Productivity for procrastinators, sounds like an oxymoron right. By the way, I’ve made this post very short, I know how you guys are. Yeah…Yeah… you’ll get to it later.

Is there hope for us procrastinators? I think so

I am a very experienced procrastinator, over 29 years in the game. In fact, I came out of the womb procrastinating, 2 weeks to be exact (I was comfortable). Along with my many years of experience, I read a book on the subject(impressive, I know).

The internet, what a play ground for us procrastinators, millions of excuses not to get things done. Based on my personal experience and my extensive studies (I almost read one whole chapter…almost), I came up with some killer ideas to help curb this nasty habit.

Here is 5 killer ideas

1. If you can do it now, do it! Is it really that hard? (Says a guy who tripped over a box for a month but wouldn’t move it)

2. Be honest, don’t say your gonna do something, unless your really going to it. We might have good intentions, but deep down… we know.

Disclaimer: If your married or have a significant other, you accept all liability for there reaction. In certain cases, your probably better off just doing it.

3. Get rid of the “To Do” list, seems counter productive right. Change it to a “things to get done” list, I stole that from Larry Winget. We won’t get into the psychology of it right now, just try it.

4. Reward yourself,it still works for us adults. For example when I finish this post, I’m gonna get an ice cold beer…hell yeah.

5. For the final tip

I’ll finish this later…there’s this bad ass new website, I just gotta check out.

Yeah…I know… predictable ending, I couldn’t resist…besides I think I was loosing you anyways.

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Are you a multitasking junkie, like me?

I have to say, that I am a recovering (multitasking)junkie myself…I’m in a twelve step program. I had the mentality that being a multitasker was a strength, but in reality, it’s a weakness.

I was reading a post over at productive flourishing about not checking your e-mail, and it made me think about my bad habit. I realized that I had a compulsive need to check my e-mail, and I realized the reason why. In my case it’s generally an excuse, not to do, what I should be doing.

Actually, while I’m writing this I’m tempted to relapse and check my mail…but I must remain strong.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, the internet is a playground for procrastinators. One quick check of the e-mail quickly leads us on wild goose chases around the web. They call it “the web” for a reason, once you get trapped, it’s hard to get out…you’ve been on one of these trips right?

Yes, there are times when e-mails need immediate attention, or we’re waiting for vital information. Generally, there isn’t any urgency…at least real urgency.

I came up with a couple quick tips that I’ve used to help me with my affliction.

1. Set up folders

I’m not going to get into all the details of how to do this, I just want to give you the general idea.

The first thing that I did was, set up folders in my e-mail client. At work I use Microsoft Outlook, but most e-mail software will allow you to do this.

I created the folders, customers, vendors, personal, etc. then I set rules for all my contacts. What this does is, send emails to their designated folder when they come in. Certain folders get a higher priority, so I might check those more often then others. This has helped me prioritize my time by not being distracted by non urgent communication.

2. Set up an alert

Alright, before you productivity experts start grumbling, I’m talking about a custom alert. We know that we want to turn off the e-mail alerts for all our mail, because that’s a good way to get distracted.

When we have an e-mail that we are waiting for, we usually know who it’s coming from. Most e-mail programs will allow you to set up custom alerts for a single e-mail addresses. Instead of checking our e-mail every two and half minutes, just continue with the task at hand. When that important e-mail arrives, you will be notified…”yes, I won the lottery again!”

Does you e-mail get you distracted? How did you kick the habit?

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“How not to run into a tree” it’s not just a intriguing title. There is a purpose, you’re just gonna to have to bear with my analogy and occasional bad jokes.

I know… it’s easy… just pay attention to what your doing…right? problem solved

Yes, that’s true to a certain extent, but it’s only a small piece of the puzzle. Paying attention is very important, but what’s really essential is being in the moment.

How did this tree get involved anyways?
I suited up and jumped on my bike, with my jersey fitting a little tight (too much beer, not enough riding). See, I haven’t been on my mountain bike for a quite awhile, hence the tight shirt.

As I headed down the trail, it became very clear, just how much I was out of shape. (Insert heavy breathing, and not the good kind). Now that’s a another subject in it’s self, but you get the picture right?

I know this trail very well; in fact, we’ve hooked up hundreds of times. We even got really close on a couple of occasions (aka, I ate dirt) and not by choice (I grew out of that several years ago).

As I was flying down the trail, whizzing by trees, stumps and even squirrels, something came to me. I realized just how important “being in the moment” was. If my mind was in some other world and I was not there, on my bike on that trail at that time. I could get very up close and personal with a tree, a rock or even another rider. I know this from experience, unfortunately. I didn’t meet any trees that day, but I have been very intimate with a tree or two, in my day.

This wasn’t a huge revelation, I know how important, being in the moment is. But sometimes times, I need a reminder, it’s not always pleasant but it is effective.

And by the way… I didn’t call her the next day, as I recall, we left on some what bad terms…depending on who you talk too.

Easy right? Being in the moment… Note exactly, at least not for someone like me, who is always thinking about 12 ½ different things at once. “Mmm beer” “She’s hot” “Great idea”

So what? I don’t ride, how does this apply to me?

Simple, what ever your doing, just be in the moment. Now, I’m not suggesting that you be reckless, just be there.

If your talking to someone, be there, not thinking about what to say next, or about what reality show your missing…be in the moment.

If your on vacation, have fun, relax, be on vacation (not just physically). Don’t think about the e-mails, or what your employees are doing (yeah, I know it’s hard)…be in the moment.

Be in the moment

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How could I possibly use the word hate and IPhone in the same sentence? Especially coming from a an Apple fanboy.

I won’t get into a whole thing about how awesome Apple products are (at least most of them). They are great for one simple reason, they work. Imagine that…selling a product that works, seems to be a lost art these days.

I won’t mention any names(Microsoft)…How many times have you cursed a PC? Today, probably a lot…Ok, enough of the PC bashing.

Why I hate my IPhone?

One of the great things about it is also a one of it’s drawbacks. I’m talking about the ability to always be connected.

The more connected we get the more disconnected we become.

For example, have you ever been talking to some one and there phone beeps. It’s not a phone call, maybe it’s an e-mail or a text or their friend on Facebook became a fan of sleeping. They totally disconnect from your conversation, even if they don’t react, that ding just broke the connection. Now they’re thinking about that e-mail or tweet that just can’t wait(so they think).

I hate it because it feeds my addiction to information overload. It also facilitates the productivity killer of multitasking.

I made a conscious decision early in my IPhone acquisition, to turn off any notifications. The main reasons were because of how distracting it is and how annoying it is when I’m talking to some one and they’re constantly checking their phone.

The bottom line is that I still love my IPhone but I hate that it feeds my information overload habit.

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