Increase Your Chances of Follow Through 8 Fold
I see the word PROCRASTINATION flashing in bright lights when I hear comments, likeI hope to do my paper tomorrow.
- I’m thinking about finishing my report.
- My plan is to start painting the garage.
- I need to do call Mr. Smith.
Then it is time to “tease out the details” by providing the answers to questions, such as:
- What are the specifics steps to accomplish this task?
- How long will it take you?
- When are you going to do each step?
- What do you need to do to prepare?
- Who is going to hold you accountable?
I know that there is a greater chance of actually doing the task, if there is a concrete plan and accountability.
In the article, “Procrastinating Again? How to Kick the Habit,” the author mentions a 2008 study by psychologist Shane Owens and his colleagues at Hofstra University. In this study they
“… demonstrated that procrastinators who formed implementation intentions were nearly eight times as likely to follow through on a commitment than were those who did not create them.”
According to this study, implementation intentions included specific times and places. So there you have it. Vague statements about your intentions do not constitute a plan.
Are you ready to assign a place, date and time to your plans? What if follow through is eight times more likely when you create a specific plan
