If you're someone who finds it hard to complete projects and finish tasks, you're not alone. Research suggests that 15% - 20% of adults are chronic procrastinators. 25% of adults even acknowledge that procrastination goes with their personality.
We all know how essential goal-setting is to getting the life we want. And new ideas pop up all the time. It's no wonder why most people set big goals. But, we often get so excited about starting projects that we don't even realize the time and effort it takes to get from start to finish. And that sets us up for failure.
While procrastination seems prevalent, this personality trait is by no means set in stone. You'd be surprised that with just a few simple changes to your daily routine, you'll go from "can't-finish-anything" to someone who's consistently producing.
What Makes Some People More Productive Than Others
We all know that person who always seems to be getting things done. We've always wondered how they work as diligently and quickly as they do. Even if you don't seem to know anyone like that, these people exist, and they're among us.
So, what makes them different than you and me? What's the distinction that makes them able to complete project after project, task after task?
These people may seem like they're capable of inhuman feats on the surface. But the truth is, they're no different from you and me.
These "living machines" just managed to create the proper habits early on and have stuck to them ever since. And as a human with a functioning brain, you can do that too!
How to Finish a Big Project - 7 Proven Advice
You can't beat procrastination and bad habits overnight. But you definitely can start small and compound your progress. Compounding your improvements over time eventually results in a big productivity explosion. Here are seven practical and realistic ways to increase productivity and finish what you start.
1. Go For S.M.A.R.T. Goals
Visualizing a goal often gets us fired up, even if that goal is too general. "I want to get fit;" I want to hit that project deadline;" "I want to be more productive this year." These statements sound bland. We hate getting down into details because it reminds us of the amount of work we have to do.
How It Works
The next time you set up a goal, make it S.M.A.R.T. Short for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-Limited; SMART goals are on a whole other level.
Here's why; So instead of saying, "I want to hit that deadline," going SMART means you'll have to reword that into something like "Write six pages a day, Mondays to Saturdays. Each page writes in an hour, from 9 am to 4 in the afternoon."
Notice the difference? The second statement is measurable, realistic, and tied to a specific timeframe. With this SMART goal, you'll be sure to finish that book in time for an August deadline.
2. Set Up a System (Or Systems)
Now that you know the right way of setting goals, it's time to make them happen. But did you know there's a way to streamline goal attainment? You can make the journey less cluttered by having systems in place. These systems are uniquely yours, based on the habits you're trying to cultivate.
How It Works
Systems allow us to think less, conserve our energy, and make the most of our resources. So apart from improving your book-writing ethic, you may have other habits you're trying to foster. A system allows you to organize all of your S.M.A.R.T goals.
Instead of mindlessly juggling different tasks and projects, create customized plans each day, month, and year. Ever seen automated workflows in action? The flow of tasks is so smooth you could almost skate on it. Putting up a system shouldn't be complicated. Start by creating a daily to do list.
3. Commit to Just a Few Minutes
So you've made your goal S.M.A.R.T. and have begun setting up a system in your life, starting with today's to-do list. You know what you need to do, and it's all laid down on paper. Yet, it's not getting done. You find it hard to focus, and the slightest distractions impact your momentum.
How It Works
Remember what I said about starting small? Small steps require very little energy, and it seems that there's nothing impressive about them. But small steps compound over time. And they may very well be the "keystone" habits that will lay the foundation for the other fantastic habits that'll get you from point A to point B.
So, how small is a "small step?" Believe it or not, "just five minutes" is all you need to ask of yourself. If you feel like stopping at the end of it, that's all right. The important thing is to start.
If you keep at it, "just five minutes" will turn into an hour, then a few hours. Before you know it, you'll have built momentum so massive that you'd have no trouble finishing any project.
