ITCareerCoach Training - Coaching » personal development http://www.it-career-coach.net How To Take Your Career To The Next Level Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:09:27 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Getting Things Done: The Art Of Time Management http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/27/getting-things-done-the-art-of-time-management/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/27/getting-things-done-the-art-of-time-management/#comments Fri, 28 Jan 2011 05:40:33 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3090

GTD: Getting Things Done By David Allen

GTD: Getting Things Done By David Allen

It is important in business to deliver whatever is promised on time.

However, the urgency attached to deadlines can become overwhelming due to all the multi-tasking, conflicting priorities or task / time juggling that we all have to do!

However, from the viewpoint of a client or employer, saying, “I didn’t have enough time is a sure sign of poor time management skills or incompetency.”

The inconvenient truth is that missing a deadline is unprofessional and excuses are no longer welcome in today’s fast-paced workplace.

Investing in the latest time management gadgets or apps may not help unless you understand the underlying time management techniques.

Traditional time management systems do not always help because they focus on your priorities, thereby cluttering up your calendar and leaving you with a sense of confusion, half-done tasks, missed deadlines or stress.

Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity By David Allen

That is why I’m recommending a time management system designed to declutter your mind and your calendar as well as assist you with the most trivial or complex tasks: The Getting Things Done® (GTD®) time management system by David Allen.

After a 1983 productivity seminar at Lockheed, David Allen introduced a popular time management system known as Getting Things Done® (GTD®).

In (GTD®) you get your tasks out of your mind and record them somewhere else. According to David Allen, this frees up your mind to concentrate on performing the task at hand as opposed to attempting to remember every step that needs to get done.

The Getting Things Done® system is a common sense, step-by-step approach designed to help you manage your commitments, information and communication.

What is the difference between David Allen’s time management system and others?

  • Perspective – In GTD®, your focus is to get the proper perspective.
  • Control - By organizing and decluttering your thoughts, GTD® helps you gain control of your time.

The result is a work-Flow system that makes time management simple and fun.

David Allen’s GTD system is a step-by-step flow of what happens next. It flows like this:

  1. In – What Is It – Is it Actionable (Trash, someday, references)
  2. What Is The Next Action (Project – Project Plan – Review)
  3. Do It – Delegate It (In Communication System and Track It On – Waiting)
  4. Defer It (For Me To Do (Specific Time of Day/Calendar)
  5. For Me To Do (Next Action Process)?

    6. It also presents five levels of solutions:

    • Gather Information / Get It Out of Your Head
    • Process Information
    • Get Organized
    • Review
    • Use It

    Allen suggests that you review each step weekly so you can plan better, think in advance and come up with a series of solutions ahead of time.

    When the GTD® plan is implemented, no deep thought is required. If you implement GTD®, you would find it easy to store, track or retrieve all of the necessary information you need for project.

    Here is a run-through the GTD® System:

    Step One: Gather Information / Get It Out of Your Head

    • Start by emptying your head or freeing up your thoughts so your mind is not cluttered with a scattered to-do list of thoughts.

    • Make a list of everything that needs to get done regardless of whether it is an immediate need or a long-term goal.

    • Once your mind is clear, gather more information from your calendar, daytimer, email inbox or physical storage inbox.

    • Transfer all the thoughts that fill up your head onto a tangible piece of paper in the form of one concise list.

    Step Two: Process

    • After gathering all the information on what needs to get done or you clearing up your head, begin to process all the information.

    • Look at each of the items you wrote down and ask yourself this: “What action do I need to take on this?”

    • Do this for each item on your list. If there is an item you can get done in 2 minutes or less … Just Do It!

    • If it takes more than 2 minutes to get it done, decide on what the next action will be such as organizing a meeting, reading an article, etc.

    • Any item that requires more than one step will be put on “your Projects” list. This list might include items such as arranging a meeting, writing a program, etc.

