Message #167514

[MsRowdyRedhead]

This is a common problem many struggle with, but are unable to easily get past. So post tips for beating procrastination here.

(I'll admit, I constantly struggle with this. For example, it is Sunday, almost 8:30, and I have yet to start my homework. Granted, I was camping all weekend, but still. D=)

Oh yeah this is me. I had to write two essays and have had since wednesday to write them and they are due tomorrow. I just finished them at 8:30 tonight.

I have been the charter president of the procrastination club, but there are times when I cannot allow myself that luxury.  I have been especially guilty of working on the projects I thought would be fun, exciting or interesting first, instead of the ones that needed to be finished first. One practice I adopted was to not accept projects that I could not get excited about. That works until a good CLIENT asks me to work on a dull & boring project for them. Then I have to put the anti procrastination program into play.

1. Many people procrastinate because they fear the pain of doing the action more than the pleasure of completing the action. Realize that a high percentage of the time, the fear you feel, is not real, but is fear you created yourself, and only you can destroy it. Concentrate on the GOAL.

2. Are you procrastinating to protect yourself from some unknown variable? Find out what that is, and then think your way around it. Visualize the reward you'll receive for taking the action.

3. Say this: I am a person who gets things done. - Never say "I am a procrastinator" or "I'm going to stop procrastinating now" because it'll never happen. Focus on ACTION.

4. Realize that procrastination is a learned habit. Stretch yourself for 21 days without major procrastination, and you may create a new action oriented habit

5. Try to think of large, complicated or time-consuming project as a series of small, manageable parts. Smaller tasks are attractive because they are short, easy, and produce immediate gratification. Keep in mind that all projects, no matter how massive, are only a series of small items reassembled.

6. Reward yourself for good behavior. Punishing yourself for goofing off is not nearly as effective. Reward yourself at milestones in the process, not just at the completion. It can be as simple as a cookie.

No great accomplishment ever happened without massive action, so GO FOR IT!