ABCs of getting things done
A: Influencing the working conditions
When people procrastinate about something, they may start to wonder whether they lack self-discipline or whether they are just lazy. Often, however, it could be that the working conditions or habits do not promote getting things done. Next, we will cover three aspects that can have an important effect on getting things done. Here you should think of a task that you procrastinate with and examine how the following three things apply to that situation. You should think how you could modify your own working conditions to get things done better. You can do this on the exercise form below, or if you wish, in another format. Return all your tasks in the box below if you want feedback.
1) When do you work?
Typically, there is individual variation in the alertness levels of humans during the day. Some are very sharp and focused right after waking up and they get tired as the day goes by. Others are drowsy in the morning and start getting energetic towards the evening, and until the end of the evening, they reach a fresh and sharp state of mind. Think and observe what time of the day you are at your best. Use these best hours of your day on that task you procrastinate with!
2) Where do you work?
Some people can work almost anywhere, but most of us can concentrate on work in specific locations. For some, this specific place is home with a workspace, table, or sofa corner. Others can hardly get anything done at home because there is so much else to do there or to distract the mind. Some need a very quiet and calm place for working, and others get more done in slight noise and action. Try to think about what kind of a physical environment inspires you to get things done. Start working on the task with which you procrastinate in such a place.
3) Who do you work with?
A third important factor affecting your ability to get things done is the company you are with. Many of us can get things done better when we do things together with others. This could be doing things concretely together, such as in group work or project work. Working with others could also involve that each person works on their own tasks together in the same space. It can be of importance whether you are responsible for your own actions to someone else or to only yourself. The responsibility can be direct responsibility, such as in group work having the responsibility to complete your own part. Or the responsibility can indirect if you have promised something to a friend or a teacher. Some people get more done on their own when they can alone decide their schedules and responsibilities. Whichever way you are, think now how the company of others affects your ability to get things done. Is it possible for you to change your working conditions in this regard, so that you could better get those things done with which you procrastinate?