"Am I a crazy perfectionist? My OCD tendencies are getting in the way of my crafting business success."

Crafting Man Holding Wooden Stick While Drilling Hole

Dear Vice Column,

I recently started my own business selling handmade crafts online, but I'm struggling to stay focused and motivated. I have a tendency to procrastinate and get distracted by social media, and I need help staying on track. I'm also a self-proclaimed neat freak, and I spend hours cleaning my workspace instead of working.

- Procrastinating Crafter with OCD

Dear Procrastinating Crafter with OCD,

Starting your own business is a big accomplishment, so congratulations for getting past a the big hurdle of getting started. It can be difficult to stay focused and motivated especially when you have a tendency to procrastinate and get distracted. The good news is that there are several steps you can take to help you stay on track.

First, try setting smaller, more manageable goals for yourself. Daily, weekly, and monthly goals are a good way to start. This will help you prioritize your tasks and stay organized. That way, you won't feel overwhelmed and will be able to celebrate small successes along the way.

Second, consider using a time management technique such as the Pomodoro Technique. This technique involves setting a timer for 25 minutes, working on a task until the timer goes off, taking a five-minute break, and then repeating the process. If you get a sense of accomplishment when you complete a task, this could motivate you to keep going.

Third, try to limit distractions which is harder than it sounds these days. Put your phone on silent, turn off notifications on your computer, and avoid social media during work hours. Listening to music or podcasts can help you stay stimulated without overly distracting you.

Lastly, as a self-proclaimed neat freak, it's important to find a balance between keeping your workspace clean and organized, and getting work done. It's great to have a clean workspace, but not at the expense of productivity. Try setting a specific amount of time for cleaning and organizing each day, and stick to it. If you don't have one already, get a label maker to make a dedicated space for your belongings and try to clean as you go — don't put it down, put it away!

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