Question:

How can I procrastinate less while on the job?

Answer:

Wanna know my theory about YOU (…yes, even having never met you): You procrastinate because nothing motivates you as perkily as good ol’ fashioned fear. Well, except for good ol’ fashioned pleasure!

Am I right?

Are you blushing?

Don’t.

This is good ol’ fashioned human nature. Basically, nearly everything that is ever done on this planet by anybody is done for one of 2 reasons:

1. Fear of pain.

2. Desire for pleasure.

But this is good news.

Once you recognize these motivational forces, you can consciously figure out how to embrace fear and pleasure – make them your buddies who help you out at your office.

For example, you know that project that is due in 1 month – the one you think you have soooo much time to do?

Well, if you want a lively career, don’t just create deadlines -- create ill-lines and funeral- lines.

For example…Get out your calendar NOW – and give yourself a few fair warning ill-lines about your project that come much sooner than the deadline – ill-lines that pre-scare you: DO A LITTLE NOW OR DIE A LOT LATER! Write something in various calendar squares – a mantra, a warning – a lil’ something that will create a state of urgency in you sooner than a few days before your actual deadline.

The goal: Make yourself a little more scared on a daily basis and weekly basis about deadlines—so you’re not shocked to death when they arrive.

Next up…create a funeral-line. Meaning? Pre-plan some ceremony to honor the passing of your deadline – some special event to experience when you finally put your deadline to rest. It could be a massage, a shopping trip, a champagne dinner with your sweetie, or a Krispy Kreme donut.

In summary: Scare and reward yourself to reach your goals.

Find out more about Karen Salmansohn