    Step Three: Get Organized

    Now that you have a long list of what you need to do, it’s time to get organized. Do that by categorizing your list using these six guidelines:

    1. Next Action – This is what is to be done next.
    2. Projects – These are the items on your list that need more than one immediate action to accomplish them.
    3. Waiting – These are the items on your list that require patience or waiting on a response from someone else.
    4. Someday or Maybe – These are items on your list that are long-term goals or that you want to get done but you don’t have a time when it will be done.
    5. Calendar – Keep your calendar neat and free of clutter. Only put things on your calendar that you absolutely have to get done by a specific date and time such as a meeting.

    6. Reference It – Save it to a file for future reference. This would involve articles read, notes taken or anything else you may need at a later time.

    Step Four: Review

    Reviewing each step is an important part of the GTD® ssystem of time management.

    At the very least, a time should be scheduled and set aside weekly for nothing but reviews. Some to-do lists may even be reviewed daily.

    The review process ensures that the to-do lists are kept current and clean without unnecessary items cluttering it up.

    Step Five: Use It

    It’s time to use the GTD® time management tool to get things done efficiently. You may want to write things down like a computer flow chart so each step can be visualized.

    In summary, here are the steps for using it::

    1. Information In
    2. What Is It?
    3. Is It Actionable?
    4. If No – Trash It!
    5. If Yes – Do It Now (If can be done in less than 2 minutes), Do it someday, Or Reference It
    6. What Is next action? Put specific time/dates on calendar, Delegate It or Wait on someone else
    7. Review and update process

    Final Thoughts

    By using the GTD® method of time management, you can avoid being overwhelmed.

    By pinpointing and writing down everything that has captured your attention, deciding and clarifying what things are actionable, organizing everything into proper categories and staying current, you free up your thoughts to focus on what is important.

    Using David Allen’s Getting Things Done® (®) will develop confidence and relieve stress by helping you get things done in the least amount of time and by using your energies or focusing your attentions wisely.

    Most importantly, you will have happier clients or a happier boss.


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    ]]> http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/27/getting-things-done-the-art-of-time-management/feed/ 0 What Is Your Personality Type? http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/22/what-is-your-personality-type/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/22/what-is-your-personality-type/#comments Sat, 22 Jan 2011 22:43:20 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3075

    What Is Your Personality Type?

    What Is Your Personality Type?

    One of the reasons why professionals struggle with their careers or under-perform at their jobs is that their work or career does not match their personality!

    When hiring someone to do job, it’s easy to see what skills and training they have acquired or what types of jobs they’ve previously performed from their resume.

    What is not so easy to see is how that same person’s personality traits will fit in with that of other employees or how their personality will thrive on a daily basis after you’ve have hired them.

    That is why you need to take a personality test … an instrument that is used to measure or assess the characteristics of your personality.

    Personality tests are sometimes more accurately referred to as a personality inventory since the use of the word “test” implies a right or wrong answer must be given.

    However when it comes to personality test, there is no right or wrong assessment but rather an objective, independent assessment of suitability for a career or a job.

    Personality tests are simply a series of questions designed to gather information used in assessing general personality characteristics.

    When administered properly, personality tests are effective for building successful teams.

    The results from a personality test can give you good insight into what personality types work best together and what type of work is more effectively done by certain types of people.

    Please note that: personality tests are not guaranteed to be accurate and people can change or adapt overall personality … even though that is not easy!

    So, Is there a personality test that is accurate?

    The Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) personality test was first developed in 1943.

    During the more than 60 years it has been used, it has been perfected as an accurate personality indicator and when the more accurate, complete version of the test is administered, the results can be alarmingly accurate.

    The MBTI groups uses 4 Type letters to distringuish16 unique and different personality types based on the answers to a Myers-Briggs personality test.

    What are these 4 Type letters and what do they mean?

    • (I)ntrovert/(E)xtrovert
    • (S)ensing/(I)ntuivite
    • (T)hinking/(F)eeling
    • (J)udging/(P)erceptive

    The idea that someone is an introvert vs. extrovert does not necessarily mean one is extremely outgoing and the other extremely shy. But rather, it implies from which perspective they tend to view situation: From within, or from without.

    Sensing vs. Intuitive is similar to the introvert/extrovert in that it implies whether decisions are made based upon the physical senses or an intuitive knowing from within.

