How to beat procrastination pt. 9 - Get specific!

How getting clear on what you need to accomplish can help you past analysis-paralysis

Welcome to part 9 of our procrastination series!

This series has been by far our most popular resource on Substack!

In today’s newsletter, you will learn how to clarify your to-do list to eliminate analysis paralysis, a common cause of procrastination. And it is fairly straightforward; get specific!

Identify the next action

Too often, we get bogged down with projects when we are unclear about what needs to get done. Vague labels and broad projects are often the cause of us not taking action.

In his seminal book Getting Things Done, author David Allen encourages us to identify the next action for each project, and to get as granular as possible with it.

For example, if your project is book next vacation, the possible next action could be to research sightseeings or museums you want to visit before you decide on where you’ll want to stay.

Use an action verb

Make sure that you phrase your tasks using action verbs right at the start. This will help you clarify exactly what you need to do to cross it off your list.

I make sure that my action verb is the first word I see on my list. Keeping this principle in mind helps you get as specific as you can.

Break it down

As you brainstorm your next action and your action verb for each task you’ve been putting off, you’ll soon think of other steps you need to take.

What I suggest is to keep a project log for any project that involves 2 or more action steps. On your daily to-do list, you write the very next action. On your project dashboard, you’ll list everything else that needs to be completed for this specific project.

Once the next action has been completed, you can move other tasks to your daily to-do list. I usually list 1-3 actions for my most important projects at any given day.

Your next step

Now, think of the last task you have put off and procrastinated on. Is it specific?

What is the very next action you need to take? How can you phrase it starting with an action verb? Can you get started on it today?