Getting Things Done

Hi,

Procrastinating is human. But for those who want to make money online, procrastinating can be another nasty habit that keeps freedom at bay.

So why don’t we start with what does procrastination feel like and what should you do about it?

Follow these 4 steps:

1) The first thing you need to do is learn how to recognize that you’re procrastinating. I know that might sound foolishly simple, but stay with me…

Procrastinating has tell-tale signs. For example, when you’re about to procrastinate, you might get a sinking feeling or feel a pit in your stomach. You know what I mean… that feeling of “Ugh!”

You’ll get that feeling just before you cheat… in this case,just before you engage in a substitute activity to put off doing the task you really should be focusing on instead. Take Jack here for example: Jack knows he should sit down to write new blog post. Like the person on a diet who is about to eat a bagful of chocolates, Jack feels a pang of guilt. And then instead of living up to his commitment of blogging every day, Jack loses himself surfing the Web.

2) The second step is to figure out why you are procrastinating.

While we each have our reasons for procrastinating, it’s generally true that we put off doing something because we’d rather not do it.

Does that mean we’re lazy? Consider this for a moment…

If you’re dreading doing something, couldn’t it also be that this is something you’re not so good at or have no passion for? And that each time you do it you the activity feels awkward, boring, or drains you of precious energy?

If this is the case, find someone to do the work for you. For every activity you dread performing, there is someone who can do it faster, cheaper and with more enthusiasm.

3) The third and last step is to change something so that you no longer procrastinate.

Procrastination is not an incurable malady. Here are some anti-procrastination remedies:

* Put your to-dos in plain view. For example, write them on a large dry-erase board. This will help keep you focused on the necessary and important.

* Track your time. When you work on your own, there is nobody to keep track of your time. When you track your own time, you will soon see how much you indulge in the unnecessary to avoid the necessary.

* Delegate the activity to someone else. This is the mother of all ways to streamline and grow your online business.

4) Keep reading this blog on a regular basis. If you find yourself in a rut, working slowly, procrastinating or sabotaging yourself, let me help you get unstuck.

So, let’s recap. Once you become aware that you are procrastinating, figure out why you are procrastinating. Then take required action. And remember to continue reading this blog.

Whatever your business model is for making money online, there has got to be at least one activity you should be doing on a regular basis to grow your business. And odds are pretty high that you might procrastinate that activity, if not ignore it altogether. Luckily, you can outsource that activity, and make it someone else’s responsibility.

If you are not sure what activities to outsource or how to create procedures to outsource, my printed newsletter that is all about outsourcing is a good place to start. You can learn more here:

http://www.processtoprofits.com/products/outsourcing/

Ciao,

-Taylor

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