Whatever the reasons, procrastination threatens to overtake the work-from-home professional who is not on guard. Here are a few strategies you can use to fight back.
When the task is overwhelming…
- Break it up.
Deconstruct large projects into smaller steps.Large jobs can seem overpowering and tempting to put off. But a series of small jobs done over time are more manageable. Identify the small pieces that make up the larger whole and build them into your schedule at a pace that will meet your deadline. Once it’s clear just what specific tasks you need to do—and when and how you’ll be able to do them—you’ll be less tempted to procrastinate.
When it’s something you aren’t good at…
- Outsource it.
There’s no point in forcing yourself to do something you don’t really have the skill to do if you can hand it off to someone else. It may take you longer than it’s worth to do a poor job when your time could be more profitably spent on your core business activities. There is undoubtedly someone else whose business is built on doing exactly what you aren’t good at. Find that person!
- Learn how to do it
If the task is an integral part of your work, or something you can’t justify outsourcing, accept the fact that you need to take a class, get a tutor, or read a book. Learn what you need to know and get the job done.
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