Tag Archives: procrastination

TNF #091: Do it now!

Welcome Professionals…

…As my frequent readers already know, I am not able to use my right hand for writing at the moment and I use the dictation function of Siri instead. This led me to another discovery this week.

One of my least favorite work is transfering minutes into our CRM system and writing detailed reports on interviewed candidates. Whatever, it has to be done, despite all procrastination.

My usual procedure would be to take hand-written notes of interviews and collect them over time in my drawer. Then, when the delivery date of the reports comes close, I would set a time slot in my calendar for writing reports. I would pick a time early in the morning, when my personal reserve of will power is not yet fully depleted.stack of paper

Now, that stacking hand-written notes is not an option, I have changed my routine to dictating notes of meetings and phone calls immediately, so that I do not forget the essential information. I have done this as well with interview reports. Transcribing the key findings of some 90 minutes of intense conversation to a summary of 2 pages by using the dictation function of Siri.

What can I say: The actual writing (dictating in that case) is done in up to 50% less time. It is done right away without any procrastination. It feels better, because my files are up to date and I do not have to look at the daunting stack of paper all the time.

My learning is: Do the nagging tasks as soon as possible to get them out of my head and out of the way.

Feeling free,

Malte

Thursday Night Flight is brought to you by Malte Müller Professionals. Sharing best practices for top management consultants on topics like communication, client handling, problem solving, appearance, and fitness. Check out www.mm-professionals.com for more material and free resources!

TNF #030: Just do it!

Welcome Professionals…

…This blog remains free of commercials and I hope I am not getting into trouble when using a branded tagline such as: “Just do it!”

This edition today is dedicated to a common phenomenon called “procrastination”. That is a noble description for avoidance of doing a task which needs to be accomplished.

It is a very familiar problem to me. My mind forms excuses, why it is not the right time to perform this task right now or why I have to get something else out of the way first in order to do what I originally planned. In my view, even the word “procrastination” is just another excuse.

With all the struggling going on, I always come to the same conclusion: Just do it!

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Let’s assume the task really needs to be accomplished and there is no other way to delegate, outsource or eliminate this task, than there is no other way than just doing it. Waiting, postponing, procrastinating usually only makes this task less desireable and increases the pressure. There is certainly a strong link to Parkinson’s law (see this edition 25 for further details).

When something needs to be done, I schedule it on my calendar. If it is on my calendar, I just do it. Simple as that.

What is your way? Let me know. Just do it!

Malte

Thursday Night Flight is brought to you by Malte Müller Professionals. Sharing best practices for top management consultants on topics like communication, client handling, problem solving, appearance, and fitness. Check out www.mm-professionals.com for more material and free resources!