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Key Takeaways Understanding why we’re avoiding something is the first step to actually doing it. Once you’ve identified the root of the problem, you can move forward with tackling it.
Break big tasks down into smaller, bite-sized pieces and celebrate the small wins.
Download tools, if necessary, to help block distractions or gamify reaching your goals.
“Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion.”
While not based on scientific principles, the above quote — known as Parkinson’s law — has always rung true to me. Onerous tasks without deadlines have a mysterious way of getting brushed aside for other things. Promises are made, then broken, then made again. “I’ll start after I check my email. Tomorrow morning will be quieter. I just need to be in the right headspace.” Sound familiar?
Contrary to popular belief, cutting out procrastination isn’t a matter of willpower or even self-discipline. Trust me, I know. As a bootstrapped founder, no one was watching to see if I made headway on my product. I had no eager investors, no breathless public awaiting a launch. There were plenty of days when, in the warm cocoon of my bed, I reasoned that it wouldn’t matter if I slept in just this once — after all, there was no deadline.
What ultimately moved the needle wasn’t the sudden, perfect alignment of the stars that allowed me to get to work. It was understanding the source of my desire to procrastinate, and building systems to thwart it before it started.
Understanding the root of the problem
It happens to the best of us: You pick up your phone to check an alert. While you’re there, you figure you may as well have a look at your email. That done, you take a totally harmless whirl through social media. Pretty soon, an hour has vanished before your eyes, with nothing achieved beyond an unwanted knowledge of the latest celebrity feuds.
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