Putting difficult jobs off

• Schedule it - When you first receive an assignment, put it on your calendar. It doesn't matter if the assignment isn't due for months, make sure you put it down so that you can look at it everyday and know that it's something you have to do eventually. You will also be able to keep it in the front of your mind in order to do it whenever you first get the chance. You may also want to trick yourself with an earlier deadline than it was actually assigned.
  
  
• Plan for it - But you will also want to block out time periods over the course of now and the deadline for this project. This will help you break down the project into smaller pieces so that it's not so difficult or overwhelming. Try creating a list first of the steps you need to take to complete the project and then place these tasks in your calendar.
  
  
• Overestimate - Always give yourself more time than you actually need for a project. This will help to offset any problems you may have along the way as well as allow you to move at a slightly slower pace. Together, this will help the project be not only easy, but also enjoyable.
  
  
• Have a backup plan - Too often when we leave difficult projects until the last minute, we are scrambling to finish them. And while this might sound like a disaster, having a backup plan in place will allow you to still complete the project on time and complete it well. But remember, the backup plan should ONLY be used in an emergency. This plan might include asking for an extension, staying up all night, or calling in help.

You need to stop looking at tasks and immediately dismissing them as difficult or impossible. By looking at each task as a fresh start and a fresh opportunity to succeed, you won't be heading into these tasks with a negative outlook.

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