How to beat procrastination pt. 7 - The Power Hour

A powerful tool to get done with those pesky tasks you've been putting off

We all have a list of tasks that we never get around to doing.

You know those exhausting, pesky tasks that we put off, week after week? What if you could knock a bunch of those in only an hour? How would you feel to get those off your back?

That’s what the power hour is for.

Conquer your to-do list

I first heard of the term power hour in Gretchen Rubin’s podcast, Happier.

The idea is simple. Make a list of all the tasks you’ve been putting off indefinitely. Mark your calendar at a time when you’re free and your energy levels are at their max. Then select one task on that list, and do it.

I like the idea of setting a timer, and allowing myself a treat when I’m done.

It gives me something to look forward to and makes the doing almost effortless.

Use the 5 second rule

Author Mel Robbins in her wildly popular book invites us to use the 5 second rule to jump into action.

If you have marked your calendar, selected your task, and yet you can’t seem to get started, count backwards from five to zero. At zero, jump off your chair and get started right now. Do not let your mind give you any excuses.

Jump right into action.

Doing more than you think

The magic of the power hour is that you’ll quickly realize that the tasks you’ve been putting off often take less than an hour to accomplish.

If you find yourself done after half an hour of focused work, you can give yourself that treat and enjoy the free time you just created. Or, if you want to achieve God-mode, you can keep working on your list until the timer goes off.

One simple hour in your week can do wonders, and you’ll feel so accomplished with that weight off your shoulders!

Try the power hour this week

In the comments below, let me know what task on your list you aim to achieve during your first power hour. Then mark your calendar right away! Let me know how it goes!