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How to Stop Procrastinating
Be Listful
People who achieve their goals are often people who keep lists. To start, compose a single statement of your goal. Once you write this down, getting up off the sofa or out of the cyber-surf can be much easier. Next, turn this abstract statement into a set of realizable objectives. Write down what you want to accomplish in the next five years, this year, this month, this week, and, finally, today. These lists are contracts with yourself. Put them where you can see them. When distractions come calling, as they inevitably will, your lists will serve to remind you of your short-term and long-term goals.
Pick the Date
Once you have spelled out exactly what you want to accomplish, pencil your plans into a calendar or a planner. Take your calendar with you, and check it several times a day. Keep your daily list here. Check off each task as you accomplish it. If you enjoy a bit of whimsy, award yourself gold stars or smiley stickers for major tasks completed.
Give Yourself a Break
Sometimes we procrastinate because perfectionism has led to paralysis. If this is you, you may need to loosen the screws a bit. For example, imagine if you're making a sandwich you took the time to consider every possible option--each lettuce type, each tomato breed, each lunch meat brand, each bread grain--you might have the ultimate sandwich in the making, but you would starve before you'd finished. Sometimes, working quickly is best. Rather than apply perfectionism to every task, assess the task's importance and approach it with only the necessary intensity.
Give Yourself Another Break
Treat yourself nicely, and reward yourself for dealing with the petty details and not-so-petty demands life puts in your way. For example, pick a day to pay the bills every month, and when you have paid them, head out for ice-cream or a movie. Bill-paying day becomes movie night. You'll start to look forward to it, almost. Build these positive reinforcements into your life, and you will find yourself more eager to get things done.
Your Problem, Your Power
Procrastination is a choice. You can begin to stop procrastinating by acknowledging your power to take action. You might say that by reading this article, you have already done just that.
