How to Stop Procrastinating

Is it safe to admit that I have actually been procrastinating about writing this post?  I guess I need the tips most of all.  If you are in the same boat, here are a couple of quick tips to get you off the couch and on to your to-do list:

1. Complete the most dreaded thing first.  It’s like eating the kale off of your plate before you start on the mashed potatoes.  It gets it over with, so you can move on and enjoy your day.
2. A journey of a 1000 miles starts with one step.  Isn’t that how the old saying goes?  Well, the same is true for procrastinating.  If a job seems overwhelming, just take the first step, then the next, and the next until it is done.  Maybe cleaning out the basement can start with just one box?
3. Get a buddy.  No, this isn’t an intervention telling you you need more friends–just get a buddy who you go over your plans with and ask them to hold you accountable.  It’s embarrassing to tell them you didn’t achieve your goals, so you will be more likely to get it done.
4. Set a timer.  I used to do this with the kids during clean-up time.  They loved to race the clock.  Try doing the same thing.  Set a timer for a certain amount of time and see if you can complete the task.  As Mary Poppins says, “For every job that must be done, there is an element of fun.”
5. Limit interruptions.  The phone creates a monster excuse not to get things done.  Turn it off.  Put it in the car.  Whatever.  Just don’t give yourself unnecessary reasons not to get the job done.
6. Set aside one non-procrastination day.  It’s the day you don’t get to do any procrastinating.  Period.  If you get enough done in that one day, you may be able to slack off guilt-free for the rest of the week.
7. Consider your work space.  If exercise is your goal and being at home distracts you {Ever been exercising and start looking around and seeing all of the things you really need to clean?  I hate that.} move to a new location–walk outside or hit the gym.  The same goes for any project–take the laptop to your favorite coffee shop to pay bills.  Mix work and pleasure.
8. Forget the concept of good timing.  There is no such thing.  Get it done–there will always be a million things going on in life, don’t let it be an excuse.
9. Create a to-do lists with times.  For example:  8:00-9:00 a.m. Walk the dog, 9:00-9:15 a.m., Brush hair 100 times, 9:15-9:45 a.m. Contemplate world peace.  See how much you can fit into one morning?  Once you see exactly what you CAN fit into a day, you may be less overwhelmed and more likely to complete them.
10. Build reward breaks into your day.  That way you have something guilt-free to look forward to.  Maybe tell yourself once you have completed X,Y, and Z you can read or watch t.v. for 30 minutes {or whatever}.

Now get out there and make it happen!

~Mavis