Tip # 9 Better in black and white than dreaming in technicolor
That’s just our way of saying that when you read things on paper, you’re able to act logically; this is much more effective than just thinking out how to avoid procrastination.
Putting down things in black and white is even better than brainstorming with another person. Here’s the reason: if you write down what needs to be done, you’re the only one who knows what’s urgent and important.
You focus on this task from the implementation to completion. Once it’s completed, you take it off your list. There’s that sense of accomplishment, no matter how small the accomplishment is.
You go on to the next task, until you actually get used to the idea of doing, rather than procrastinating.
Brainstorming with a friend, on the other hand, can be viewed as a positive, but can be a form of procrastination. You’ll say to yourself, “what she said makes sense”, so you mull over it, leaving the task undone.
Thinking about your tasks yourself and then doing them – without anyone’s feedback – is much more productive.
Tip # 10 Discard old habits
We’re creatures of habit. Even if we know that a certain activity is no longer cost effective, we continue doing it anyway.
One example: not looking for alternatives. It’s a lot easier to use the same, familiar road to work, but if there’s a quicker, or more relaxing route you can take, find out what that other route is.
It’s always good to have alternative routes. Traffic snarls occur in times when you’re in a hurry.
