Strategies For Overcoming Procrastination
Author: Wendy Betterini

When we decide to make changes in our lives, one of the biggest
obstacles we might need to overcome is procrastination. We want
to change (don't we?), yet we keep putting off the very steps
that will create the desired results. At times we might feel
like a crazy person, starting and stopping, starting and
stopping. Why can't we just get it together once and for all?

Unfortunately, it's not that simple unless we develop an iron
will. In the meantime, we might need to come up with strategies
that ease our transition through changes. Here are six
strategies that can help:

Use obvious reminders - One of the hardest parts of forming new
habits is actually remembering to perform the new habits we are
trying to put in place! A habit, by definition, is something we
do automatically. When we operate on autopilot, we might
actually forget the promises we've made to ourselves. We might
grab a cookie and start munching mindlessly on it, even though
we vowed to avoid sugar. Or we might realize, 10 minutes before
bed time, that we never did find time to exercise that day.

The easiest way to overcome this forgetfulness is to place
visible reminders in obvious places. Try using brightly colored
sticky notes and colored markers. You can even get creative and
add stickers and glitter if it helps catch your attention. Then
stick them up on the refrigerator, the bathroom mirror, the
dashboard of your car - wherever you might need a little wake
up call. However, try to limit the notes to no more than 3 or
4, and be sure to change them around frequently so you don't
become accustomed to them and begin to overlook them.

You can also create a planner for yourself and get into the
habit of using it every day. A cheap, simple planner is a 6"x9"
lined, spiral-bound notebook. Each evening, set aside 10 or 15
minutes to write all of your tasks for the next day, including
the new habits you are trying to adopt. Place the notebook in
an obvious location, and you can even use a brightly colored
"READ ME" note on the front so it is the first thing you notice
when you wake up the next day. Over time you will get into the
groove of your new habits and find you don't need the reminders
anymore.

Envision the outcome - We often avoid tasks that we feel won't
be enjoyable. Instead, take some time to think about why you
will enjoy your activities, even if it's simply the outcome
that makes you feel inspired. State your reasons aloud, and
affirm the good reasons why you should get moving. For example,
"I enjoy working out because it makes me feel good, I can
release tension, and I get that great endorphin rush!" Then
take a few minutes to visualize the outcome in your mind. See
yourself with a strong, firm, healthy body. Imagine yourself
having plenty of energy to run around and play with the kids.
See yourself in a slinky new dress and heels. After just a few
minutes of these visualizations, you may suddenly appreciate
the wisdom of huffing and puffing and sweating for 30 minutes
and make that workout a priority.

Psych yourself up - Repeat after me: "I want to do this. I can
do this. I deserve to do this. I am powerful enough to create
the life I want. I refuse to be held back by my fears and
negative habits. I am capable of so much more than I've done so
far. No matter how successful I get, there is always room for
improvement and growth. Yes I can, yes I can, yes I can!" Using
affirmations like this, you will feel your resolve grow
stronger, and your excitement build, and you will actually look
forward to taking the steps that lead you down the path to
success.

Just five minutes - If you're still struggling to get moving,
vow to yourself that you will begin working on your tasks and
stick with it for just five minutes. Five minutes is nearly
nothing! Tell yourself that you can do anything for five
minutes, and simply start. If you know that you only have to
work on it for five minutes, it will seem less overwhelming and
that will often be enough to nudge you into action. After the
five minutes are up, give yourself permission to stop if you
really want to. More often, however, you will decide to keep
going. It's the start that holds so many of us back.

Reward yourself - Once you've gotten started and worked on your
goals for at least 5 minutes, give yourself a pat on the back!
This can be verbal praise, or an actual physical reward like a
new book or trinket you've been wanting to buy. If funds are
tight, your rewards don't have to cost anything; how about a 15
minute bubble bath or a visit to a favorite website? In fact,
make it a priority to praise yourself often. Encourage yourself
just like you would a best friend or loved one who is working on
making their dreams come true. Become your own cheerleader!

Consistency wins the game - Remember that forming new habits
and overcoming procrastination is a moment to moment decision.
It would be great if we could just decide to change and have it
be so, but it doesn't usually work that way. We need to become
aware of our self-defeating actions, and make the effort to
change them moment to moment, day to day, week to week. In
fact, keep that in mind when setting your goals. Rather than
setting yourself up for failure by vowing, "From now on I
will...," turn it around and say, "Just for today, I will..."
This makes change less intimidating and you won't feel so
pressured to be perfect.

In the end, it is our willingness to keep getting up again
after we've stumbled or fallen that will eventually strengthen
our will and lead us along the path to success. So, if you have
been struggling with procrastination, don't despair! Simply set
yourself up for success by developing strategies that will
blast your excuses right out of the water.


About The Author: Wendy Betterini is a freelance writer and web
designer in New England. She is the owner of
http://www.WorkatHomeBalance.com, which features work/life
balance tips for entrepreneurs, home business owners,
telecommuters and freelancers. Visit today for more tips on
balancing work and family under one roof.