    Thinking vs. Feeling suggests the process of thought and decision making as to whether it is done by concrete thinking or logic or based upon a feeling.

    Judging vs. Perceptive describes if a person comes to conclusions based upon a logical criteria or based upon an inward perception.

    Here are the 16 personality types based on the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator for use in determining how suited you are for a career or job:

    ISTJ Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Thinking Judging

    To the ISTJ personality type, order and schedule is of utmost importance. and no sacrifice is too great to an ISTJ when it comes to keeping unity.

    Even though they tend to have difficulty expressing emotions and what they think and can come off as being uncaring, they tend to develop strong and loyal relationships with others.

    The ISTJ easily takes on responsibility. Because of this, they fit in well with any aspect of the IT profession in planning and inspecting, management, scheduling, auditing or accounting.

    Spontaneity and abstract thinking is not a plus to the ISTJ personality and the ISTJ will remain consistently strong in everything they attempt.

    ISFJ Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Feeling Judging

    To the ISFJ, work is very important.

    In terms of the IT Professional, they effectively fill the roles of protecting and supporting though they will work hard at any position as they have a strong sense of duty.

    They may even remain silent or let others take advantage of them just to avoid conflict. This can be beneficial in business as they tend to put up with complaints for the sake of harmony.

    INFJ Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Feeling Judging

    Inspiring and insightful, the INFJ personality tends to do well as a developer.

    INFJ often inspire others and tend to succeed in creative situations.

    This personality type does not enjoy tension and can come off as quiet or even disinterested. But, don’t be fooled. Beneath this unassuming exterior is a ton of ideas waiting to come forth and when these ideas are properly tapped, they come alive.

    They will also jump at any chance to learn and broaden their horizons.

    INTJ Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Thinking Judging

    The INTJ is very independent and may be perceived as being arrogant.

    They may even appear to be argumentative, but this is the way they learn.

    They like to see change for the better and can be intolerant of stagnation.

    They do well in work environments where systems are set up to achieve maximum output.

    They do well in management, consulting, computer programming and as Directors.

    ISTP Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Thinking Perceptive

    The ISTP personality may take charge in fixing a problem.

    They are ready to try anything at least once.

    They are spontaneous and do not like others to control them.

    They do not enjoy routine work such as that of an administrator or researcher.

    They shine in problem solving spontaneously with a tangible goal such as Analyzer or Operator.

    ISFP Personality Type – Introvert Sensing Feeling Perceptive

    The ISFP personality tends to be non-imposing.

    They fear standing still and enjoy a challenge when working with people.

    They do well when they can produce new thought patterns.

    They do well in fields that involve composing and producing.

    INFP Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Feeling Perceptive

    The INFP Personality type tends to bring harmony and clarification to the table.

    They do not like conflict at all. In fact, there’s very little an INFP won’t do to avoid conflict.

    They do have a desire to help others. Teaching and training is an excellent position for the INFP.

    They also do well with research, design and human resources and they tend to crave working hard in whatever position they are placed.

    INTP Personality Type – Introvert Intuitive Thinking Perceptive

    The last-minute planner, the INTP adapts well to fast changes.

    They need to find a challenge in their work. If they don’t find a challenge, they will grow discontented and depressed.

    They are excellent at problem solving and theorizing.

    They are excellent at strategic planning, writing, computer programming and design.

    ESTP Personality Type – Extrovert Sensing Thinking Perceptive

    The ESTP Personality thrives on being the center of attention.

    They have a lack of order and tend to never plan as they see planning as a waste of time.

    They love daily changes and refuse to get stuck in a rut.

    In terms of the IT profession for the ESTP, they do well as an executor or in a role where they can be the promoter.

    ESFP Personality Type – Extrovert Sensing Feeling Perceptive

    The ESFP personality lives in the moment and does not make plans easily if at all.

    They can be viewed as hyper or shallow as they push for excitement.

    They do not like confrontation. They do, however, make great motivators or presenters or any position that provides instant gratification.

    ENFP Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Feeling Perceptive

    The ENFP personality tends to be extremely loyal and will look for the best in others along with always looking for new possibilities.

    They can appear to be over positive or insincere.

    They have a need and a desire to work with people and they want to have fun in their work.

