Inasmuch as we try to meet deadlines, and aspire to inspire the future we desire, (permit my poor tongue-twisting), there are times all we want is to sleep or laze about as we hide away from the reality of our lives- work. The spirit is indeed willing, but the flesh is weak.
Your secret sin is what you do when no client is breathing down your neck to deliver it job, it is how you say you will get back to a client and not do it, it is that how you desperately crave for panic attack when your deadline is hours away, and you just started working. Your secret sin is PROCRASTINATION and sometimes, with a drop of laziness.
At some point in life, every business owner will have bouts of procrastination. So how do you manage procrastination, deliver your work, enjoy some guilty pleasure of laziness and not feel like a sinner?
• Make a weekly plan: There is nothing as smart as having a schedule or To-Do list. It makes you very organised and also lets you know when you have too much on your plate. With a weekly plan, you will know when to fix the delivery for a client’s job, so you do not feel overwhelmed and suicidal, and also when to outsource.
• Switch off your data: If you are strong-willed and can resist the temptation of social media when your phone is on, by all means, be my guest. I won't ask you to switch off your phone if you already consider that as an option. What if a call for a job comes in when your phone is switched off, and the client finds someone else? That is equal to lost money. However, my advice would be for you to switch off your data or turn off your notification to avoid distractions. So be smart about your decisions and apply self-control. If you feel you must use your phone, time yourself and enjoy a little bit of fun but not too much.
• Don’t multi-task: As funny as this sounds, you get less done when you try to multi-task. It has happened several times, yet I haven't learnt my lesson. Focus on getting one job done at a time. If you are writing, for example, don't edit at the same time. They are two different jobs you need to do separately. Trying to multi-task stops the flow of ideas while you work, and since ideas are part of what builds up your content, don't stop the flow.
• Learn how to outsource: In this life, you cannot make it all by yourself. You need people to help you go far. When you have so much work on your hands, instead of you turning down a new job and losing that client, accept the work and give it to another freelance writer you can trust with the job. Both of you go home with money, and you don't get to break down.
• Take regular breaks: All work and no play will make you grumpy and fairly productive. When I do jobs, and I lose interest, I take a break. I read a book, see a movie, or chat with a loved one. I look for something to help me unwind. Sometimes I eat or even sleep. Fatigue can make your mind clouded, so even though you want to make money, learn to take breaks.
• Understand your productive hours: Everyone has productive hours. Some people are night owls who work through the night and sleep during the day while some are day people who do not joke with their sleep. Study your sleep pattern and find out when you are more productive so you can work at those hours and rest when you should.

Has this article been helpful to you? Do you have any funny experiences to share as a result of procrastination? What other tips do you have to help with this secret sin?

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Authored by: Enewerome