The P Word... Procrastination

A problem many of us are familiar with. Its showing up in your work environment interfering with your daily life?.and peace of mind.

What does procrastination look like? Clutter on your desktop, over-stuffed filing cabinets, chaotic digital files, not getting to work on your priorities and failing to make deadlines to name just a few. The outcome? More stress, anxiety and frustration about what 'wasn't done'. Reduced efficiencies. Wasted time. Fewer productivity gains. Simply put, delaying decisions is a deal breaker when it comes to personal performance and satisfaction...particularly in the workplace.

You're probably thinking that there are many reasons we procrastinate and you're right. And none of them are going to make a difference if you really want to overcome this roadblock. Here's how to begin shifting this paradigm:

Have you vision and ownership of your goals? A key point. Without the vision it's hard to remain focused on priorities and execution. You also need to write down your goals. Make them measurable, relevant and timelined in a way that helps you stay accountable to yourself.

What types of things do you procrastinate about? Most of us probably procrastinate to some degree about something. Even Professional Organizers. Years ago I began recognizing specific areas in which I was a procrastinator. I started using a timer to get me to take action within a certain period of time. It got me through the task and eventually these actions became a habit. Changing a negative habit to a positive one is the key. Take a minute to think about specific areas in your life where you might be delaying decisions. List a variety of methods that can help you work through that?and don't forget to include some rewards along the way.

Who can help? One thing that helps us get through change is support from family, friends and co-workers. If you want to change your behavior, identify one area or topic in which you know you procrastinate, list the action steps you can take overcome this hurdle and then share your goal with someone. I call them an 'accountability coach'. Call this person for encouragement when you feel yourself slipping. Find someone who can help and offer to do something in exchange for them.

Start now. Take action. Because it's all about your actions?and not just your intentions. Remember?thoughts become words?words become actions?actions turn into habits?habits develop character?and your character is your destiny.

Copyright 2003 Cynthia Kyriazis. All rights reserved

Cynthia Kyriazis is an organizing and time management consultant, trainer, speaker, coach and author with over 20 years management experience in multi-unit corporations. Organize it, a division of Productivity Partners, Inc. is an organizational training firm she founded in 1995 and has been serving Fortune 500 clients ever since. Cynthia works with business and their employees to help improve performance and realize productivity gains.

Cynthia has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kansas City Star and the Legal Intelligencer. She currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), member of the Kansas City of the International Society for Performance Improvement ? (ISPI-KC) and consultant to the American Coaching Association.

---

Motivation: Small Changes, Big Results

When I was 8 years old, my parents let me... Read More

Why it Pays to Have a Definite Life Purpose

When was the last time you were asked, what is... Read More

A Tribute to Edna

To the world you might be one person, but to... Read More

Pushing Through Your Comfort Zone

Our greatest growth in life comes from pushing through our... Read More

This Just Ain?t Good!

"Nope, this just ain't good!" How many times in our... Read More

Violating Boundaries: Assert Yourself and Take Charge

"They that can give up essential liberty to obtain a... Read More

Overcoming Limiting Beliefs

It is not just new age hype, studies in the... Read More

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

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

Context-Free Living ... Living Without Boundaries!

I know by now that you've heard the terms Debt-Free... Read More

Motivation By Consequences

In 2004 seven badly behaved teenagers were sent to a... Read More

L-I-V-E-- 12 Steps to Living Your Life

Many of us only inhabit our lives- we do not... Read More

The Doomsday Device ... The physical Brain In Action

Our physical brains quickly and easily handle mundane sequences of... Read More

Everything Going Against You

"When everything seems to be going against you, remember that... Read More

The Secret to this Famous Singers Success

It seems the longer think we have, the longer we... Read More

Entrepreneurs: Take Action Over Inspiration Every Time!

"Accept the challenges so that you may feel the exhilaration... Read More

How to Beat Procrastination and Self Doubt

Fear of failure (or success) and a lack of energy... Read More

10 Easy Ways To Stop Procrastinating

It is counterproductive to concentrate on so many tasks that... Read More

5 Great Ways To Overcome Procrastination At Home

If you procrastinate at home you may suffer some consequences... Read More

The Benefits of Keeping A Journal

Keeping a journal has many advantages and benefits. Whether you... Read More

Why Now Is The Perfect Moment For You To Succeed

Let´s discover the importance of balancing preparation, timing and momentum.... Read More

Your Dream Can Be Your Future

Here is a basic truth you must accept and believe... Read More

Full Steam Ahead, Just Dont Go Off Half Cocked!

Do you do things that you don't want to do?... Read More

A Perfect World ... Imbalance Creates Motivation

I am a big proponent of balance. Everything has to... Read More

Creativity Management ? Productivity As A Job

Creativity can be defined as problem identification and idea generation... Read More

Don?t Let Motivation Cause You to Fail

Yesterday my teenage son Matt came home with a less... Read More

Letting Go Of Our Negativity

Everyone has something, whether it be a habit, or aspect... Read More

The Top 10 Creative Strategies for Moving into Action and For Getting Bottom Line Results

Your ability to move into action and to achieve bottom... Read More

Say It Aint So

For years, many of us heard the phrase "Knowledge is... Read More

Is Failure the End of Everything?

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

Making Things Happen

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

Motivation: The Power of Action, Part 2

The Three D's of Action are Decide, Do and Distinguish.... Read More

Making Decisions

You lost your job. Your partner left you. Your car... Read More

Whatever Happened to You?

Whatever happened to all the dreams? The wants, the desires,... Read More