    They make for great human resource development trainers, designers, and advocates.

    ENTP Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Thinking Perceptive

    The ENTP personality thrives on enthusiasm.

    Though they will become excited enough about ideas to promote them, they don’t always follow through on these ideas.

    They like to be challenged and stimulated in their work. Computer science, financial advising, teaching, computer or systems analyst are great career choices for the ENTP.

    ESTJ Personality Type – Extrovert Sensing Thinking Judging

    The ESTJ personality is a born manager.

    They are dependable but tend to volunteer for more work and responsibility than others.

    To an ESTJ, everything must have a plan.

    They tend to fix what is broken and do a job correctly.

    They tend to be loyal to the company. They make great managers as well as supervisors.

    ESFJ Personality Type: – (Extrovert Sensing Feeling Judging):

    The ESFJ is seen as a scheduler.

    They are usually neat and enjoyable to be around.

    They do well where organization is involved and they also make great listeners and are loyal.

    They like to serve, facilitate and be the caretaker. Jobs in computers, science or consulting can be stressful to the ESFJ personality.

    ENFJ Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Feeling Judging

    The ENFJ personality tends to be known as a communicator and have an understanding of other people.

    They are drawn to situation where they can interact with others who will challenge them.

    They do not do well in careers that involve a great deal of detail or paperwork.

    They do, however, make great mentors and envision well.

    ENTJ Personality Type – Extrovert Intuitive Thinking Judging

    The ENTJ is a natural leader.

    They even enjoy confrontation and they tend to be the classic corporate type of personality.

    They are not afraid to challenge old ways of doing things with more successful methods.

    Business consultants and network integrations as well as strategists are careers where the ENTJ thrive.

    My Final Thoughts:

    Each of these 16 personality types will fit better into some Information Technology careers than others and that it’s where the Myers-Briggs personality testing can help you.

    Regardless of how much you want a career or a job, you will find it hard to succeed if your personality does not match that required for the job and you don’t change your personality to match it!

    • If you choose to change your personality for a career or job, you can hurt yourself in the process, which will negate the benefits of doing that job!

      so you may be better off choosing a career that suites your personality than forcing your personality to fit in.

    • As a manager, director, project manager or human resources professional, you can place people in roles where they’re most likely to succeed alongside based on results from properly administered Myers-Briggs personality test.

      In the end, the proper use of personality testing can lead to more productive work place.

    So, What Is Your Myers-Briggs Personality Type?

    If don’t know the answer, follow this link to take your Myers-Briggs personality test..


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    ]]>     http://www.it-career-coach.net/2011/01/22/what-is-your-personality-type/feed/ 0     Don’t Worry Get Married: How to Cope With An Ever Increasing Workload! http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/09/16/how-to-cope-work-life-conflicts/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/09/16/how-to-cope-work-life-conflicts/#comments Thu, 16 Sep 2010 20:59:10 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/?p=3002

    don't worry get married

    don't worry get married

    This post is written for professionals looking for ways to cope with conflicting or demanding work and life commitments.

    How to cope with an ever increasing workload? Tech workers are under increasing pressure to get more work done during office hours, vacation time, weekend time or even away from the office at home.

    How to keep up with the demands of our careers? And IT professionals are worrying about how they can learn new technologies or sharpen their current skills because of the constantly changing face of technology.

    So, we are going to address the increasing pressure on IT workers to get more work done in less time or keep up with the fast pace of market and technological change.

    Let me tell you a story

    In January, one of the business analysts attending our training from the United Kingdom, (UK) asked us for help on how to deal with a conflicting personal situation.

    You see, she had enrolled in the Business Analyst Boot Camp, a few weeks earlier but was now in a dilemma that proved to be an eye opener for us.

    A few weeks earlier, when she started the training, she knew exactly what she was going to do with her life. She was going to attend our business analyst training, pay serious attention to her studies and carry on with her work or professional duties.

    But as we’ve all experienced at one point or the other, life happened to her and she fell in love and decided to get married!

    So, this was her dilemna, “how to get married in January, take time off for her wedding and at the same time avoid disrupting her business analyst training schedule!“.

