Great at Lists. Not so great at follow-through.

Six. That’s the number of times longer workers take procrastinating than doing the work. Not that that helps; you probably already have had that revelation. The following three step process should move you forward when follow-through is a problem.

Step 1: Ask yourself “Is it truly important?”

Will completing this move you closer to one of your goals?

If not, let it go.

If you still feel it needs to get done, move on to step 2.

If you don’t have written goals, that could be part of the problem. If you’ve had problems defining your goals, try using this tool.

Step 2: Try one of these strategies to improve follow-through

Keep this list handy so you can look at it whenever you feel stuck and not doing a good job with follow-through.

Pick a strategy that speaks to you. Not all will, and that’s fine.

• Work in short spurts of 10 minutes, interrupted by 2 minute breaks where you get up and move. Use a timer.
• Do something altruistic. No joke: researchers at Yale, Harvard and Wharton found that writing to a sick child, for instance, increases your sense of productivity, which boosts your confidence about finishing everything else you need to do.
• Start working on something easy on your list. Same idea as above.
• Make a commitment to an accountability partner.
• Work at a clear desk. If that means moving to your dining room table, do it. Clutter is distracting.
• List or mind map all the steps to complete your project. Then do one step. Calendar the next step.
• Block time on your calendar for the task.
• Delegate it (or portions of it) to someone else.
• Pay it done. Insanity: doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. – Albert Einstein. If you always resist doing something, accept that is not your strength and find someone who will get it done.
• Go for a walk/exercise.
• Hire a coach. Yes, I am a coach. Still a valid strategy.

Step 3: Mix it up

This will keep it interesting and your mind engaged. Use different strategies for different projects.

If you struggle with follow-through, print this out or bookmark it so you can find the strategy list the next time you get stuck.