[e-how] How to Stop Procrastinating

How to Stop Procrastinating

by eHow Education Editor

Introduction
There's an old joke that the members of Procrastinators Anonymous keep meaning to meet ... but keep putting it off.

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Steps
Step 1
Think about why you procrastinate: Are you afraid of failing at the task? Are you a perfectionist and only willing to begin working after every little element is in place? Are you easily distracted?

Step 2
Break up a large, difficult project into several smaller pieces. Tackle each piece separately.

Step 3
Set deadlines for completion. Try assigning yourself small-scale deadlines ' for example, commit to reading a certain number of pages in the next hour.

Step 4
Work in small blocks of time instead of in long stretches. Try studying in one- to two-hour spurts, allowing yourself a small break after each stint.

Step 5
Start with the easiest aspect of a large, complex project. For example, if you're writing an academic paper and find that the introduction is turning out to be hard to write, start writing the paper's body instead.

Step 6
Enlist others to help. Make a bet with your family, friends or co-workers that you will finish a particular project by a specified time, or find other ways to make yourself accountable.

Step 7
Eliminate distractions or move to a place where you can concentrate. Turn off the television, the phone ringer, the radio and anything else that might keep you from your task.

Tips & Warnings

• Remember that progress, not perfection, is your goal.
• Track your goals on a calendar or in a personal organizer. Keep your goals reasonable and check off each one when you are finished.

Find this article at: http://www.ehow.com/how_2248_stop-procrastinating-habit.html

[e-how] How to Work Efficiently

How to Work Efficiently

by eHow Careers & Work Editor

Introduction
We'll keep this short so you can get back to work.

Instructions
Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Steps
Step 1
Keep your desk and your files organized to avoid wasting time shuffling through piles of paper.

Step 2
Go through your inbox at the beginning of each work day. Either throw away, file or follow up on each item.

Step 3
Prioritize a list of the tasks you need to accomplish that day.

Step 4
Delegate tasks to co-workers and assistants if possible.

Step 5
Finish one task before you go on to the next.

Step 6
Reduce paperwork by storing important information on your computer or electronic organizer.

Step 7
Communicate effectively and plan carefully to make sure a job is done properly the first time around.

Step 8
Schedule time when you'll be available, and let colleagues know, to avoid constant interruptions. Close the door if you need to.

Step 9
Take breaks. A short walk or quick lunch away from the office will increase your overall productivity.

Step 10
Before leaving for the day, tidy up your desk and make a short list of projects you will need to do the next day.

Step 11
Try not to take work home. You need the break.

Tips & Warnings

• Recognize when you have the most energy in a day and do the important or harder tasks then.
• Note that certain days (usually Monday or Friday) are more hectic than others, and schedule accordingly.
• Have someone else answer your phone if possible. Give instructions about calls you wish to take and those that can be returned later.
• Avoid regularly going out for long business lunches - big meals make for unproductive afternoons.
• Avoid procrastination.

Find this article at: http://www.ehow.com/how_3619_work-efficiently.html