What do I mean by chunking tasks? And how will it help you stop procrastinating?
Well, chunking tasks is actually one of the best time management skills that you can ever develop for yourself.
It makes challenging jobs doable and lets you step out of the procrastination trap.
But before we explore this new skill, let’s take a look at what happens now, when you’re procrastinating.
How do you usually respond?
Do you try to goad yourself into action when you realize you’re procrastinating?
Actually, it does little good to let your inner critic try to berate you into getting started when you find yourself procrastinating. In fact, this tactic usually just leads to increased stress. It also runs the danger of introducing your “inner rebel” to the conversation.
And what that means, ultimately, is that you may dig your heels in even deeper and coming to a virtual standstill.
Goals help you stop procrastinating.
But stop for a second and think about this. You don’t even know that you’re procrastinating unless you have some goals. So, the good news is if you know you’re stuck, it’s because you know where you want to go or what you want to do.
But getting from where you are to where you want to be involves effort.
Effort is work.
It means an investment of your time and energy. And when you invest effort, you expect and want to reap some kind of reward.
Effort and Reward
So one major source of procrastination is the size of the gap between the effort and the reward. When the gap is big, you’re more likely to be challenged by procrastination.
Indeed, think about how you feel when you’re facing a really big task. I mean something that is going to take days, weeks or even months to finish.
When will you begin to see the benefits of your work?
It requires skill and discipline to get started on a task like that. The reward is so far in the distance, you may feel like you need a telescope to see it.
But the good news is that you can build in your own rewards along the way. You do this in 3 ways, by:
- The way you structure your task,
- The ways that you remind yourself about it, and
- What you say to yourself when you’ve completed each step.
Chunking tasks is your key…
Chunking tasks down into bite sized pieces is a fundamental component of any attempt to overcome procrastination and begin to make headway on your goals.
It’s a time management skill that gives you stepping stones and stopping places. It enables you to see your progress and give yourself pats on the back along the way.
Basically, what chunking tasks does is narrow the gap between your effort and your reward.
Here’s what you do:
So, the next time you find yourself procrastinating about something, take a piece of paper and write down the task at the top. Then create at least 10 stepping stones to get yourself to your goal.
Make your first step small. Begin with that first, small step as soon as you have finished writing down your stepping stones. If you can’t do it immediately, be sure to schedule a specific time, and then follow through on your commitment.
Yes, chunking tasks really helps…
Notice how your energy changes and the impossible begins to feel possible. Chunking and creating stepping stones are the key. And whenever you invest effort be sure that you validate yourself with some sort of reward, be it a kind word, a break, or something else that appeals to you.
So, are you inspired to find time and increase your effectiveness, efficiency and enjoyment?
What will be the first step that you take to start chunking and stop procrastinating?
This helps, too…
If procrastination holds you back, you’re certainly not alone. Millions of people struggle with this energy draining time thief. Procrastination’s costs include lost productivity, lost income, lost opportunities, frazzled nerves and damaged relationships.
My accessible and immediately actionable E-Guide Book titled “I Don’t Know Where to Start!” How to Stop Stalling, Get Clear, and Turn Procrastination into Productivity offers you a clear path to get to the roots of your procrastination and start doing rather than delaying — today.
“I Don’t Know Where to Start!” unmasks this time thief with exercises to help you identify your own unique brand of procrastination. And it provides insights to help you successfully address what you discover.
That’s the good news! You really can make conscious choices about your time and how to use it. And you really can change old habits and patterns. Using the tools and skills you’ll learn in “I Don’t Know Where to Start” you’ll get started and keep going!
To learn more about this powerful E-Guide Book and its accompanying bonuses, just click this link.
Let’s explore time together…
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