    Here is the good news: in-addition to getting married, our priceless scheduling & time management feature built into our learning management / training system (LMS) allowed her to achieve a work-life goal without adding to the stress of her hectic wedding preparation.

    How We Can Help You Achieve Work or Life Balance More Easily

    You can manage or schedule the demands of your workplace, life or personal commitments using the scheduling or life-management features built into our learning software.

    • What happens if you miss a lesson?

      When you’re assigned a practice test, assignment or video training and you don’t complete it for any reason including work or life scheduling conflicts, you will start receiving late reminders.

      However, these late reminders are sent without any penalties because our learning system will keep your course active and waiting for as long as it takes you to get back on track!

    • What happens if you are unavailable?

      Assuming that you will be unavailable for a longer period of time or you simply don’t want to get late e-mail reminders, simply PAUSE the training from your learning software with no penalty.

      What this really means is that you may RESUME or PAUSE your training at-will and the learning management software will keep a track of what you’re working on now or what you’ll be learning next!

    Every part of our training is designed for professionals living in the real-world. We understand that dealing with life or work scheduling pressures is important to you, so we’ve provided you with tools that allow you to take control of your schedule.

    A Recap Of How To Cope With Life Or Work Scheduling Conflict

    1. You may take your training during office hours or at home or from any location that fits your schedule as long as you have a computer and a high-speed connection.

    2. You may submit your late assignments or watch your training videos at any time of the day or late … after they are due. There is no penalty for late assignments.

    3. You may PAUSE or RESUME your training because you’re going to be unavailable for longer periods of time This feature may also be used by you at-will.

    4. You can complete the training on time or late. There is no pressure from us or system constraint that forces you to get out of the training after a certain number of weeks or days.


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    ]]>     http://www.it-career-coach.net/2010/09/16/how-to-cope-work-life-conflicts/feed/ 0     Coaching Or Self Study http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/20/coaching-or-self-study/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/20/coaching-or-self-study/#comments Wed, 20 Feb 2008 21:11:14 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/20/coaching-or-self-study/

    There are a number of ways you can learn programming or business analysis or any
    other technical skill. I recommend both coaching and self study. I
    am going to compare both modes of learning so you have a better idea of what
    works for you and what doesn't.

    Self Study or Teach Yourself

    Self study is the type of learning where you are 100% responsible for the
    outcome. It involves researching a concept, subject or topic through books,
    online websites and other types of media. You set the learning goals by
    yourself, draw up a lesson plan and then do your own reading and learning.

    1. Self study is the cheapest way to learn a skill. It is cheaper than training,
    coaching, mentoring or distance learning.

    2. Self study is not the most productive or the fastest way to learn a skill. It
    is easier for you to give up on your study goals because you are only
    accountable to yourself. It is easier for you to skip on scheduled lessons
    because you are only accountable to yourself.

    3. Self study is great if you don't care about feedback. The books you are
    reading are not likely to tell you anything about how you are doing or talk back
    to you. So, if you like learning in solitude without any feedback from other
    people, self study may be ideal for you.

    Coaching

    Coaching involves someone else other than yourself walking you through your
    study material.

    1. Coaching is more expensive than self study because you have to pay for your
    coach's time.

    2. Coaching is a quicker, faster, surer way to achieve your learnng goals and
    here is why. When you pay a coach to learn a skill (body building, writing,
    internet marketing, etc.) you are more likely to do whatever it takes to
    complete your program. So, you are more committed and invested in your goal.

    3. Learning a new technical skill can be a difficult or frustrating experience
    at times and having a coach walk you through the process can save you a lot of
    tears, detours and time.

    4. Your coach can show you the shortcuts that shave years off your learning
    curve. There is a limit to how much you can actually learn about a subject just
    by reading it. A coach can supply that experiential knowledge that will take you
    years to learn otherwise. That is why the top performers in almost every
    industry have mentors who are above them.

    5. Since coaching is a one-to-one relationship, you must admire and respect your
    coach and also get along fairly well with your coach otherwise you may well be
    wasting your money and your time.

