End procrastination: Tip #3 (2 min. reading time)
By Mary Boza Crimmins
Would’ve. Could’ve. Should’ve. But ya didn’t. And why? Because Time is your frenemy. Here’s a little relationship advice for you and Time: understand the Laws of Diminishing Intent and Diminishing Returns.
The Law of Diminishing Intent, first described by entrepreneur and motivational speaker Jim Rohn, states the longer you wait to do something, the less likely you are to do it. You would’ve had the uncomfortable conversation, but there was never the right time. Well, the issue hasn’t resolved itself. You could’ve pursued changing jobs, but now you’ve squelched your courage. You should’ve acknowledged another’s contribution, but you didn’t find the opportune moment. When the Law of Diminishing Intent is part of your procrastination cycle, it’s often because you haven’t taken the time to plan your week and days. That brings back to Tip #2 of distinguishing between your elephants - goals - and fleas - the pesky tasks and making time for both. Sometimes though, you’ve intended to do too much. Know your limits—set boundaries.
Another characteristic of your frenemy is the economic concept of the Law of Diminishing Returns. (I love economics because so many of its concepts apply to daily life.) This law states there is a point where any additional time you dedicate to a project or task will no longer pay off. A while back, I was writing and compiling the employee handbook for my employer. I vividly recall my boss entering my office and exclaiming, “Mary, it doesn’t have to be perfect, but it does have to be done.” Lesson learned. I had come to the point where any additional effort I planned to put forth was simply not going to be necessary. The hesitation to, as Seth Grodin describes, to ship the product is procrastination.
To be on friendlier terms with Time, and thus end procrastination, avoid putting these two laws into effect. If something is important, decide on a time to do it and veto the Law of Diminishing Intent. Be aware of the compulsion to pour more time into a project by overriding the Law of Diminishing Returns.
Did you miss Tips #1 and #2 on ending procrastination? Simply scroll down and click on the back arrow.
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