Trick Yourself into Getting Things Done

If you’ve been procrastinating something, identify it. Give it a name.

After you’ve confessed, you can trick yourself into completing it. Here are some tricks that have worked for me.

TRICK – – – > Identify your motivation.
Why is this task on your list in the first place?

How will your life be better as a result of completing it? How will it bring you peace of mind?

TRICK – – – > Adjust your attitude.
Starting a task you don’t enjoy with a bad attitude is a recipe for failure.

Instead, look at it differently. If you don’t like packing and shipping artwork, think of it as preparing to share your art with many new people. Imagine their eyes as they connect to your art.

TRICK – – – > Take one step at a time.
“Redesign my website” sounds more than overwhelming.

Instead, focus on the first action required. Create a site layout, research designers, or write the text for your About page.

TRICK – – – > Block out time on your calendar.
Create time and space to get something done.

When you see the time scheduled on your calendar, remember that it’s a commitment you made to yourself. Don’t ignore the task just because you’d rather be doing something else. Remember your motive.

TRICK – – – > Set your timer.
Make a game of completing a task by promising to give it 15 or 30 minutes of your attention.

Work hard to beat the clock before time runs out. This creates momentum, so allow yourself the flexibility to keep going after the timer buzzes.

TRICK – – – > Get out.
Fresh scenery can provide a fresh perspective.

Sit down at a coffee shop to write your thank-you notes. Visit the library to research your next series instead of staying at your computer. Go to any other room in the house to journal in preparation for your artist statement.

After you’ve tricked yourself and conquered your procrastination, give yourself a treat. How do you reward yourself?