Monday morning arrives, computer purring, coffee too hot to drink perched seductively on its coaster and my neatly written task list is waiting for action. It’s as long as a page with the most important tasks highlighted in yellow. I’m ready to face the day. But hang on…this was the same list I sat down to last Friday…

Ok I admit it, I’m a procrastinator. But then, who isn’t? It happens to all of us sometimes and when those time-wasting habits creep into my day, I call on the follow tips to get me back on track.

• If you’re intimidated by a big task and it keeps slipping down your task list despite its increasing urgency, break it up into smaller pieces. By tackling these one at a time you will find it easier to motivate yourself and gain a sense of achievement far quicker. Before you know it, the project will be completed.
• You could start the day with the task you procrastinate most on, the argument being that once it’s completed the rest of the day will be easy-peasy. But if you’re anything like me and work better under pressure, this may not work for you. Firstly, knowing I have to deal with an undesirable task as soon as I set down to work does not make for a good mood and before I know it, all I’ve achieved is flicking through a third-rate weekly gossip mag. Secondly, by achieving a number of points from my to do list before tackling the biggie gives me a huge dollop of motivation, especially if I allow myself a treat once I’ve completed it.

Still procrastinating? You could try one of the following. You’ll need an easy to use timer (like a kitchen timer or this)

• Try committing yourself to spending just 15 minutes on the task at hand. Set your timer and get cracking. Don’t be distracted by other things going on. This is about focussing on your chosen task and nothing else for just 15 minutes! Doesn’t sound like alot (which is a good thing) but when the timer beeps you’ll be surprised how much you’ve got done and it may inspire you to continue working on the task for a bit longer.
• If that doesn’t work the (10+2)*5 method as suggested on 43Folders is for professional procrastinators with the worst kind of trouble. In summary, work on a single project for exactly 10 minutes followed by a 2 minute break and repeat this method systematically through your task list another 4 times. By the time you’re done, you’ll have achieved an hour of dedicated work and hopefully be on the way to breaking your procrastination habit.

I hope these help you as much as they help me. I don’t know about you, but it’s time for a coffee…