1. Break the task down into smaller manageable tasks. If you have a six-hour task,
break it down into six one-hour tasks or 12 30-minute tasks. Beginning with smaller bites
will create the mood to do more than you had originally intended.
2. Make an appointment with yourself. Set up a date and time on your calendar to
begin the job. Show up for the appointment and begin.
3. Set an unbreakable deadline. No cancellation permitted. Set a date and a time that
the task must be done and then live up to that deadline.
4. Gather the information for the job in advance. Do not be distracted by having to
retrieve the information after starting the job. The distraction may cause an end to the
task.
5. Reward yourself for a good job. If you have accomplished your objective, give
yourself a reward equal to the job done. Your treat could be anything from a six-foot high
banana split to a two-week vacation in the sunny Bahamas.
6. Get the activity knowledge. Take the time to learn more about your industry. You
can find a wealth of information at the public library — and it’s free! Network with
experts on the subject. Brainstorm and think of other resources for knowledge that you
may use.
7. Take mini-breaks. If you have been sitting for a long time, take about 15 seconds
to stand up and stretch. Reach for the ceiling and stand on your toes a few times. This
will help get the blood circulating. Do not leave the work area — you may never return!
8. Plan tomorrow today. Before leaving the office, take 15 minutes at the end of
each day to plan tomorrow’s activities. By planning tomorrow today, you will hit the
door running the next morning. You won’t be wasting valuable morning time planning
when you should be working.
9. Visualize the benefit of achieving your goal. Most of your tasks give a short or
long term benefit. Think about the benefit instead of the tedium of the task. What good
will result from doing the task?
10. Just do it! Nike has the right idea. Mood follows action. Action does not follow
mood. Once the gears get moving any task will seem easier to accomplish.
By following these 10 rules for action you will achieve more in life. You will improve
your self-image because there is a satisfaction in accomplishing tasks that you know
should be done. You will even earn more money because doers make more than
dreamers. All it takes is a six-letter English word that is the antithesis of procrastination
— ACTION. In fact, if you take the “I” out of action and move it to the front, the result
is three new words —”I ACT ON.”
Start now!
