Without a doubt, one of the main enemies of entrepreneurs is procrastination. This term is becoming increasingly common in society. However, in entrepreneurs, it can be widely harmful and decisive when it comes to moving towards future goals and objectives.
In some cases, many entrepreneurs procrastinate without even knowing it. And while it sometimes seems harmless, the frequency with which this bad habit is practiced can be alarming.
However, identifying the concept and avoiding it must be the focus of entrepreneurs if they are to truly achieve productivity and reach their goals.
Procrastinating: What It Is
It is as simple as postponing priority activities or situations in order to engage in others of lesser relevance but which may seem more pleasant. Surely, when you read the definition of procrastinating, you will notice that, at some point, you have done so.
The reality is that we have all been in that situation; the real problem is when this situation goes from being sporadic to becoming a habit.
Whether eventually or constantly, procrastination severely affects our reputation and, in entrepreneurs, it can generate an image of irresponsibility and interest that would significantly affect the achievement of a project.
Why We Procrastinate
Although hard to believe, procrastination can be a way to avoid other elements, such as doubt, anxiety, or failure. Identifying the cause of this habit will help to combat it and eliminate it from the list if you want to succeed in your venture.
Procrastinating Out of Doubt
Doubt is one of the most common causes of procrastination. Believing that you are not capable, that it is not enough, or that it is not worth it makes you believe that the activity or priority situation can be replaced by something of less interest.
Invaded by a number of unfavorable predispositions, the person will not feel comfortable with the activities that correspond to him/her and will postpone them for as long as he/she considers necessary.
Fear of Failure
Fear is another cause of procrastination. Feeling that the situation may be unfavorable or will not end well, you may prefer to avoid it, postponing any commitments or situations that require your attention.
Generally, people who are intolerant of frustration and failure tend to constantly suspend priority events in the face of the possibility that they will not turn out as expected and will have to face an uncomfortable time.
How to Combat Procrastination
Procrastinating is the opposite of productivity. That is, this bad habit will not only affect the image of the entrepreneur but also severely influence the operation of the business.
Procrastination prevents activities or situations of importance to the company from being carried out in the time allotted, which also harms other areas of the company. Therefore, combating this aspect in a timely manner will help to maintain the right course of all elements of the enterprise or business:
1. Become Aware
“One of the main ways to avoid procrastination is to be aware of the activities or situations that need to be handled and apply the valuable ‘Two Minute Rule’ to them. If something scheduled takes less than two minutes, do it”, recommends Gabriel Caro, the well-known Argentinian entrepreneur and music producer.
This will prevent your schedule from being cluttered with simple activities that you can easily accomplish in a short time and in a simple way. This habit will help you to feel motivated to do simple daily actions, and then others of greater interest.
2. Exercise Control
While controlling everything around you can be complex, controlling distractions and maintaining proper organization of activities with a calendar or schedule will prevent you from being more prone to procrastination.
Keeping rest and distraction spaces separate from work will be more effective, as the mind will be kept properly in each of these spaces. While managing a schedule, it will help to be more specific in activities and less motivated in procrastination.
3. Prioritize Your Activities
It is important that you keep clear the priority of the activities you do, and doing so will help you achieve your goals and those of your enterprise. Having them pointed out and visible can serve as motivation. Remember that success is up to you; the longer you put off important events, the less likely you are to achieve your goals.
4. Identify the Actions You Avoid
It is important that you know what activities you avoid doing and why. You may find that they are commitments that you can deal with and that you will finish better than you started. You need to know what and why you are procrastinating to find strategies to help you avoid it and improve.
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