To do... or have to do?

DISCONTINUITY is a vexing problem. For those experiencing it, this is a familiar scenario- starting something, and leaving it halfway through on some pretext or the other. But the problem can be nipped in the bud before it becomes habitual and puts your life in a tizzy. All you need to learn is manage discontinuity.

Seek clarity

Ask yourself what it is that makes you leave things half way through. Is it - improper planning, poor resource management, fluctuating levels of motivation, or lack of encouragement? Whatever the cause, attitudinal shifts and better management of emotions can solve your problem.

Re-motivate

The best inspiration often comes from within. Understand that you can overcome the temptation to give up. Fill your work area with motivational quotes, clippings, images or souvenirs. Learn to believe in your inherent capability to get the job done. Use your weakness positively.

For instance, if you are a very impatient person by nature, then stick to very short deadlines wherein the results are instantaneously available.

Ask yourself

These questions- did you plan the task well? What kind of deadline did you set yourself? Is your task really worth all the effort? Most times, the common cause for leaving a task midway is due to improper planning.

Plan well, giving enough leeway for mistakes and goof-ups. Midway through the task if you still find it unmanageable, break it up into doable sections. Reorganise and delegate work, but don't give up! That's the first step to letting a bad habit develop into a trait.

Attitude latitude

When you are given a new assignment, what is your typical reaction? Probably enthusiastic. But how do you sustain the same momentum till the completion of the task? Simple, explore ways to do accomplish the task in a more interesting manner at every stage. Create a new routine everyday and reorder your priorities.

The threshold

You may have a low threshold for stress. If so, pay attention to how much responsibility you can shoulder at a time.

The moment you begin to feel a little overwhelmed, take a short break, do some thing different from the task at hand. This will not only act as a refresher but will also revive your enthusiasm.

Persistence pays

One of the key traits to succeed at whatever you do is to persist at it. Even if it seems like the end of the world, constantly remind yourself of the goal. Keep short terms goals and reward yourself as you reach each milestone.

Beat the odds

Think of every assignment and task as a challenge and an affirmation of your capabilities. This will not only encourage you to go the full hog, but also give you impetus to give it your best.

Timely advice

Time management is a key skill would help anyone do a better job, whether at work or at home.

Manage time to suit your comfort and convenience levels.

You will begin to notice that even taxing jobs get done without much effort.

Lifestyle

More often than not, leading a maladjusted lifestyle is the chief cause for disharmony, even an inability to complete assigned tasks. Pinpoint stressors in your lifestyle and alter the routine to reduce stress levels.

Wrong direction?

Perhaps, you need to rethink the choices you've made in life. Maybe you've unerringly been opting for all the wrong things and thereby losing steam to accomplish them.

Choose to do something that you consciously like doing, for a change, and observe how you see it through to the end. Therein lies the answer!

SAMYUKTA KODA

samyukta.hyd@cnkonline.com