End Procrastination and Get More Done In Less Time

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Would you like to conquer procrastination? Would you like to get more done in less time? I am going to focus on one simple yet very powerful idea. It revolves around the question, “What’s the next step?” or “What’s the next action?” Most of the time when you are procrastinating, spinning your wheels, or feeling overwhelmed, you haven’t defined the next action. The “next action” is the next tangible action that would move you forward on a particular project and towards the outcome you desire.

A tangible action is something you could actually see yourself doing. A “next action” is distinct from a “project” and an “outcome” but you probably confuse these things on a regular basis. A “project” is anything that will take more than one action to complete. An “outcome” is the result you intend to get from an action or project. With some projects (e.g. remodel the kitchen) and some outcomes (e.g. launch my web page) it is obvious that many action steps will be involved. With more simple projects it’s not always so obvious.

Here’s an example. You need to get the breaks fixed on your car so you put “get breaks fixed” on your to do list. What you have actually defined is an “outcome” or “project”, not an “action”. It is likely that you will now procrastinate taking action on this project since you haven’t defined the next action.

What if you took this project (get breaks fixed) and asked yourself, “What is the next action?” Your answer might be something like, “call Mike, the mechanic, and make an appointment” or “email Jim and Sally and ask them if they can recommend a good mechanic”. Do you see the difference? Sometimes it is subtle and it may seem insignificant, however, I promise you that sometimes this subtle difference will determine whether you move forward on a particular project or get stalled.

Which of these would you be more likely to procrastinate:

1) launch my web page; or

2) call my web designer and make an appointment?

Before any action takes can take place, you have to answer the question, “What am I going to do next?”. If you put off asking the question then you will put off taking action. Do you see how this one key distinction could help you to end 95% or more of your procrastination?

You probably put “projects” and “outcomes” on your to do list or calendar (or worse, just keep then in your head) and tell yourself that you’ll figure out the “next actions” at a later time. You might think you’re too busy to define the next action or that you don’t have all of the information you need to make a decision about what to do next. There are lots of reasons you might delay this little bit of thinking, however, delaying will never serve you.

My Recommendations:

  • Every time you define a new project or outcome, or set a goal, immediately define the first step. Ask yourself, “What’s the next action?”

  • Every time you complete an action, but the project isn’t complete, define the next action.

  • Every time you add an item to your to do list or calendar, make sure you have defined an outcome and a next action.

  • When you process your in boxes (your voice mail, email in box, mail box, etc.) decide on the next action for each item, and if you’re not going to take that action right away, put it on your to do list or in your calendar for later.

  • Once per week, go over your to do lists and make sure every project or outcome has its next action defined and written down. Get in the habit of asking yourself, “What’s the next action?” on a regular basis. Make a habit of writing the answers down on a list that you review regularly (preferably daily) so that you can get all of these details out of your head.

If you can get to the point where you have all of your Projects, Outcomes, and Next Actions defined and written down, and you trust yourself to review your lists regularly, your mind will finally be clear. You will have all of your energy and mental focus for the present moment. You will leave overwhelm and procrastination behind. You will be able to focus all of your energy on the task at hand. You will enjoy yourself more, be more creative, and get more done in less time.

This will change your life.

Ryan Eliason has been a professional, full-time Life and Business Coach since 2003, successfully supporting hundreds of clients to produce extraordinary results in their businesses and personal lives. An entrepreneur since a young age, Ryan has founded several successful businesses and a non-profit. He developed his unique approach through 15 years of business consulting, designing and leading workshops, and working with both coaching and therapy clients. He received his formal training with the renowned Coaches Training Institute in San Rafael, California. He is also a certified Master Hypnotist, massage therapist, polarity therapist, and Transformational Therapist through the Heartwood Institute.

Ryan publishes a popular FREE monthly eLetter, ShortCuts To Success, with strategies to get everything you want in business and in life, quicker and with less effort. You can learn more about Ryan and sign up for his eLetter at: http://www.ryaneliason.com

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