    I hope this clarifies things for you. On my website, I have IT Career Books for
    computer programmers, business analysts and other software development
    professionals. These books are perfect if you are a do-it-yourself kind of
    person.

    At the same time, I also have coaching programs that provide personalized,
    one-on-one attention or feedback. So, just do what works for you
    … get the ebooks if you prefer self study or the coaching programs if you want
    a guide, mentor or trainer that will walk you through your
    learning.

    About The Author

    My name is Kingsley Tagbo and I?m a technical expert living in Saint Louis,
    Missouri. I write about the training, coaching, mentoring
    and personal development of software development professionals including
    business analysts, computer programmers, testers, project managers, web
    designers, data analysts, report writers, software developers and other
    information technology professionals .

    My firm, Exacticity, performs software development consulting and training for
    clients throughout the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia and New
    Zealand. If you are in need of software development consultants or training,
    target="_blank"
    title="contact the author">click here to get in touch with me    .


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    ]]>     http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/02/20/coaching-or-self-study/feed/ 0     HOW TO OVERCOME PROCRASTINATION IN 8 EASY STEPS http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/01/02/how-to-overcome-procrastination-in-8-easy-steps/ http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/01/02/how-to-overcome-procrastination-in-8-easy-steps/#comments Thu, 03 Jan 2008 02:03:38 +0000 ITCareerCoach http://www.it-career-coach.net/2008/01/02/how-to-overcome-procrastination-in-8-easy-steps/

    How To Overcome Procrastination

    How To Overcome Procrastination


    The Procrastination Problem

    As a career coach, one of the biggest hurdles I have to overcome when working with my clients is procrastination. An example is a client that I will call Ryan. Ryan acknowledges that even though he has a degree in Information Systems, he is stuck in a dead end job in Help Desk Support.

    Ryan would love a great new job as a computer programmer. I have worked with him to create a plan of action that includes updating his skill set while simultaneously putting his resume out there to see if a potential employer will nibble on it.

    However, no matter how many pep talks and reminder emails I send Ryan, I can’t get him to take any action beyond putting the plan on paper. Why? Ryan is a master procrastinator just like many of us out there who just can’t seem to get started on the projects that mean so much to us and our future.

    If Ryan does not overcome this problem, he will never gain the fulfillment of moving into a new career, nor will he enjoy the benefits of doubling his salary which becoming a computer programmer will undoubtedly give him.

    So, What Makes Us Procrastinate?

    Why does Ryan or anyone else procrastinate? There are different reasons, but the most common are:

    • A perception that a task is unpleasant or overwhelming

    • Fear of the Unknown

    • Fear of Change

    • Perfectionism

    • Fear of Failure

    • Disorganization

    The Cost of Procrastination

    While procrastination seems to be a benign human fault, it can eat away at the quality of your life with devastating results. Like my client, Ryan, huge benefits that are just at your fingertips will slip away from you. Opportunities to be all that you can be will pass you by.

    Not “getting round” to your annual medical or dental check up can result in death if beginning symptoms of a deadly disease are overlooked. Not “getting round” to balancing your checkbook can result in huge overdraft fees and ruin your credit report.

    Not “getting round” to purchasing life insurance can leave your young children destitute if anything should happen to you. Not “getting round” to your car’s oil change can shave years off the life of your car and result in major repair costs or constantly having to purchase a new vehicle. The list goes on and on.

    What’s on your “Put It Off List”?

    A New Year is a good time to dig out all the things you have left undone and begin to tackle them right now. The good news is that with this article in your hands, you will have proven strategies for success in actually completing these tasks. Here’s your very first task.

    Right now, before going on, make a list of five things that you’ve been planning to do, but haven’t. DO IT NOW. Just grab a pen and paper and make a list of five things that you’ve been putting off. Then read the rest of the article. You will be able to start applying these tips to accomplish them right now.

    How to Overcome Procrastination

    Step One: Visualize the End from the Beginning

    First, create a vivid image of what it is like to have completed the project. Bring all your faculties of imagination to bear on it. Visualizing the completed task ? the benefits you are reaping, the feeling of success or the admiration of your spouse will help you anticipate the achievement you are striving for.

