Life’s full of things we need to get done. Our to-do list grows and grows until we feel stressed and frustrated. Never feeling like we’re getting anything done, the big stuff or even the small tasks.
Common wisdom suggests getting the big stuff done and putting off the small tasks.
Great advice for many, however some of us can’t let the little stuff go. It sits there, annoying us, interfering with our efforts to get the big stuff done.
So here we look at how to finally achieve those ‘apparently’ small tasks that have been bugging us.
But what are small tasks?
Personally, I view a small task as something simple to do, it takes minutes or a few hours to complete. Then once complete is done for a month, longer, or never again. It’s a task which has some type of consequence if not completed.
For example, cleaning your house windows. It may have been on your list for ages, it shouldn’t take too long, and once done you should be good for a month, the consequences would be dirty windows.
But what we view as a small task is personal, for some booking an MOT is a major chore. But for others it’s a simple phone call or click of the mouse.
So only you know the small tasks you’ve been putting off. I keep putting off decluttering, draws, garage, under the stairs, wherever. It’s something that needs doing, won’t take too long, and once done won’t need doing again for a while. Even knowing the benefits of decluttering and still struggling to get it done.
Some examples follow to demonstrate why tasks need doing.
Why’s it important to get the small tasks completed?
Below are a number of tasks which could be on your to-do list. Initially there doesn’t appear to be any urgency, however left undone each has consequences that are less than desirable.
Fixing leaking silicon around the bath
Unsound silicon means water can ingress into the walls and cause plaster work damage and encourage mould, leading to costly repairs.
Adding special occasions to your diary
By not having a reminder for birthdays, anniversaries or other special occasions, relationships can become damaged, and work is needed to fix them.
Removing household mould
Neglecting to keep on top of mould can cause it to spread, becoming unsightly, damaging walls, ceilings and windows. Household mould can also cause health problems.
Checking your payslip regularly
Trusting others to pay you the right amount can lead to underpayment or overpayment. Resulting in you being owed money or owning money back. Also, it’s important to keep an eye on your tax code – to make sure you pay exactly the right amount of tax.
Decluttering your house, garage or workspace
This can lead to struggling to find items, making unnecessary purchases and injury. It’s also a real time waster, and toppling items can make us mad.
Getting the bulge on your car tyre checked
A potentially deadly blow out, caused by something you have noticed and should have sorted out. The consequences of this can be very serious.
Cancelling the unused gym membership
Gym memberships often go unused, draining your bank account, and even when you have the intention of cancelling, you still procrastinate and put it off.
Even the most mundane and trivial seeming tasks have serious consequences.
Important: disregarding the serious consequences. We also have the constant nagging presence of the task in the back of our mind. This clutters our minds and stunts our progress. Completing these tasks allows us to concentrate on the important things in life.
What’s holding us back from completing small tasks?
So why do we put off tasks or never complete them, well the reasons are varied and often personal, depending on: who we are, our values, experiences and self-image.
Here are reasons why we struggle to get the small tasks completed.
Too much effort for the perceived benefits
There’s often a lack of motivation to complete these tasks because the benefits seem outweighed by the effort. Also, they don’t gain us anything, but instead prevent something negative happening.
Fear of the task and overwhelm
This is when a task is out of our comfort zone, we become anxious, and unable to start or complete it.
An unfamiliar task can cause overwhelm, we feel that it’s too big to complete and beyond our abilities.
Tiredness and a lack of energy
This is common, sometimes we just lack the energy or have the patience for getting these things done.
Consequences are underestimated, ignored or unknown
Some people are worriers and will overestimate consequences, but some people will happily underestimate or ignore potential consequences.
This could be a conscious decision or a lack of knowledge, of possible consequences.
The task doesn’t contribute to your goals
Being completely focused on your goals can help you achieve what you want to achieve. However, it can come at the cost of neglecting the things that need doing which aren’t directly contributing to your goals.
Living in a problematic environment
Distractions at home or work, which take your attention from the task which needs doing. Being coaxed into spending hours gaming on social media or spending time hanging out with friends.
The financial cost of completing the task
It’s unfortunate but even these sorts of tasks can hit your pocket, this could be a real factor for many people holding them back from getting things done.
Poor time management skills
A poorly considered or lack of a schedule, no to-do lists or overestimating/ underestimating time required for tasks – can lead to achieving very little in the time available. There are many ways to improve how you manage your time.
