Procrastination Strategies: Boost Your Productivity by Getting On With It

We all suffer from procrastination from time to time but rather than fight it, think of procrastination as a gift. This gift allows you to get clarity on what is important to you and what you should work on next. Change your thinking when it comes to procrastination.

Accept it. Stop beating yourself up and just accept that you are procrastinating. Don't waste energy with guilty feelings or negative self-talk, instead say this statement out loud: "I am procrastinating and I choose to be productive" ? this will remind you to change your attitude and help you to take charge of your actions.

Which is it? There are typically two types of things we procrastinate: those tasks or activities which are deadline driven (and which we don't like doing) that we always leave until the last minute; and those little things we'd like to do, or should do, which aren't urgent that we just never get around to.

For the first type of procrastination ? identify those regular or important activities that typically cause you to procrastinate. Is there something you particularly don't enjoy, such as writing proposals or completing staff performance reviews, which you know you always defer? Next time these come around, remind yourself that you know you have procrastinated in the past and choose to be productive instead.

For the second type of procrastination ? keep a file with tasks or activities that are not urgent but that you want to complete, such as articles you want to read or letters you want to write. Choose to complete just one task from this file every week.

Stick to your list. When you are finding it really difficult to complete activities, promise yourself you will stick to your diary. Make sure the activities you are procrastinating are on your 'to do' list and work through them in the order they are prioritised ? whether you feel like it or not. This way you'll get the job done and have the satisfaction of ticking-it-off your list.

Set a timeframe. Allow yourself a designated amount of time to spend on or to complete the activity. Set your electronic calendar alarm to rescue you once your time is up!

Move! If you're getting stuck in a procrastination mindset, break your pattern ? get up from your desk, go for a walk around the office, make a coffee or get some fresh air. Changing your location for a few minutes may be the kick-start you need.

Get a 'Procrastination Pal'. No, not someone you can procrastinate with! Identify someone you can call when you are procrastinating who will help you get on track. Let them know they are your designated 'Procrastination Pal' and when you call them they have permission to help you get focused and moving.

Reward yourself. Especially if it is a task you don't enjoy, make a point of rewarding yourself when it's completed. Give yourself something to look forward to as an incentive.

Neen is a Global Productivity Expert: by looking at how they spend their time and energy ? and where they focus their attention ? Neen helps people to rocket-charge their productivity and performance. A dynamic speaker, author and corporate trainer, Neen demonstrates how boosting your productivity can help you achieve amazing things. With her unique voice, sense of fun and uncommon common-sense, Neen delivers a powerful lesson in productivity. Find out more at http://neenjames.com/

---

Want Real Change in Your Life? Take Action!

It's easy to begin a year with analysis: months, days... Read More

What Motivates the Motivator?

Someone wrote me an email a couple of weeks ago... Read More

How to Change Your Negative Reality

It is often taken for granted that the reality tomorrow... Read More

Dont You Quit!

"A man who has nothing to die for is not... Read More

To Boldly Go

For the first time in many years, Star Trek Fans... Read More

The Power Of The Brain

THE BRAINThe Brain is the instrument of the mind, the... Read More

Visualization

Visualisation plays a very important role with the mind and... Read More

The True Cost Of A Lack of Motivation

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

Personal Motivation: Without Struggle There Is No Progress

As each day ends and another begins, the words of... Read More

Stop Procrastination - Just do it!

What stops you from 'getting things done?'Have you ever started... Read More

Mastering Emotions: Taking Your Life To The Next Level

Hello,How is your day coming along? Better, I am sure,... Read More

Get Things Done: Take 21!

Ever begin doing something that you do for a few... Read More

Create Your Destiny - How Massive Action Can Determine Your Destiny!

We often hear that "Knowledge is Power". Is it really... Read More

The Time to Act

Engaging in genuine discipline requires that you develop the ability... Read More

Sow the Seed - See the Harvest

The story is told of two boys who were walking... Read More

Unleash Your Unlimited Power

Your Non-Conscious Mind is 98% of your full power. Your... Read More

Power Of The Mind

THOUGHTSJames Allen in his Book "As a Man Thinketh"says Mind... Read More

Curing the Blues - 14 Feel-Good Ways to Get Out of the Dumps

Everyone goes through that "in the blues" feeling once in... Read More

7 Stepping-stones to Career Growth and Excellence

Achieving excellence in our work is an integral part of... Read More

How to Stay Motivated Day In and Day Out

Staying motivated requires a daily ritual.In other words, motivation is... Read More

Speed Reading Technique

Four Brilliant Tips to Speed Read Faster than EverMany people,... Read More

I Should Be Doing... But...?

What a perfect fall Saturday morning, clear sunny blue sky,... Read More

Pride and Prejudice Can Be Healed and Melted Away

Several years ago, my husband introduced me to some potential... Read More

Right Action & Right Effort: The Keys to Martial Arts Mastery, Keys 3 &4

In the philosophical teachings that form the base for our... Read More

A Woman?s Road To True Beauty

We live in a world where society dictates the norm.... Read More

Life Doesnt Have A Sell By Date

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

Ignite The Fire In Your Belly ? How To Move From Being A Procrastinator To An Activator!

Are you sick and tired of not getting ahead and... Read More

Succeed Like the Super-Successful

Two undeniable traits of the super-successful are: their belief in... Read More

No, Fear! The Success is Yours (1)

Fear is the minds great mortal sin.And isn't it just... Read More

How To Harness The Awesome, Unstoppable Power Of Persistence In 4 Easy Steps

Never underestimate the power of persistence!If you persist you really... Read More

How to Become an Effective Self-Help User

"Know Yourself" That's what the big guy said way back... Read More

Anxiety & Panic ? Make Your Information Work for You

Whether you suffer from anxiety and panic attacks or not,... Read More

Letting Events Control Your Life ... Dropping The Negatives And Moving On!

It's interesting to note how we sometimes become so inundated... Read More