Time Management

10 Top Tips to Beat Procrastination

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We are probably all guilty of procrastinating sometimes but some people continually put things off, meaning they are not achieving what they could. That’s not good - personally or professionally. In an article by Nilifer Atik he says that people who continually procrastinate are unhappier, as well as being less healthy and wealthy compared with those who get things done promptly. Studies have also shown that procrastinators are more likely to make mistakes. However, experts insist that procrastinators can change their behaviour: it takes a lot of self-work but in the end it’s worth the effort – and start today, not tomorrow! Here are his ten top tips to change your behaviour and stop procrastinating forever!

 

1.    Next time you find yourself putting off a task, ask yourself ‘What make me decide to do this in the first place?’. If you don’t know the answer – don’t do it!

2.    For each task, ask yourself – should I do this, delegate it or dump it – and act accordingly.

3.    Take small steps – break down tasks to make them manageable.

4.    Get help – if you’re overwhelmed, ask an expert in (or a Time Genie!).

5.    Drop perfectionism – an imperfect step taken today is better than a perfect step never taken.

6.    Remove distractions – turn off the TV, switch phone to silent and truly focus.

7.    Recognise when you’re about to procrastinate and acknowledge it.

8.    Learn from the past – remind yourself of the frustration of not getting things done and the satisfaction when something is achieved.

9.    Be kind to yourself – don’t beat yourself up and forgive yourself if you do procrastinate

10.                        Visualise your ideal future – what one step could you take right now to move you towards it? Then Just. Do. It.

 

Full article by Nilifer Atik:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/lifestyle/wellbeing/mood-mind/11422554/How-to-stop-procrastinating-now.html

Heather Knewstubb
Time Genie Personal Concierge and Errand Services
Kapiti Coast
Ph: 022 394 8493

www.timegenie.co.nz
https://www.facebook.com/Time-Genie-Magic-115372315722316/

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How to make the most of your commute...

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Living on the Kapiti Coast is fantastic – the beaches, the rivers, the bush, the weather – we have it all! However, one downside if you’re working in town is the commute to Wellington. Everyday thousands of people drive or catch the train/bus to work.  A regular commute can also be draining of both time and energy – especially if you are doing five days a week and spend that hour each way mindlessly trawling the web or on social media. 

If you drive, you obviously really must concentrate – especially with all the road works currently on State Highway 1! However, if you carpool or travel by public transport, there are ways to make the most of that travel time - to learn something valuable, win new clients or brainstorm ideas to help you build your business. 

Here are some tips to help you make the most of every moment: 

Plan your day
There is no better time than to review your calendar and prioritise your tasks. A well-planned day will keep you get focused and ensure you are productive with your time 

Catch up on reading
Apart from books and news, download interesting articles using your home wifi and read them on the go.

Get inspired & get into action
Catch up on inspiring speakers via TED Talks and You Tube. Starting the day with the right mindset is the difference between being super-productive and getting stuck in a pattern of not achieving much.

Record those light-bulb moments
The part of the trip that follows the water around Plimmerton/Paremata/Mana and then between Pukerua Bay and Paekakariki, is relaxing and is the perfect time to think. You might like to keep a journal for those moments when inspirational ideas strike. When inspiration is flowing, it’s a great time to put a plan in place to see some of those ideas come to light.

Invoicing on the go
They say time is money – especially when you have your own business – so why not spend your time collecting some? There are various apps such as Xero that you can download onto your phone.  Use the time to invoice clients before your day is over. The sooner they receive your invoice, the sooner they can pay for your services.

Clear your mind
In the morning commuting is an excellent time to leave your home life behind, focus and prepare for the day ahead, then after a busy day clear your head before you get home to the busyness of family and dinner. I always find, the first glance of Kapiti Island on the homeward journey relaxes me and I leave my day behind and look forward to the evening ahead. 

Good luck and happy commuting! 

 

Heather Knewstubb
Time Genie Personal Concierge Services
Kapiti Coast
Ph: 022 394 8493

www.timegenie.co.nz

Based on an article by Dave of Charlie’s Angels Personal Concierge Service, Auckland