    After visualizing the completed task, visualize the process of actually working on the task. Imagine sitting at your desk and turning your computer on, opening up your textbook and reading the assigned chapter, gathering notes for your article, purchasing the tools for building your deck etc.

    This visualization will change your attitude toward the task and invigorate you with the energy you need to overcome any inertia you feel.

    Step Two: Count the Cost

    When procrastination sets in, sometimes it is because we have bitten off more than we can chew. One of my clients once set a goal of studying for her IT certifications so that she would be ready to return to work when her children started school the next year.

    As time went on, I noticed that she was not making much progress with her study and was on the verge of giving up. On further investigation, I discovered that she was trying to study while her two toddlers were at home with her in the same room! I finally convinced her to accept the cost of hiring a baby sitter for a few hours twice week so she could study.

    She completed her certifications with flying colors and went on to get the job she wanted at the salary she wanted.

    Before putting a task on your list, be realistic about the time, cost, interest and expertise that the task will require. You may need to hire a professional or ask for help or raise more money to complete a task.

    Step Three: Brainstorm

    If you feel like you are stuck on a project or task, brainstorming is a great way to introduce new energy and break the “block” that is facing you. Sit down with a blank piece of paper and a pen and simply write down all your ideas and possible steps for the project.

    Browse through books and magazines related to your project and glean ideas from them. Don’t criticize any of your thoughts and don’t stop until all your possible thoughts have been put on paper.

    Step Four: Make a Public Commitment

    We tend to improve our performance when we know that we are being watched. Tell your spouse or your boss what you plan to achieve. Sometimes telling your enemies or catty friends can work to motivate you because you’ll do whatever it takes to avoid failing with them watching.

    Step Five: Gather Material

    Buy a box and begin tossing in any and everything that it related to your project: Books, articles, news clippings, tools, fabric, color swatches etc. This process will give you the feeling of having gotten your project underway. You will have also overcome another project-killer: disorganization.

    Because you have all the material for your project together in one spot, it will be easier for you to find what you need when you need it instead of stalling because of an itty-bitty item that has mysteriously disappeared.

    Step Six: Break it down ? Do it One Step at a Time

    Now you are ready to tackle your project, but wait, don’t dive in yet. You need to break down the entire process into small, simple and doable steps. Having these steps written down on paper creates a kind of automatic action trigger when you look at them.

    You know that each day you work on your project, you only have to focus on one of the steps at a time. This will prevent procrastination from being triggered by the feeling of being overwhelmed by the sheer size of the project.

    Step Seven: Sweat It Out For Ten Minutes

    When you find yourself not working on a project and continually putting it off, a good way to get yourself jumpstarted again is to set a timer and work on the item with your full item for ten minutes. No matter how unpleasant or stressful you find the task, you can bear to do it for ten minutes at a time.

    When your ten minutes are up, you can stop and go do something else. More often than not, you will find that just ten minutes of focused work will get you on a roll and you will want to continue the task to completion. For the days that you are still stressed after ten minutes, stop and proceed to another task and return for another ten minutes the next day.

    Step Eight: Set the Bar Low

    When an otherwise talented and ambitious person is also a chronic procrastinator, the cause is usually a deep seated tendency toward perfectionism. This perfectionism creates an expectation in the individual that he or she must do the job perfectly the first time around.

    This expectation creates stress, anxiety and the fear of failure. The individual is likely to put the task off indefinitely so that he never has to evaluate his performance and can keep his imagined perfection rather than improving his actual performance. The solution to this is to set the bar low for the initial results of the project.

    Remind yourself that you can revise your article as many times as you need to once you get your thoughts down on paper. Remind yourself that you can always paint a room over if you botch the job the first time.

    Final Thoughts

    Apply these steps to your to-do list and you will find that the things you’ve wished for are easier to obtain than you formerly thought. You will win more victories than defeats just by showing up. You will increase your performance and your ability to create excellence in your life and work.

    You will decrease anxiety, stress and depression and watch your self-esteem rise. Overcoming procrastination will also earn you a reputation for being dependable and successful.

    I wish you great success!

    Kingsley Tagbo – IT Career Coach

    http://www.it-career-coach.net


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