Before You Procrastinate, Wait!

Whether its preparing a final report at work or starting that diet and exercise routine, procrastination happens to us all. Procrastination is the word I would use to describe all those items on your to-do list that are always there—day after day.

Procrastination has some benefits. First, you can often get many things accomplished while putting off more important tasks, such as cleaning the house or your desk, catching up on emails and phone calls, or even your favorite television program. Secondly, some tasks seem to disappear after a certain period of time, and we can avoid using our time to complete something that may not be necessary in the long run. Procrastination has negative effects as well. Procrastination often causes increased stress and many times, sub-par performance, and a lack of self-satisfaction.

Many times we procrastinate because other activities would be more pleasurable. It might just be easier and more enjoyable to splurge on a great addition to your wardrobe instead of starting that savings account. There are three other reasons we usually procrastinate, and they can make your stress level skyrocket:

1) We love the thrill that comes from getting something completed "just in time" even though we may not realize it as such. How many times have you waited until the last weekend of the month before your car inspection expires to take it to the service station? The early bird gets the worm.

2) We avoid tasks that might make others think badly of us. Let’s say you've been invited to a niece's school play and you must decline but feel terrible about not being there. When do you call to say you’ll be unable to attend? Or do you put off responding indefinitely? Just do it!

3) We postpone making a decision until we are sure that we will not make the wrong choice. Think of a time you've been out to dinner with a group of friends not being able to decide between the fish or the chicken. Before you know it, everyone else has ordered and everyone, including the waiter is waiting on your decision. Be decisive.

So, before you procrastinate, wait! Here are some tips for getting out of the procrastination habit. The key is being proactive. Procrastinate means to "put off until another day," or "to push forward until tomorrow" whereas proactive means to "act before it becomes necessary" or "to cause something to happen rather than waiting to respond."

* Know your priorities. Think of three broad categories. My client Penny identified the following three: family, faith, and friends. Yours might be career, finances, leisure. Whatever they are, commit them to memory. These three priorities should roll off your tongue like a mantra. Your priorities are completely up to you but they must encompass the most important areas of your life. My priorities are relationships, health, and financial security. Your priorities guide your life and they will determine, in large part, how you spend your time.

* Focus on your goals. I'm a believer in having 3-4 long term goals that you are actively aiming to achieve. My client Renee has 4 goals that she has identified: loose 11 pounds, quit smoking, eliminate all financial debt, and grow a profitable business. These goals guide her everyday in how she spends her time and what prioritizes. Once you’ve developed your goals, go back to your priorities list to insure that your goals and priorities are aligned.

* Manage your time. Easier said than done, right? Just keep an eye out over the next 6 months, 3 months, 1 month, and one week timelines. Manage your time in an effective and proactive way. Use a simple piece of notebook paper to make yourself a monthly calendar with important dates and deadlines. Put it in a place you will see everyday. Note all your obligations for the beginning of the week in a notebook, calendar, or planner. Include notes about any preparation you need to do. Before you take your car in for service, you might need to make sure you have cash in the bank for unexpected expenses. Map out the information you need to be adequately prepared. Record all of these elements in a weekly list or planner.

* Break it into pieces. When I sit down to write a monthly newsletter, I sometimes feel like procrastinating. I want to give you something of value that assists you in reaching your goals. I procrastinate because I want to do a great job and I get anxious that a better topic might strike me tomorrow or maybe I’ll have better examples if I wait a few more days to write. Life rarely works this way. So what I do is break up tasks into manageable chunks. I promise myself I will sit down and write for 5 minutes. You can use this for almost any task, from writing a term paper to cleaning the house, to mowing the lawn, to completing your tax return. Sit down and do it for 5 minutes. You might just see that this tip is the quickest way out of the procrastination rut. You can get a lot done in 5 uninterrupted minutes, and before you know it, completing the task could be right around the corner.

* Once begun, its half-way done. I have lived by this motto since I first read it on my "Holly Hobby" bedroom set when I was a child. It could not be more true. Once we begin a task, a mental shift takes place in our minds and the fear or unpleasantness seems to subside.

That wasn't so hard, was it? So go prioritize, be proactive, and get started on those goals and dreams. Today is a great day for being 5 minutes closer to your goal.