Procrastination
Procrastination
Today, April 18 is tax day, not the traditional April 15, due to an unusual three-day extension. I suspect, that for many, this extension resulted in their putting off filing by three days. What possible difference can three days make? Well, for one thing, procrastination kicks in, as we now have a new deadline and many will take advantage of it.
Where does procrastination come from and why is it so insidious? Researchers have found that nearly everyone chooses something in the now, over something in the future. This is true even if both are pleasurable. But, if the something future is less pleasant, it is human nature to put it off. Do a little research on your own and you will find volumes written on this subject.
For our purposes, let’s agree that we all procrastinate on occasion. How does one overcome it? Working against a deadline is a way of life. As financial advisors, we set appointments and meet with clients. Most of us fulfill our commitments. It’s because they are deadlines. This is the key to dealing successfully with our tendency to procrastinate. We set a deadline and then meet it.
The solution to this problem is in setting deadlines that are hard and fast, and then the follow-through to meeting them. For example, set your own hypothetical filing date as March 1st. Make it an appointment with yourself and treat it as you would with a client. You never disappoint a client, right? You cannot be professional and continually miss appointments!
The procrastination battle is about choosing what we should do over what we want to do. We need a plan, not a “to do” list! We need an obligation and a commitment . . . one that we must fulfill. Always remember should versus want.
Make a small sign that says, “DO IT NOW!” frame it and place it on your desk. Each and everything can become a deadline and one that you cannot put off. You will gain self-esteem and improve your performance. Just remember, you must fight this procrastination monster every day and you will find you are winning by outsmarting it!