How to Stop Procrastinating: a simple Guide to Mastering Difficult Tasks and Breaking the Procrastination Habit

Exercise #6: Plan Your Weekly Schedule
Creating a weekly schedule gives you an opportunity to identify the
crucial tasks that you choose to focus on for the next seven days. It also
acts as your first line of defense against those random tasks that could
potentially derail your week, causing you to feel overwhelmed.
To get started, set aside a few hours, preferably on Sundays, to schedule
the tasks you’d like to accomplish in the next seven days. You should
focus on five core actions during this review session:
Action #1: Answer Three Questions
Determine what deserves your attention by answering three basic
questions:
1. What are my personal obligations?
2. What are my priority projects?
3. How much time do I have this week?
Action #2: Apply the 80/20 Rule to Your Schedule
Apply the 80/20 Rule to your schedule by spending as much time as
possible focusing on the actions that generate a significant result. You can
do this by scheduling activities based on the answers to these questions:
What tasks are causing 80% of my problems and unhappiness?
What core activities have the biggest impact on my career?
What experiences produce 80% of my fulfillment and happiness?
Who are the people that cause 80% of my enjoyment and make me
feel truly engaged?
Who are the 20% of people who cause me to feel angry, unhappy,
and unfulfilled?

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What habits make up 80% of my efficiency or effectiveness?
If you get busy, you can simplify everything by answering one question
about the tasks you’re scheduling: “Does this task help or hinder my
ability to work on one of my five goals?”
Action #3: Block Out Time on a Calendar
Block out time on a calendar by scheduling time for your priority tasks,
personal hobbies, and “flex time” to reflect on new opportunities or take
action on any emergencies that pop up during the week.