Let's face it, we all suffer from procrastination once in a while. Sooner or later we need to deal with. Ironic right? If procrastination is something you've struggled with, there are a few things you can do to help overcome it.



Along the same lines, as we go through life we all pick up bad habits, get into negative routines, and generally get off track from how we want or intend to live our live. It really helps to stop once in a while, contemplate your life, and do a personal review. Read more... 




Procrastination and Doing a Personal Review
Vanessa’s Topic: Procrastination
Dan and I just came off of a 1 month working vacation (Episode 35). It was so much fun I really didn’t want it to end, but  I was actually looking forward to getting back to work.  My transition has been a little bit tough though.  It’s not that I lack the motivation...I’m just having problems getting started. And I know I’m not the only one who struggles with procrastination.  Even the most productive of us struggle at some point or in a particular area of our lives where we tend to procrastinate.
So as a firm believer that you can control your environment and that you are responsible for your choices (SLT Episode 32)...I wanted to discuss and share some reasons why I think we tend to procrastinate and perhaps share some strategies on how to overcome it.  Read more...
When you can pinpoint the cause, obviously you’re better able to tackle the issue or obstacle if you will.
Some causes of procrastination?


Too many “new” things to tackle....new routines, new habits, new projects, new schedules.


Fear…of failure or success...or not achieving perfection...or being disappointed!


Unpleasantness of the task.


Becoming overwhelmed with major life events.


Being overextended with family, friends and work obligations.


Being indecisive.


Failing to prioritize what is important in our lives.

Tools that might help with procrastination:


Prioritize, prioritize, prioritize.  List your priorities and compare them to your goals.  If something you think is a priority but doesn’t line up with your goals...consider dumping it.


Use the 4 Ds as a guide: Can I Delegate...Delay...Delete...or do I need to actually Do a task? Delegating is nice but you may have to pay to outsoursce the help.  Delay is an alternative but you’ll still have to do it.  Deleting or saying “NO” is one of my favorites! And of course you can decide to do it.


Break down big projects into smaller tasks. This helps you stay focused instead of getting burned out trying to get it all done at once.


If you’re having trouble deciding where to start...Just do something...anything! Sometimes that’s all it takes.


Establish uninterrupted time.  Mark on your calendar when you want to work on a project and don’t let yourself get interrupted.  Turn off the TV, mute your email, don’t answer your phone, and tell the kids and family not to bother you.  It’s really that simple.  Try this at work too.


Establish regular routines for your recurring tasks.  Block off time on your calendars solely dedicated to your recurring tasks like, checking email, calling family, exercising, grocery shopping mowing the lawn, etc.  This will prevent you from trying to get these things done when you should be working on another project.


Visualize the finish. Instead of looking at all the work it’s going to take, get motivated by visualizing the end state (Episode 30) of a project. That can be motivating in and of itself.


Do the tough stuff first. Get the not-so-fun and difficult tasks done first…then the rest will feel like a breeze.


Peer pressure. Ask a friend, coworker or significant other to help keep you on track and accountable.


Imagine the  feeling of completion. How are you going to “feel” once the task is complete.  Proud?  Accomplished?  Relieved? Less stressed?  Happy?


Tune out negative self-talk.