an efficient, effective high performing personality. Then, pick up the first item and say to yourself, “Let’s get to work!” and plunge in. And once you’ve started, keep going until the job is finished.
5. Dress the Part - Sometimes, if I’m feeling really ornery, it helps to put on a business suit.  Even if I’m working at home and would love to be in sweats, there’s something about that outfit that says, “work!”

Action Exercises
Here are 3 things you can do immediately to put these ideas into action.

1. Take a good look at your desk or office, both at home and at the office. Ask yourself, “What kind of a person works in an environment like that?”
2. Resolve today to clean up your desk and office completely so that you feel effective, efficient and ready to get going each time you sit down to work.
3. Develop a wardrobe that’s comfortable but serious at the same time.  You know what I’m talking about.  There’s nothing like “putting on the uniform” to get your psyche in gear!

Until next time,
I Invite YOU to Live Joyfully!

Posted under Conscious Creation, Leadership, Motivation, Success