The 4 Biggest Time Management Mistakes That Create Stress And Make You Procrastinate

We’ve been getting so much positive feedback from our guest blogs that we decided we would bring in some of the heavy hitters for you!

Today I want to introduce you to one of my very good friends who is also one of the world’s most elite experts on time management, becoming an author and success.

My friends, time management is crucial to your overall success and happiness.

Poor time management leads to stress and overwhelm and in return leads to procrastination on the things you need to do to succeed.

Today we have an action-packed guest post by the great Brian Tracy. Enjoy it and please make sure you show him your love by commenting below!

For Your Freedom,

The 4 Biggest Time Management Mistakes That Create Stress And Make You Procrastinate
By: Brian Tracy

Thomas Edison once said, “Opportunity is missed by many because it is dressed in overalls and looks like work.”

Indeed, when a project seems too big or complicated, it's very easy to find reasons to put off working on it. The next time you look at the project, it doesn't seem like the right time or you’re not in the right mood to work on it.

Procrastination then becomes habit, with the stress of your guilt nibbling at your conscience every time you continue to put off the work.

Fortunately, when you're aware of your behavior, it's much easier to catch the common mistakes that cause you to procrastinate. Here are 5 reasons that you’re procrastinating and how to overcome them.

1) You’re Not Focused

You know the project needs to be done, but you're having problems with focusing on the matter long enough to solve the problem. When you have a project coming up that you're having trouble focusing on, start with small goals.

Focus on one part of the project or set a timer to only work 15 minutes on it that day. Often, once the timer rings, you'll be making progress and will want to continue working, making it easier and less stressful to complete the project.

It’s often easy to break large projects into smaller chunks, and complete one small task at a time. When you complete one small task, you’ll often find yourself completing another task, and another, and another without thinking about it. The act of checking off a small task is excellent motivation and it feels good.

Lack of focus means a lack of goals…

Remember how important setting goals are for focus. Often a lack of focus comes from not having set clear goals.

Remember the importance of clear, written, goals. You will accomplish much more with clear, written, goals on any project than you ever could with great conversations and good intentions.

When setting goals, make sure they are clear, specific, measurable, and time bounded. A goal without a deadline is not a goal. It is merely a discussion.

2) You’re Trying To Master Everything At The Same Time

Everyone feels like they’re spread too thin.

When you're learning something new, it can be really exciting. You're making progress and are successfully learning new skills or knowledge.

But, like being spread too thin, it can also become overwhelming. As the learning progresses and becomes more difficult, the amount of work increases and becomes overwhelming.

Take the time to slow down and, if needed, drop a few of the items you're trying to master until a later date. All things are learnable with practice. It often helps to break up tasks into bite sized chunks and master one thing at a time.

Choose the one area that you want to improve the most. Focus on that area first. If you want to improve your leadership qualities, choose the one quality that will benefit you the most and master it.

3) You Have A Lack Of Clarity

We've all had tasks that were not clearly laid out. Whether it's a general direction that your company needs to take or a specific job task that doesn't have clear instructions on how to complete the task, lack of clarity can be a productivity killer.

Perhaps the most important word related to success of any kind is clarity. Successful people are very clear about who they are and what they want, in every area of their lives. They have written plans of action that they follow every day.

4) You’re Unsure Of How To Work Efficiently

This can be a tough one. You're working on moving a special project forward but also have daily tasks to undertake and aren't sure how to prioritize your time.

You're responsible for a number of tasks, but don't know which ones should be completed first.

The ABCDE List…

The best thing that you can do when you’re unsure of how to work efficiently is to complete a simple exercise I like to call the ABCDE list. First, make a list of all the activities you need to get done in a day. After you’ve done this, go through your list and label each task with an A, B, C, D, or E.

• A tasks are tasks you absolutely must do or there will be serious consequences. Put an A next to those tasks.
• B tasks are tasks you should do or there will be minor consequences. B tasks are not as important as A tasks and the rule is you never work on a B task when there is an A task left undone.
• C tasks would be nice to do, but would have no consequences either positive or negative.
• D activities are activities that you can delegate to someone else.
• E tasks are tasks that you should eliminate. After all, you can only get your time under control if you eliminate tasks that are no longer necessary for you to do.

Conclusion

If you are not headed toward your desired destination, you don’t want to get there any faster. If you are not moving in your own self-determined direction, there is no point in managing your time in a way that accelerates your speed of accomplishment. Time management strategies and tactics applied without a clear future vision will get you to a destination that holds no interest for you, only faster.

Once you are clear about your values, vision, and mission for your life and work, and you are clear about what it is you want to accomplish and the best way to achieve it, then, and only then, can you begin to apply some of the powerful time management techniques that are available to you.

Join Me For A FREE Live Training

By being aware of these mistakes, you can recognize them and choose to take a different path. When you take action on an item that you would otherwise procrastinate over, you can see the progress you're making and know that you're making a difference in owning your own productivity.

If you’re ready to take the next step in mastering your time, I’m hosting a webinar called “Kickstart Your Productivity” where I’ll teach you several time management rules that I rely on for becoming a powerhouse of productivity. Only 300 spots are available for this training so act quick!

Click here to reserve your spot!

Brian Tracy is Chairman and CEO of Brian Tracy International, a company specializing in the training and development of individuals and organizations.