The Ultimate Procrastination Remedy
Monday, May 25th, 2009
If I’m doing something hard, my brain wants to escape. My ADD kicks up a notch and before I realize it my focus has shifted and I’m doing something else.
I’ve figured out how to reduce my procrastination problem by 90%. I don’t want to give up that last 10% because I love day dreaming, doodling, and contemplating too much.
As I’m working, I have a “1 next thing” list. The task I’m working on and the thing that I will do next.
For example:
- Write “The Ultimate Procrastination Remedy” blog post.
What usually happens is I hit a small wall and my focus wants to shift to something easier. I’ll write this idea down (write an email response to Leo of Zen Habits), so I don’t forget it and I can get back to working on my present project.
1 Next Thing
This “next thing” is a lot easier than working on a blog post, so I’m drawn to it, but as you probably know procrastination hinders results when abused.
The best part is that I get to do something that I want to do next. I have a master list, but I’ve stopped forcing myself to follow this to the T for 8 hours a day.
Here is a sample of my super simple and bad ass “1 Next Thing” list:
- Edit eBook (Strike it out when I’m done or tired and move on to the next thing – this strike out technique is a must. It makes me feel accomplished)
- Write comment on Marelisa’s Abundance Blog
- Stretch for 5 minutes
- Write a Blog Post on the importance of taking leisure breaks
Why It Works
By writing down what I’m going to do next, I take the pressure off of myself. I know it will be done next, so this allows me to enjoy the work I’m presently doing.
Working in the present moment helps me stay in my flow. I know that I will get to that next thing after I’ve accomplished this present task first. I can stay calm and knock out what I set out to do.
By using this list, I’ve stopped trying to hop around between 5 tasks. If a third idea pops in my head, I write it on my main list to be considered for later.
It’s that simple and that’s why it works.
Try a “1 Next Thing” list for yourself and watch your enjoyment increase as well as your productivity. Yep, it’s really that easy.
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Working happy is all well and good, but if you can’t manage your finances then you can’t focus on being happy at work. That’s why I read Get Rich Slowly. The writing is superb and there are always so many great ideas on living a frugal and enjoyable life.
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- Work Happiness Expert – Tony Hsieh of Zappos
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Thank you for these tips. I will begin experimenting with them tonight. The efficiency of my youth has morphed into procrastination!
Love this idea! It really simplifies things and takes the pressure off.
Karl, great tips! Over the years, I have definitely learned that productivity is not a one sized fits all. I can remember the days when my daytimer was like command central with charts, codes and graphs. I totally appreciate the simple approach and love 1 next thing. Thanks for sharing!
Great idea. I think the key to productivity is keeping things simple.
A quick clarification–Do you put more than one item on your 1 Next Thing list or were you just sharing examples of previous 1 Next Thing tasks you’ve done? I think what you’re saying is that there’s only “1 Next Thing”, anything else goes on your master task list. Correct?
He, he, he, I see my name in your blog post
That’s an excellent strategy. I find that sometimes I feel that I have a million things to do, but if I take out an index card and write down what I need to do, I realize it’s doable after all.
Hi Karen, let me know how your experimentation goes.
Hi Positively Present, simple solutions are usually the best.
Hi Karen, sometimes we get too caught up with too much planning. We just need to break it down and try to do one thing at a time.
Hi Drew, yes. I can see how that would be a little confusing. The one next thing list is just for that next thing then after it’s done I strike it out and decide what is the next most important task. All the other things that pop into my head goes on my master list, so I won’t forget it.
Hi Marelisa, sometimes we get too caught up in trying to do too much. We just need to do what is “doable” in that day and try to do the other stuff tomorrow.
Karl, this is a great idea. I might have to try it. Thanks for the idea.
Thanks for this — one thing I’d add is that I find it helpful, when I’m feeling the burning urge to multitask, to just breathe and sit with that urge, without doing anything about it. If I do that, that yearning passes away, and it suddenly feels more manageable and like I don’t have to let it run my life.
Hi Stephen, I’m glad you liked it. Let me know how it works for you.
Hi Chris, you make a good point. Some times we just need to connect with the feelings, allow them to be there, but not act on them.
I always have something in my queue, even if it’s as simple as a good day dream
i love your site..! keep it up!
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[...] made this happen by taking on One Next Thing at a time. I focused on one thing, did it well and then started my next project. I am guilty of [...]