Procrastination is a common challenge faced by many managers, especially in small businesses where the workload can be overwhelming. It can lead to decreased productivity, missed deadlines, and unfulfilled promises.
According to a study conducted by the University of Calgary, “85% of individuals reported procrastinating in some way, with 25% identifying as chronic procrastinators.” This can have negative impacts on the success of a small business and hinder the growth and development of the manager.
However, it is possible to overcome procrastination and become a more effective manager. Here are some practical strategies for doing so:
- Set clear goals and priorities
One of the main reasons why people procrastinate is because they don’t have a clear idea of what they want to achieve. Setting specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals can help you stay focused and on track. Write down your goals and prioritize them based on importance and deadline. This will help you stay organized and avoid wasting time on tasks that are not a priority. - Break tasks into smaller parts
Complex tasks can seem overwhelming and difficult to start. Breaking them down into smaller, manageable parts can help you get started and make progress. This will also help you track your progress and feel a sense of accomplishment as you complete each part. - Use a timer
Setting a timer for a specific amount of time can help you stay focused and avoid distractions. This technique, known as the Pomodoro technique, involves working for a set amount of time, usually 25 minutes, and taking a short break. Repeat the cycle several times before taking a longer break. - Eliminate distractions
Identify the things that distract you the most and eliminate them. This could mean closing your email, turning off your phone, or finding a quiet place to work. By minimizing distractions, you will be able to focus on the task at hand and avoid procrastination. - Hold yourself accountable
Keeping yourself accountable can help you stay motivated and overcome procrastination. This could mean setting a deadline, telling someone about your goals, or tracking your progress. Holding yourself accountable will keep you focused and motivated to complete the task. - Reward yourself
Finally, it’s important to reward yourself for your hard work and progress. This could be as simple as taking a short break or treating yourself to something you enjoy. Celebrating your accomplishments will keep you motivated and help you overcome procrastination.
Procrastination can be a major obstacle to success for small business managers.
However, by setting clear goals, breaking tasks into smaller parts, using a timer, eliminating distractions, holding yourself accountable, and rewarding yourself, you can overcome procrastination and become a better manager.
As motivational speaker, Brian Tracy, says, “Every minute you spend in planning saves 10 minutes in execution; this gives you a 1,000% return on energy!”