Time management guru David Allen suggests that one of the best ways to handle procrastination has two simple steps. First, decide on the outcome you want (for example, "To have a finished article," or "To have a query letter ready to send out").
Then ask, "what is the next action I can take to get there$%:" Not all the steps, just the first one. Then do it.
Then figure out the next step, and do that one.
Sources:
Statistical Extremes and Applications (Nato Science Series C:; 100 Questions - Combined Volume 1-2; Bell-Ringing: The English Art of Change Ringing by Johnston, R. J.
The secret to really making this work is to make the steps small enough that they don't intimidate you. For instance, if you're shy about making a follow-up call to an editor, on one day the step might be to look up and jot down her phone number. The next day the step might be to write down exactly what you want to say. On the third day you could even make the step, dial the number but hang up before they answer. (Usually, you will feel too silly hanging up and you'll go ahead with the call; but if not, then following through with the call can be your step the next day.)
I've found the third step that makes the process more effective: write all this down, one step at a time.
At the top of the page, write the desired outcome. Let's say it's to write a query letter pitching an article. The steps you write down and achieve, one by one, could be:
Other instances:
Civil Service Manual (Set 2 Volumes) hardcover(Chinese Edition); Assessment in Health Professions Education 1st edition by Downing,; In Two Minds: Dual Processes and Beyond; Ming Taizu (r. 136898) and the Foundation of the Ming Dynasty in; Baby Sign Language Basics: Early Communication for Hearing Babies
* jot down all the key points to cover in the letter
*prioritize the points
* do a rough draft of the letter
*the next day, go over the letter and rewrite it
* have a trusted colleague look it over and incorporate any useful new ideas
* write the final draft and mail it
Each day do one of the steps, cross it off, and jot down the next step. If you feel motivated, do more than one step a day. Each time you cross off one of the tasks, you'll feel you're getting closer to the goal.
ACTION: What's one thing about your writing that you are procrastinating about$%: Right now, write down your desired outcome and the first small step to its achievement, even if you can't do the first step right now. Keep that piece of paper handy and the first moment you have free, do that first step and cross it off, and identify the next step and look forward to doing it. Make this a habit and your procrastination will be a thing of the past!
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