Article Computers Technology

Copyright 2006 Michael Madigan

Procrastination is the thief of time - and money too
at the PC. Your Internet connection
equipment and power cost you. Some tasks are no fun - but don't let them pile up. Constant dithering and delaying will wreck your health
wealth and reputation.

Here are 10 tips for helping you stop procrastination dead:

1/ Before you even sit down
sort out in your mind what’s 'urgent'
'important'
both
or neither. (If an 'urgent' task isn't 'important' and the deadline passes
so what?). An 'urgent and important' task should normally come before an 'important' task. If you have a poor memory (like me) write or type a quick list of your Top Five To Dos for the session
and delete or amend as need be.

2/ All other things being equal plan on doing easy tasks before difficult short tasks before long tasks. Always have something concrete to show for worktime in front of your PC.

3/ As far as you can YOU decide what' important' and 'urgent'. There are bullies about - bosses
colleagues and customers - who think their merest whim is law. Learn to say 'No' politely. They may not like it
especially at first. But you'll grow.

4/ If you need help for your work
get it now
not later. If it’s not there now
you can ask later - more chances. If you leave it till later
it may have gone off earlier so no chances....

5/ You’re there going thru your emails
databases and memos and suddenly out of nowhere
new jobs appear. The tendency is to 'do what's on top of the pile' first. Don't. Put it into the right place in your existing list.

6/ Do you get distracted easily? Try and be aware of this
and stay aware of what tasks need doing - and by when.

7/ Are you more energetic and creative morning
noon or night? Can you reschedule your targets to take this into account? Or do you just plod along
whatever? You may be a tortoise or a hare
but you can still win your own personal race if you plan ahead.

8/ Don't give up your breaks. You need to pace yourself. But put a time limit on all breaks
surfing
chatting or just daydreaming can eat into worktime with disastrous results. A rushed job is rarely your best shot
or a true reflection of your abilities.

9/ Be particularly wary of long lunch breaks
and overeating or drinking. If your afternoon's festooned with urgent and important chores
you’ll feel inclined to procrastinate bigtime if you're hung over
stuffed to the gills
or dead beat.

10/ Give yourself a treat if you hit all your deadlines. Doesn't have to be chocolate! And don't procrastinate on rewarding yourself when you deserve it.

Use these tips to stop procrastination at the PC (AND off)
and it’ll boost your free time and make you happy and healthy computing thru 2006 and beyond!