Four tips to overcome procrastination!

One of the biggest complaints I get from my clients is that they are continuously procrastinating and are unable to focus and get their work done on time causing them stress and anxiety. Here, effective time management is critical for both the growth of the business and the well-being of the entrepreneur.

Effective time management, business growth, and well-being all go hand in hand. An impact on one has an automatic impact on the other two, and if one goes on a negative spiral, the other two are most likely to follow. Here are 4 tips I share with my clients to help them effectively manage their time. I am sharing this with you so that you can implement them in your life and business and take effective control of your time.

1. Set Clear Goals.

Start by setting a crystal-clear goal and setting a deadline for when you want to achieve it. Then write down why it is important for you to achieve your goal within the timeline you have set.

Pro Tip: Visualise achieving your goal, this will help you stay focused on the outcome.

2. Plan and Priorities

Break down the goal into smaller action steps and set deadlines for each action step. Now, depending on your timeline, schedule your action steps onto a daily, weekly, or monthly calendar. There are many apps in the market, such as TickTick, Goals Wizard, Structured, and many more, that can help you schedule and keep track of your action steps. Prioritize your most critical action steps and tackle them during your most productive hours. Avoid overloading your schedule and allow for breaks and downtime to recharge and maintain productivity throughout the day.

Pro Tip: Once you complete critical tasks, priorities and focus on the small, simple action steps that will give you the biggest impact.

3. Delegate and Outsource

As an entrepreneur, you might want to do everything by yourself or might even think that no one else can do it as well as you. However, it is important to recognise that sometimes you can’t do it all and that sometimes your time and energy could be better spent elsewhere. So, depending on the size of your business and the task at hand, delegate or outsource tasks that do not require your expertise and strategic decision-making. This will free up your time so that you can work on what is important.

Pro Tip: Hiring and training can take time, so be patient and plan accordingly.

4. Learn to say No:

This is something I have seen entrepreneurs struggle with time after time. Saying No is not only important for you to effectively manage your time, but it is also important for your mental and physical well-being. Evaluate requests and opportunities before accepting them; see if they align with your goals, and whether you have the capacity to take them on. If not, politely decline the offer.

Now it is time to implement these tips. Start with a simple goal you would like to achieve, and then work these tips into larger and more complex goals. Like anything else, this may not work out on your first try, so be patient and kind to yourself. If you still feel like you need more help, reach out to a coach or mentor who can guide you to take control and effectively manage your time.