I have something to tell you that could potentially change your life.
We all have those jobs that we have been putting off or dreading for any number of reasons. From tidying the garage, sorting the kids’ toys, listing items on eBay or that DIY that your partner would be thrilled if you finally got done.
If you are anything like me, you have been procrastinating over these jobs for months; they are little niggles in the back of your mind, and you know they are not going to go away on their own, but you simply cannot face doing them. Plus, someone will always remind you that they need doing, and that only makes you feel worse.
But imagine how great it would feel if the job was done. It’s time to take control and do it! Here’s a very simple technique of my creation that solved my procrastination problem and enabled me to get those jobs done without much burden or sacrifice.
So how do we master any dreaded job in 60 minutes?
Before you go to bed, write down the task that needs doing, and write down that you will spend no longer than 60 minutes on it. Schedule it for an approximate time (because things are very rarely go to plan) and make sure you stick to it. Then, when the time comes, block out any interruptions you can – turn off the computer and your mobile phone, get someone else to look after the kids if possible, and so on.
Set a timer for 60 minutes, and work your butt off for those 60 minutes on getting the task done. It’s good to get help – promise a reward if you need to and make sure to let them know it’s only 60 minutes. Putting on music is great if it’s a physical task. Never turn on the TV though, it’s too distracting. It might take several 60 minute chunks of work to get the job finished, but breaking it down in this way makes it seem less daunting, and you’ll be finished quicker than you might think.
I have a sand timer on my desk for this very reason, it doesn’t get used very often any more, but I have it ready for whenever jobs I dread crop up, and it works amazingly well.
Everybody can tolerate doing something they dislike for only 60 minutes, and putting a time limit on it takes off much of the pressure and you ultimately end up controlling the job rather letting it control you.
