When trying to overcome procrastination should you focus on the outcome of the task or the details of the task? According to several research studies, it depends on the kind of task and where you are in the process.
If it's something you know you are going to do but you're just putting off getting to it, focus on the details. Chunk it down and decide on a deadline for each bit.
If it's something you'd like to do but haven't yet committed to, focus on the outcomes. As soon as you start, shift focus to the steps. When you near the end and want to be sure to finish, shift focus back to the big picture.
One additional finding: when things get difficult in the middle of the task, the temporary difficulty or failure can "infect" the bigger picture and push you toward giving up. Keep your focus tight on overcoming the obstacle.
(You'll find an innovative approach to time management in my book, Focus: use the power of targeted thinking to get more done, published by Pearson and available from Amazon or your other favorite bookseller.)
