Does procrastination set in when you start feeling over-whelmed?

There are typically three kinds of people when it comes to pressure and performance:

1.  They feel they find their groove when a deadline approaches and they perform best under pressure.

2.  For most of us, we don’t like pressure. We may perform well under pressure but afterward we are drained and determined to “not do that again”.

3.  And some of us find it so uncomfortable that our brains say “No” and our focus leaves.

Regardless of your personal preference of pressure in relation to your performance, being able to make a to-do list and actually get it done is key to beating that deadline. Doing it painlessly is definitely a plus!

So, here are some tips to help you Painlessly Get Your To-Do List Done!

1.  Don’t overload your To-Do list! –

Seriously, write everything down and prioritize each one on a number scale, notate any due dates, then re-write them all in order of priority.

2.  Don’t write more than 3-5 things per day to get done –

Avoid procrastinating on the less important things until they become pressing by simply reserving 2-4 items of priority and then 1-2 of lesser priority to complete your list.

3. Time-block your days and pre-plan your week –

To maximize your productivity level this is key! I even wrote another post just on how to time-block in a planner.

4.  Eat the frog –

Whatever it is you really don’t want to do…do it first and be done with it! Makes the rest of the day easier, lighter, and less painful. Have the attitude of doing what you should even when you don’t feel like it.

5.  Know your limits –

Normally a to-do list becomes overwhelming when it grows to a size we feel is not realistically manageable. Again, to overcome this, repeat #1.

Also, once you have it prioritized it will feel like you’ve lightened your load because you will realize you have been stressing over something that doesn’t have to be done immediately and you still have plenty of time to take care of it.

And another point, to prevent this, remember it’s ok to say ‘No’.

6.  Trello (or Asana)–

I personally use the free tool Trello (app on my android and laptop via website) to help keep the flow of projects organized.

You can create lists and as a stage is completed in a project simply slide it over to the next list.

I’m a visual person so seeing this move is satisfying and relieves stress. You can also make notes in each item and set reminders. It’s great to keep up with client projects, social media marketing, and team collaborations, just to name a few.

7.  Reward system –

I know this sounds childish but I’ll do an extra 5 push-ups for an Almond Joy, just saying ;)!

Seriously though, we do everything in life for a result whether you realize it yet or not.

We work for a paycheck, we workout for the body or health we want, and we obey our boss so we don’t loose that job and hopefully get a raise next year.

So it’s ok to reward yourself, especially on those really uncomfortable easily procrastinated tasks…like taxes, book audits, or for me it might be the dishes.

When I get done with the taxes I reward myself with something because they’re time consuming, frustrating, and just not fun. I personally don’t reward myself with food but instead something tangible like a new mouse pad, a Yeti cup, colored pens (I’m kind of obsessed), or even a new toy to play with the pup.

My philosophy is that every time I use the item I will subconsciously feel accomplished because of the reason I have it. Obviously, I don’t get a new Yeti cup just for doing the dishes but I will give myself more time allotted for a hot bath or sit down and color as a break from chores. (But I also use these examples as a way to manage my chronic illness, not just to pamper myself because I did the dishes lol)

8.  Set a timer –

Sometimes when we know we’ve only allotted X amount of time for a task we will stop procrastinating, rolling on the floor crying we don’t want to do it, or eating all the ice cream while we pout. (I’m sure you haven’t done any of those, but I’m guilty!)

So, I set a timer, crank up some music, open the shades to let natural light in, and bust it out!

9.  Sticky Notes!! –

I LOVE sticky-notes! I can move them around in my calendar or on my desk, leave reminders, messages, lists, etc. for whatever I need. I also love colors, lines, shapes, and patterns…all of which are accomodated by sticky notes 🙂

Working from home or working remotely can be a chore. For some of us it’s our comfort zone and we’re tickled pink for the opportunity, for others it’s an inconvenience or full of distractions.

Depending on your work location and surroundings, you may find some ideas more successful than others.

Finding what works for you is vital to your success and sanity!

Be sure to check out 5 Tips to Motivate Yourself to help you implement these strategies to get your to-do list done painlessly!

For me, I also keep this verse posted above my desk as a constant reminder. I’m not perfect, I won’t get everything done every time, on time, without error. But this helps me keep focus on my purpose in doing the things I do…

Colossians 3:23 (AMP) – 

Whatever you do [whatever your task my be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men…

 

Chat soon and God bless,