Feeling Overwhelmed And Just Can't Get Anything Done?

When working a home based business or out of the home, getting things done can be difficult because of distractions or putting things off. This quote sums it up the best I believe...

"Don't say you don't have enough time. You have exactly the same number of hours per day that were given to Helen Keller, Pasteur, Michelangelo, Mother Teresa, Leonardo da Vinci, Thomas Jefferson, and Albert Einstein."

-- H. Jackson Brown

"You see the thing is" that is what we say many times. If I had more time in my day or if I would quit procrastinating and just do it, I could be done already! The key is to know why you can't seem to get things done and procrastinate. Is it because you feel overwhelmed by all that you need to accomplish? Do you strive on meeting deadlines when in fact you are stressed and snappy?

Could you be distracting yourself because deep down you have a fear of success, or a fear of failure, so you sabotage yourself? Those are key things that you need to ask yourself first and foremost so that you can begin to recognize how you function internally.

If you are distracted by phone calls, shut your phone off until you accomplish your pressing tasks. If you get caught up reading/answering e-mails, don't check them until you finish what you need to get done on the computer. Hang a 'do not disturb' sign and let your family know that this is your task time and to get back with you at a specific time. Think of other ideas that may help you get your tasks accomplished.

Another key is to be aware of triggers for you where you become restless. Many times people can work in 50 to 55 minute increments and then take a break, but maybe you are someone who can only work steadily in 15-30 minute increments. Know at one point you need to take a break.

Keep a list of the top 10 things you have to get done that day. Make sure the task is truly important, not a time waster. Don't put more than 10 on a list or you will feel overwhelmed immediately and put it off until the end of the day.

If you don't get something on your list done, make it the top of the list for the next day so you cannot put it off any longer. Put the list in numerical order going from number 1 to number 10 and check them off when completed! Try making the task you like least first on your list so you get it done right away and don't put it off.

Whether cleaning the house, making calls, writing articles/blog posts or working on the 'to do' list, set a timer for 15 minutes and work until the timer beeps. If you are on a roll, keep going and set for another 15 minutes, but if you feel the need to stretch, or hug on the kids, or switch it out to another activity, do so and set the timer for another 15 minutes. (or whatever time is best for you)

If you follow these tips from the time you get up, until you go to bed, you will be amazed at how much you are able to get done! I hope this articles was helpful to you and helps you get more done.

Remember, section your time into blocks, evaluate why you procrastinate and your distraction triggers. We all have 24 hours in a day; it is how we utilize that time to be effective.