When approaching tasks that we aren’t looking forward to doing, it’s often easy to think of so many things to do first (i.e. to procrastinate).
The next time you find yourself doing this, consider whether the activity that would delay you from starting something can be turned into an incentive to complete it (i.e. a prize).
Here’s a simple example: it’s 0800hrs and I’m working from home. Overnight emails mostly dealt with, it’s time to get my teeth into my top priority tasks for the day.
I want a cup of coffee, and am tempted to immediately go and make one. Instead, I turn it into a prize for completing an hour’s work, setting a reminder on my computer to “go and make coffee” at 0900hrs.
This may or may not work for you. Unless you’re immune to procrastination, I would encourage you to give it a try.