Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips — How to Stop Procrastinating!

Do you wish you could get better at not putting things off?  We are all guilty of it at some point in our lives.  When does that big project get done?  The night before of course!  Or, do you have a difficult client you need to call?  The list goes on.  However, you can get better at doing what you need to do when it needs to be done.  The first step is to figure out why you are procrastinating.

Maybe your feelings are in the way.  Some people think that they need to feel ready or have all their ducks-in-a row before starting the tasks in order to be successful.  But nothing could be further from the truth.  Many successful people start before they feel ready.  What you have right now is enough!

Sometimes anxiety gets in the way.  What if I screw up?  Doubt can prevent you from acting at all.  This is a big one for me!  Now the average person will say just think of the reward at the end of the task.  This works for many but not those who are anxiety ridden.  Instead think, what I will lose or what can I hold onto?  Keeping in your boss’ good graces, and not losing your job is one.  Working out to keep from getting even more out of shape is another.

Many tasks are simply hard, boring or just plain stink!  This makes it easier to put these off forever.  For those jobs, you need to plan, in advance, exactly when, where, and what you will be doing to complete them.  Then time block these tasks into small, manageable time frames so you stick to it.  With most people, it’s best to tackle their unpleasant tasks early in the day.  This might work for you as well!

So, figure out why you’re procrastinating and get to work on a plan of action!  It’s also a good idea to plan a reward for yourself after you complete the task.  A “something to look forward to” can make even the most onerous task more palatable!

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO