by Julie Plenty
A survey by the University of Chicago showed that those who
relish challenge are likely to live 10 years longer than
those who spend their lives inhibited by timidity.
--------------------------------------------------------
Trying to realise 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.
Here are 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. Visualise 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. Overcommitment. 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/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 prioritised 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. No BS. 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!
This article is also available via autoresponder by sending a blank email to:
creatingplenty-74356@autocontactor.com
Julie Plenty is a Personal and Business Coach, who helps
creatively self employed people prosper in their business by helping them build a strong personal foundation, because they
ARE their business. For more articles,resources and even free ecards, visit:
http://www.self-help-personal-development.com
Menu 2 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 |
