Procrastination is in the Way!

I’ve noticed that I’ve really been procrastinating about the things I don’t like to do – like my bookkeeping, returning routine phone calls, and my filing. I know these things need to get done, but I’d rather spend my time doing the things that make money for my business. How can I stop this bad habit? These things really drain me, but the procrastination is draining too! First of all, know that you’re not alone. This is a concern that I see more often than you may think and there are a number of ways to modify that procrastination gene. Begin by recognizing that your place as an entrepreneur IS in the revenue generating piece of your business. I think it’s safe to say that most entrepreneurs do not enjoy many of the tasks that take them away from being a creative, revenue-focused business owner. So let’s take a look at a couple ideas because one size does not fit all! How many of these tasks can be outsourced? Wait, stop – I can already hear you saying, “I can’t afford a bookkeeper [admin, sales person, etc.], but let’s think about it another way….

First, keep a time log of all of the non-revenue generating tasks that you perform over a week’s period of time. How many of these tasks are jobs that YOU really don’t need to do? Go ahead, highlight all of the things that someone else really could do as well – if not better – than you. Come on – we’re delegating here, let go…. Good.

Now think about the time it takes to do these things: perhaps 20 hours of tedious work per week?

Next: Make a list of revenue generating projects that you could do to focus on if you had that 20 extra hours a week. Now, how quickly would you be able to increase your profits with this greater focus AND 20 hours a week added to your schedule? If you look at it this way, you can’t afford NOT to hire some part time help.

Here’s another tip for the items that you don’t like to do, but really do have to perform yourself: Ask yourself what your HIGHEST energy point is during your typical day. For instance, I am most energetic between the hours of 8am and noon. Likewise, what is your LOWEST energy point in a typical day? Mine is definitely between 3-6pm. Now categorize the tasks that you DO NOT like to do and schedule them for your HIGH energy time. That’s right; your highest energy levels need to be used to accomplish these tedious or dreaded tasks. Most of us do thing we most enjoy during that high-energy time of the day – Big mistake – it doesn’t take much to motivate yourself to do the things you enjoy, but it takes a lot to motivate toward achieving the dreaded tasks. So you are much better off doing those while your energy is up!

Lot’s of food for thought here, but it’s only the beginning. See where this gets you and keep us posted – we can learn a lot from one another on Ask The Coach, so make sure to keep us informed of your successes as well as those challenges!