10 Ways to Kick the Procrastination Habit

I recently read about a survey (by the University of Chicago) which suggested that those who relish challenge are more likely to live up to 10 years longer than those who spend their lives inhibited by timidity.

Trying to realize our ambitions, even if we don't always meet them, is preferable to not having the courage or motivation to take the risk. So not making any resolutions because we fear that we'll break them is having a defeatist attitude, as we allow procrastination to become an insidious habit which stops us from leading more fulfilling lives.

The following offers 10 ways to kick the procrastination habit!

1. Personal values development. Take the time to find out what you really want in life, what your personal values are. Do you want more time, more money, better health, greater self esteem and confidence, more fulfilling relationships, a different career, set up a business? When we procrastinate it's often because what we are planning to do is not really aligned with what we truly want. We may be scared of our skills (or perceived lack of) or fear ridicule from others.

2. Make health a priority. Without good health we are less likely to have the energy and dynamism needed to make positive changes in our lives and it's easier (and necessary if you're very ill) to procrastinate. So ensure that you have a nourishing diet, sleep well, exercise and meditate. Incidentally, it is thought that regular meditation helps delay the worst effects of the ageing process.

3. Visualize your life without procrastination. See and feel the benefits in your life if you didn't procrastinate. What could you do and achieve? Begin to act as if you're not a procrastinator. Write down, draw, imagine your life as a film. Use affirmations to help you.

4. Banish the Gremlin. That little voice which runs on auto in your head - that dismisses any idea that you might have. It says things like "I'm not in the mood" "I don't have time" "I can't do this". Stop running on auto, replace the "should's" "oughts" "have tos" with "want to" "desire". You have a choice. Acknowledge your choices and banish the Gremlin. Again, using affirmations can help you replace the Gremlin with more positive alternatives.

5. Over commitment. Saying "yes" to everything - often leaves you feeling tired and without the energy to focus on what is most important to you. This leads to procrastination as projects and tasks are dropped. Identify what is most important to you and only focus on those areas which will make the biggest difference to your life. It will enhance your focus and motivation.

6. Setting personal professional goals. It's hard to motivate yourself when you don't have a good idea of what you want to accomplish. So when setting goals think about what you want to achieve in the short term and long term. Techniques for doing so include the SMART strategy. S = specific M = measurable A= Action R = Realistic T = Time based. Use goal setting software to help you in goal planning and setting.

7. Prioritize Your Goals. Develop a plan or schedule to help you reach your goals. In doing so you will begin to identify whether some elements need to be included or enhanced or dropped completely. Also remember to be flexible, revisit your goals regularly and modify or drop if appropriate. Just because a goal is written down doesn't mean that it is set in stone!

8. Divide and conquer. Once you've prioritized your goals, divide them into smaller chunks. Sometimes we procrastinate because a project seems really large that the scale of it overwhelms us and puts us into a temporary form of paralysis - you don't know where to start, so you don't start at all! Approach each project - especially large ones - on a step by step basis.

9. Reward yourself. Once you start to complete tasks, reward yourself by giving yourself something that you want. So instead of seeing a film before you complete a task, see it afterwards and make it a reward for you.

10. Just get started. No excuses. Don't wait until you're "in the mood". The mood never comes! It is a clever camouflage and a delaying tactic. What you resist persists! Start with what is easiest, so that you experience immediate success, which will give you the fuel and motivation to upgrade and take on larger projects.

Do any of the above and you'll be well on your way to Kicking the Procrastination Habit. And if you're procrastinating over doing any of the above :.), then remember that life is the biggest deadline of all!

Julie Plenty helps creatively self employed people prosper by using the Law of Attraction, because they ARE their business. For more self empowerment and Law of Attraction articles, and to sign up for her Life Design newsletter, visit: http://www.self-empowerment-zone.com

---

Recommendations for the Best Personal Growth Books

I can't stress this enough: You've got to motivate yourself... Read More

Life Doesnt Have A Sell By Date

Or does it?Best on or before?.. Nearly everything we touch... Read More

What Motivates You - Desire or Fear?

The energy of desire is a powerful motivator and creative... Read More

STOP! Reading the Headlines and Live Your Own Life First

Imagine! 40 is old. The California State Supreme Court has... Read More

The First Step

Today is an anniversary of sorts for me. Three years... Read More

Get Started! Do Something!

This is about getting started. Taking that first step. It... Read More

Seeing Through the Pain

We must all suffer one of two things: the pain... Read More

The Biggest Mistake Youve Made About Manifesting

What is the biggest mistake you have made about manifesting... Read More

Ten Tips to Create More Life for Your Life

When people begin to investigate career change, often they don't... Read More

7 Key Steps to Unshakable Confidence

Do you remember that day? Perhaps it was your first... Read More

Who Is The Inner Critic?

The inner critic is that voice inside your head that... Read More

Getting Out of a Rut

Are you feeling bored or restless? Do you need to... Read More

Make Fear a Nine Day Wonder - Motivate Yourself with Fun!

Have you heard something referred to as a "nine day... Read More

Teaching kids -- UGH!! (...and what I learned from it)

I have a confession to make: I don't like working... Read More

Life Rewards Action

Thinking is good, yes it is. I strongly encourage thinking.... Read More

Have You Just Hit The Wall?

Have you hit the 'brick wall' yet?No? Well it won't... Read More

Making Things Happen

We are all given the tools, but it is up... Read More

Fear

As you prepare to take your first steps, could there... Read More

Instant Willpower

We've all heard people say "I have a system". Ever... Read More

Ask Your Question ? Get what You Desire

"Questions get answers, advice, opinions, beliefs, impressions, stories, and... Read More

If You Are Rejected!

This article exemplifies the inner working of emotional intelligence. Effectively... Read More

Motivation: 7 More Musings on Motivation

1. "If you have faith the size of a mustard... Read More

JJKs First Six Secrets to Becoming a Successful, Creative Entrepreneur!

Hello Creative Entrepreneurs!As many of you may know I have... Read More

For Those Who Have Suffered!

As one who has suffered from the long, term effects... Read More

Success -- The Key and the Fire

Self-discipline is a powerful tool that can help you accomplish... Read More

Day Dream Believer

I am sure you, just like the rest of us,... Read More

Just Do It!

If you run a business like I do, you probably... Read More

A Surfing Lesson

I've never surfed in my life. Sometimes people tell me... Read More

The True Cost Of A Lack of Motivation

And what a lack of motivation means..As you read this... Read More

Is Failure the End of Everything?

"The important thing is to learn a lesson every time... Read More

Realistic Dreams

The wish to have or be something, especially one that... Read More

Are You a Right-Fighter?

Are You a "Right-Fighter"?Do you find yourself struggling to "win"... Read More

5 Forgotten Secrets to Beating Procrastination at Home

It's not easy to stay motivated and beat procrastination while... Read More