How Startup Founders Can Get Important Tasks Done

You know those tasks you’d rather avoid like a plague? The ones that make you want to rearrange your sock drawer or spend several hours organising all your books in order of colour (I may or may not have done this 😬)

For me, my most procrastinated task is bookkeeping. I absolutely hate sorting receipts and uploading them. I’ll leave them until so many have piled up that it’s a 2-day job just to get through them all, much to the dismay of my accountant (sorry, Selina).

But there are some ways to overcome this procrastination and start powering through your tasks…

⭐ There’s a fabulous book called “Eat That Frog” by Brian Tracy that says you must do the big and important task first. They are the ‘frogs’, and the best approach is to gobble them up first thing in the morning. Get that big, ugly toad out of the way, and you’ll feel so much better the rest of the day.

⭐ Sometimes, it’s better to take a slow and steady approach rather than tackle a big task in one go. Break down big projects into smaller, more manageable chunks. For example, it could be as simple as splitting 40 emails you have to send into batches of 5. Before you know it, you’ll have that huge task done, and it won’t feel so overwhelming.

⭐ Do you have a bunch of similar tasks that could be tackled together? For example, all those emails you’ve been avoiding or that pile of receipts needing to be uploaded? Batch them up. Devote a set time to blitz through them and revel in the satisfaction of ticking them off your list.

⭐ Changing your environment can help. Some tasks require focus and creativity. Find a quiet spot, listen to some music, and get into the right headspace. Whether it’s writing a report or crafting a masterpiece, the right ambience can make a huge difference.

⭐ As you tackle your big tasks, celebrate your milestones along the way. Whether it’s spending 5 minutes browsing social media or treating yourself to a cheeky cup of tea, acknowledging your progress keeps the motivation flowing.

⭐ I’m a huge list maker and love my daily planner. Writing down tasks, prioritising them, and allocating time for them in your schedule can really keep you on track. I also find great satisfaction from physically ticking off items from my to-do list.

Tackling big tasks is all about finding what works for you. So, grab your to-do list, your favourite pen, and a cup of tea/coffee, and let’s get cracking!