An obsession with perfection
The worry that we can’t complete tasks to the highest standard, so we spend ages preparing and never starting.
Being able to overcome this preparation stage can lead to never completing or finishing the task, because it’s never quite right. Trying to achieve perfection can be an obstacle to progress. Are you a perfectionist?
Important: the reasons why we don’t get tasks done are varied. No one solution solves every problem.
So here are some great tips, tricks and strategies to help overcome these obstacles.
Tips, tricks and strategies to overcome obstacles
#1. Delegate the task to someone else
Pay someone to do it or ask a friend or family member to take care of it, it’s a good time to call in a favour.
#2. Complete a cost benefit-analysis of the task
This is a method whereby you identify the benefits of completing the task with the associated costs. It’ll help you identify if the task is worth your effort and associated costs.
If having carried out this, you find it’s not worth the effort then you need to move on to looking at the potential consequences.
#3. Identify the consequences of not completing the task
People will happily underestimate or ignore potential consequences – the cost of not completing a task can be far outweighed by the consequences.
Make a note of all potential consequences, ask others or browse the internet This may highlight why it needs to get done – now or ASAP.
#4. Do your research and break the task down into steps
This is great when a task is out of your comfort zone, researching how to complete it and breaking it down into smaller steps makes it more achievable.
Doing this will help combat fear and overwhelm, so many resources are available like YouTube that we have no excuse for not completing small tasks.
#5. Have a strong belief that the tasks are part of your life goals
Achieving your life goals does not sit in isolation with life, being focused on a goal is great, but other parts of your life must be in harmony with your goals.
It’s impossible to achieve your goals if all the ‘other’ things in your life were neglected.
#6. Do your to-do list when you’re refreshed and energetic
Trying to complete tasks you’ve been putting off won’t get done when you’re tired or have low energy. Recognise when you have the energy and start ticking off that to-do list.
#7. Create a space in which you can concentrate on getting stuff done
Find a peaceful space where you can get the small tasks done or where you can plan and organise the tasks.
If there are distractions in your environment try to eliminate or reduce distractions, put your phone in a different room, wait until people in your household are out or turn gaming systems off. Find ways to prevent yourself being distracted and further delaying the inevitable.
#8. Explore if you can manage your time better
Being able to manage your time and become more productive will help you get tasks done. This may not always be possible, often free time is a luxury if you’re always very busy.
However, is there something you could be doing more quickly, or not at all which would not have any significant impact on your life.
#9. Seek advice and get help to beat perfectionism
Overcoming the urge to achieve perfection in every task can take practice and patience, the smaller tasks are great opportunities to practice this.
If you can’t achieve this on your own, speak to friends, family or seek professional help. A therapist can help explore why you feel the need to seek perfection.
#10. View the task as a challenge which needs to be overcome
Achieve the right mindset and view the task as a challenge to accomplish, an obstacle to overcome or a goal to achieve.
This will help you become motivated to put your effort into getting the task done. Altering your perspective of a thing is an amazing way to overcome obstacles and mental block.
#11. It’s a potential learning opportunity for self-development
Any task can be an opportunity for leaning and provide you with useful skills to use in life or impart to others.
Every task will provide you with some learning, be open to learning and see it as something that is essential to progress and growth.
In conclusion to…get the small tasks done
Tackling the seemingly small tasks in our lives is vital for our productivity and overall well-being. It’s tempting to prioritise the big stuff and ignore the little stuff, which leads to unforeseen consequences and mental clutter.
We’ve explored various reasons why these tasks get pushed aside – from a lack of motivation to fear of failure or overwhelm. However, we’ve discussed strategies to overcome these obstacles.
Recognising the importance of these tasks in relation to our overall life goals and creating a conductive environment for completing them are crucial steps.
Moreover, viewing these tasks as learning opportunities and challenges to be overcome can shift our mindset and motivate us to act. Seeking support from friends, family, or professionals when needed can also help in overcoming perfectionism or lack of motivation.
Ultimately, prioritising and completing small tasks, frees up mental space and gives us time to focus on the things that truly matter to us.
I hope this advice helps, another related article you will find interesting is – HOW TO END PROCRASTINATION!!!
So, let’s get those small tasks done and clear the way for greater achievements!