An interesting article I read some time back identified several types of procrastination. To the best of my memory, the types were:
The solution I've found? Make systems out of everything. Instead of viewing each case as an individual problem to be solved, I try to categorize that problem, and design a policy to address similar problems in the future. I record my policy so I can refer back to it in the future.
The principle here is to reduce the number of times I have to make a decision. I'm so often juggling lots of balls at once that I rarely get time to sit down and concentrate hard on anything conceptually difficult. So I focus those times on designing policies I can apply to lots of situations.
Specifically, I use lots of checklists and form emails. The checklists allow me to break complex tasks into easy-to-digest steps. For example, here are some steps I go through when training a new Davis Dollars intern:
Form emails also reduce the need to make decisions about what to write, and help me avoid forgetting important details. Some of the types of form emails I use:
- Laziness: I put off evaluating my (terrific) interns because I'd just rather read an interesting article about the management style of W. L. Gore and Associates.
- Strategic procrastination: I put off producing a presentation because I work best under pressure, and I would rather focus on more urgent matters right now.
- Indecision: I put off designing a new intern retention program because I'm just not sure how to start.
The solution I've found? Make systems out of everything. Instead of viewing each case as an individual problem to be solved, I try to categorize that problem, and design a policy to address similar problems in the future. I record my policy so I can refer back to it in the future.
The principle here is to reduce the number of times I have to make a decision. I'm so often juggling lots of balls at once that I rarely get time to sit down and concentrate hard on anything conceptually difficult. So I focus those times on designing policies I can apply to lots of situations.
Specifically, I use lots of checklists and form emails. The checklists allow me to break complex tasks into easy-to-digest steps. For example, here are some steps I go through when training a new Davis Dollars intern:
- Confirm the topic she's interested in working on (e.g. community outreach, business outreach, marketing, etc.)
- Make her an admin on our website (www.davisdollars.org)
- Remind her to upload her bio, with a picture, to our About Us page
- Give her an orientation on our Google Docs
- Set her up with a team; make sure she has specific action items to work on at the end of the meeting
Form emails also reduce the need to make decisions about what to write, and help me avoid forgetting important details. Some of the types of form emails I use:
- A standard response to applicants
- An email reminding intern applicants to read our About Us page, and come prepared to discuss ideas for how they would start off their internship
- An intern orientation email with links to our various web resources
- Information about how to get involved in Davis Dollars
- How Davis Dollars benefits Davis businesses
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