What Is Time Management?
Our Business Advisor, Susan George, is a highly effective economic development professional with extensive senior management experience in both the private and public sector. We wanted to make the most of Susan’s wealth of experience and she hints and tips on relevant topics throughout the year.
.We asked Susan:
What Is Procrastination & Why Does It Happen?
Procrastination is the act of delaying or postponing tasks or decisions. It often involves choosing more enjoyable or easier activities over more challenging or less pleasant ones, even when those tasks are important or time-sensitive. This behavior can lead to stress, missed deadlines, and reduced productivity.
- Fear of Failure: Worrying about not succeeding can lead to avoidance.
- Perfectionism: Striving for perfection can result in delays as people wait for the “right” moment.
- Overwhelm: Large tasks can seem daunting, leading to inaction.
- Lack of Motivation: When tasks aren’t engaging or rewarding, it’s easy to put them off.
- Poor Time Management: Struggling to prioritise and manage time effectively can cause delays.
- Distractions: External and internal distractions can derail focus and productivity.
- Low Self-Discipline: Difficulty in self-regulating can contribute to procrastination.
Here are Susan’s 10 Top Tips to Break Through Procrastination for a Small to Medium Sized Business:
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Set Clear Goals: Define specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals to provide direction and focus.
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Prioritise Tasks: Use methods like the Eisenhower Matrix to categorize tasks by urgency and importance, ensuring high-priority tasks get done first.
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Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Large projects can be overwhelming. Divide them into smaller, manageable tasks to make them less intimidating.
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Create a Schedule: Use a planner or digital calendar to allocate specific times for tasks, helping to structure your day and avoid last-minute rushes.
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Eliminate Distractions: Identify and minimize distractions in your work environment, such as social media, unnecessary notifications, and interruptions.
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Use Time Management Techniques: Implement techniques like the Pomodoro Technique (working in focused intervals with breaks) to maintain productivity.
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Set Deadlines: Even for tasks without strict deadlines, create your own to stay accountable and on track.
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Seek Accountability: Share your goals with a mentor, colleague, or friend who can check in on your progress and hold you accountable.
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Reward Yourself: Use positive reinforcement by rewarding yourself for completing tasks, which can boost motivation and productivity.
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Practice Self-Compassion: Be kind to yourself and understand that occasional procrastination is normal. Reflect on setbacks without harsh self-criticism and focus on continuous improvement.
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