by Kristen M. Anderson

Created on: March 02, 2009   Last Updated: October 17, 2009

Despite modern conveniences that help us manage projects, procrastination still prevails in our professional and personal lives. For some people, the solution to stop procrastinating is simple: "Just do it". For procrastinators, this is easier said than done.

Before we can control procrastination, we must understand the root of it. Following are several common reasons for procrastination and solutions that may help control it.

1. Reason #1: Many people who procrastinate lead busy lives that are stuffed with activities and deadlines. The more we pack into our schedules, the less time we have to accomplish tasks.

Solution: If a deadline looms large, cut back on your activities until you've finished the assignment. If necessary, hire a professional to take some of the burden off your shoulders, for example, a personal assistant or associate.

2. Reason #2: Procrastinators often struggle with another foe: perfection. As a work associate once shared with me, "Perfection is the enemy of good." When we strive for perfection in our tasks, we tend to procrastinate because we don't have the time or creativity at that moment to accomplish a specific task.

Solution: Rather than wait to start the work (because you want it to be perfect), begin work as soon as you receive the assignment, and save time to fine-tune your work closer to the deadline. There's wisdom in the phrase "just do it". If you work on the task early enough, you may become invigorated by the process. Figure out what time of the day you do your most productive work, and block out that time to complete the project.

3. Reason #3: Many procrastinators don't know how to create and maintain a project schedule.

Solution: Once you receive an assignment, make a list of every task that's involved to accomplish it. Next, figure out how many days it will take to accomplish each task. Working backwards from the deadline, count back on a calendar to find out when you must start the project. For example, if your deadline is May 30 and it will take a total of 20 days to complete each task, you know you must begin work by May 10. Set deadlines to accomplish "project milestones" within the 20 days. (A project milestone represents a "mini deadline" within the greater assignment.)

4. Reason #4: We'd rather do fun activities than accomplish tasks.

Solution: If a project milestone is coming up, plan to do something you enjoy immediately after you complete that milestone.

Procrastination can result in poor work products, missed deadlines, and burnout. Strive to control procrastination, and you will have greater control over your time.

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