As a business owner, you may find yourself constantly procrastinating when it comes to technology. With everything evolving at such a rapid pace, keeping up with the constant evolution of digital tools and platforms can feel overwhelming. You may put off tasks that involve technology, feeling uncertain and even fearful of the unknown.
The pressure to stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape can be intense, and you know that your success depends on your ability to keep up with the latest tools and trends. With so many options available, it can be difficult to know where to start or what to focus your attention on, and you worry that you will make the wrong choices, fail to use the latest tools, or worse, that your competitors will outpace you!
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It can be easy to get lost in the details, spending endless hours researching and experimenting with new tools and software without actually getting anything done. If this sounds familiar to you, then read on as I share some steps to help free you from that procrastination trap.
Procrastination Myth Busting Time
First, let me shatter a common myth that business owners may believe, which is that procrastination with technology is a personal flaw or lack of discipline. They may think that they are simply not tech-savvy enough or that they are not cut out for the fast-paced digital world. This myth can lead to feelings of shame and inadequacy, making it even harder to address the problem and take action.
In reality, procrastination with technology is a common issue that many business owners face. Procrastination is a natural response to a challenging task or a new and unfamiliar environment. Take a gifted person out of their familiar environment into something new that they have limited skill or interest in, and they will also tend to procrastinate.
Why Do We Procrastinate
It’s a human condition that we procrastinate over things we don’t really want to do, and the reasons for this are quite specific. We also need to recognize that technology is not the enemy but rather a tool that can greatly enhance productivity and efficiency. By embracing technology and staying up-to-date with the latest advancements, business owners can take advantage of tools and platforms that can streamline processes and automate tasks, freeing up time and energy to focus on activities that will move the needle in your business.
Watch me talk more about procrastination in my below video – or keep reading below for my 4 Step Strategy to address procrastination in your small business today!
4 Step Strategy To Avoid Procrastination
There are a number of suggestions I can make, and I highly recommend you start with these. But if, like me and the many clients I have coached, you may have used these upcoming suggestions, and perhaps others, then I will highlight what I personally do and what works for almost everyone who has tried other preceding tips. Please do not discount these simple and effective strategies first but the big gun that works best, continues to work, and will also work, is my final tip.
Step 1
The most obvious but not so commonly used is to set clear deadlines and accountability to help keep you on track. This can include setting deadlines for specific tasks or projects and regularly checking in with an external person, mentor, spouse, business partner, etc., to report progress and receive feedback. The added pressure of external accountability can often help motivate action and prevent procrastination.
Step 2
Once done, break tasks down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Often, we procrastinate because we are overwhelmed and daunted with the enormity of a project, but this is always a matter of perspective, as all major tasks can be broken down into bite-sized achievable steps.
The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one.” – Mark Twain, American writer.
For example, if you need to revamp your website, instead of thinking about the entire project, break it down into smaller tasks, such as creating the headline, call to action, choosing a colour scheme and writing the copy.
This method makes the project more approachable and helps you feel more in control. It also alleviates the feeling of overwhelm that often leads to procrastination. By doing this, you can create a sense of momentum and progress, which can help build motivation and drive.
Step 3
Avoid common distractions that take us off task and derail us. This can be achieved by turning off notifications on your phone or computer, using productivity apps that block distracting websites or apps during designated work times, and setting aside a dedicated workspace free from distractions. By creating an environment that is conducive to focused work, you can avoid the temptation to procrastinate with technology.
Step 4 – Final Step
Here is the big gun…Delegate with accountability. There are people who are skilled with technology, love it, and make it look like a walk in the park. Your time is best spent on the things you are good at, such as making sales, speaking with customers, being the visionary, and planning. Your effective hourly rate is the highest possible, so the more time you spend in these areas, the more money you make, and you can then pay for the person doing the technology.
Delegating tasks can free up valuable time and mental energy for other important responsibilities, and it can also empower team members to develop new skills and take ownership of their work. There are plenty of options with assistance.
Delegation is a simple, timeless time management strategy that we resist because we want to control almost everything in our business, but that won’t work unless you like the idea of heading towards a breakdown. Do what you do best and where you get paid the most. The things that others cannot do are where you should focus to make money, and delegate the rest. The extra money you make can pay for the resources.
Next Steps / Where To From Here?
If any part of this article resonates with you or if you have more questions than answers, then reach out to me. I am willing to understand your specific and unique situation better, I may possibly give you some clarity and new insights you have not had access to in the past, and possibly provide the breakthrough you have been looking for…
Simply apply for a 45min consultation (with no fee and no sales pressure) at www.samtornatore.com
Want to find the best business coach?
Are you a business owner who is struggling to grow and looking for expert advice? We can help find the best business coaches matched to your specific needs. Click below and fill out the form and we will be in touch!