February 27, 2013

• The dangers of...

  I've been thinking lately about the dangers of procrastination!  One of my favorite videos on YouTube is about this very topic and how we all do it.  

  I've been thinking lately about how we all do it and how ineffective this is especially for someone like myself who is self-employed.  I'm often reminded of the Stephen Covey book that I read in my first management class in undergrad called 7 Habits of Highly Effective People.  According to this book, procrastination is NOT one of the traits for highly effective people.  Now, if there were a book on 'Being Mediocre' procrastination would definitely be one the traits listed.  Do I want to be highly effective or do I want to be mediocre?  That is the question.  If I choose the former, I need to stop this flaw! 

  Now that I have decided to change my ways and it is truly a lifetime habit, how do I go about doing it?  Well, here are some of ideas I've thought about doing:

  1.  Have daily goals that I need to achieve in order to do things I enjoy like social networking on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn.

  2.  Make lists and cross them out as I go.  I have even decided to set up an online 'to do' list called Toodledo, which has been helpful so far, especially with household chores.

  3.  Make first things first and really prioritize.  Ask questions, do I really need to play that video game or watch that show right now?

  4.  Get partners who will work on projects with you, which will help set deadlines--and stick to them!

  5.  Be determined to change and just do it!  

  Excellence or Mediocrity?  I choose the former!

  • 11:54 am
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