It seems fitting that, with all of the extra responsibilities around the holidays, December is Procrastination Awareness Month. Plus, with New Year’s Resolutions approaching, December is an ideal time to build up your procrastinating-fighting skills.
Procrastination hits us all at one time or another, but it can be a particular challenge for people running or managing a commercial space. With an endless to-do list and seemingly constant distractions and interruptions, it’s all too easy to get overwhelmed and put off important tasks.
But, the good thing is that you can do things to avoid it. Nashville BHS is always here to help you tackle your to-do lists, especially some of the tasks you dread the most. Plus, here are some other tips to help you improve your productivity and efficiency.
1. Get Organized and Create a Plan
When you have lots of different tasks in front of you, one of the hardest things can be knowing where to start. It’s worth taking some time to organize your tasks and create a plan for completing them. When you do this, it’s important to set timelines and be realistic.
And don’t be afraid to delegate – you don’t need to do everything yourself. The best leaders are able to effectively delegate tasks, and one of the great things about planning ahead is that it allows for delegation. You’re not rushing at the 11th hour and having to do everything yourself. Instead, plan ahead, build a team, and know exactly how and when things will get done.
2. Set Small Goals
As part of that planning, it’s important to set small, manageable goals. Big tasks can be overwhelming and debilitating, which naturally leads to procrastination. Avoid this trap by breaking big projects into small goals that you can accomplish in the short term.
This will make it easier to get started, stay on track, and set yourself up for success. Keep the wisdom of Desmond Tutu in mind when you’re working on this…”There is only one way to eat an elephant: a bite at a time.
3. Create Systems That Allow for Focused Time
One of the most common causes of procrastination is distractions and not creating the right environment to accomplish difficult tasks. This is a common complaint for building owners and managers, who are regularly bombarded with questions, crises, and interruptions.
Sometimes these are unavoidable, but it’s also vital to schedule focused work times. When you’re planning your schedule, plan to do easier tasks during the busy times of the day and carve out quiet times of focus for more challenging tasks. Share your plan with your team and set up systems that ensure you’re consistently getting uninterrupted time to get things done.
Since we were just talking about eating elephants, it seems only fitting that we also share Mark Twain’s advice about how to schedule your day to maximize productivity: “If it’s your job to eat a frog, it’s best to do it first thing in the morning. And if it’s your job to eat two frogs, it’s best to eat the biggest one first.”
Be strategic about scheduling your “frog-eating tasks” and make sure you have the right environment to get these tasks done.
4. Don’t Let Setbacks Hurt Your Progress
One trap about procrastination is that it can be a circular pattern. If you get off schedule or find yourself being inefficient, it’s easy to become frustrated, discouraged, and even less efficient. Avoid that trap by being patient and forgiving with yourself.
There will be times when you’re not meeting your goals or being as efficient as you’d like. That’s okay. Give yourself grace, pick a small task to accomplish, and get on with your day. Staying positive and focused on accomplishing small tasks can get you out of this pattern and ensure you stay productive and efficient.
Let Nashville BHS Help
Finally, remember that you don’t have to do everything on your own. Our team can help with all of your janitorial and cleaning needs. Whether you need a one-time cleaning or daily services, we’ve got you covered.
Our team of reliable cleaners is ready to help you check off your to-do list and ensure that your building looks its best. Contact us today to learn more or schedule your next service.
