10 Ways to Overcome Procrastination: The Challenge for Tomorrow!

Did you realize that as much as 47% of the time we spend on-line has nothing whatsoever to do with our work? In 1978 15% of the population stated that they do procrastinate somewhat. Only 1% admitted to chronic procrastination. In 2002 the numbers quadrupled! 60% of people stated that they experience mild to moderate procrastination in their lives and 6% stated that procrastination ruled their lives! In this era of "distraction overdose", make the decision to overcome procrastination by applying some or all of the following techniques.

1. Live by the Law of More Effort. As you accomplish an important task, you will feel a surge of energy and enthusiasm. Completing the task will trigger the release of endorphins in your brain, causing you to experience a natural high. You will actually become addicted to this feeling as you continue to complete challenging and important tasks. So, as you put forth more effort, you will want to continue to put forth more effort.

2. How's your energy? There are many things you can do to increase your energy stores, including getting 8 hours of rest each night. I know you are saying, "I'm lucky if I get 6!" With better planning & organizing, you can not only get 8 hours of sleep, but you will also have time for #3.

3. Exercise & eat right! Yes, that's right. If you take the time to exercise, you will actually have more energy and will procrastinate less. Also, avoid those simple sugars that "give you a boost". It may give you an immediate rush, but you will "dump" just shortly there after. Eat complex carbohydrates which provide a slower, steadier release of energy throughout the day.

4. Improve your goal setting techniques. Do we eat the elephant all at once? No. We do it one bite at a time. Do the same with your goals. Take your larger goals and break them down into a series of smaller, more attainable goals. Write them down, be specific and put a date on them. A goal without a date is just a dream. Make sure they are challenging and schedule your repetitive goals (ex. workouts) at the same time each day to develop a routine.

5. Make lists and work from them. No one likes to work from lists. You feel like your mother is controlling your every move. But this keeps you organized. Have a daily, weekly and monthly list of things you need to do and add to them as necessary.

6. Make your own "top ten" list. Write down ten things you want to accomplish in the next year. Write these out as if they have already happened, in the present tense. Post them where you will see them daily and while you're at it, read them out loud daily. Self-talk is very important. (That's for another top 10.)

7. Select a favorite from your list. Which item on your list will push you forward 100% in your career, personal life, etc. when completed? Come up with an action plan for achieving that goal first and write it down.

8. Find a system that works for you. There is no cookie-cutter approach to overcoming procrastination. A system that may be very successful for one person, could fail miserably for another. Try different "programs" on and be patient. You will find a system that fits you perfectly.

9. Don't give up! We can all develop the habits of focus & concentration if we commit to it by making the decision, developing the discipline and staying determined.

10. Just do it! I realize this phrase is completely over-used, but let's face it, it applies. Sometimes we just need to buckle down and complete that unbelievably miserable task that we have been dreading for so long. I guarantee you that you will have more energy when you are done.

David Allen says, "Much of the stress that people feel doesn't come from having too much to do. It comes from not finishing what they have started."

About The Author

Lisa James is a personal coach and founder of Code 10 Coaching. She brings a unique perspective to the coaching arena as she was in Law Enforcement for 10 years dealing with conflict resolution and crisis management. She teaches the importance of Goal Setting, Self-Talk and Personal Development in business and other aspects of our lives. Lisa has studied coaching and Self-Talk under the guidance of Shad Helmstetter and graduated from The Life Coach Institute in 2001. A believer in life-long learning, she continues to advance her expertise in coaching and personal development at The Schools of Coaching and CoachVille.

Lisa@Code10Coaching.com

---

How To Be Motivated To Create The Life Of Your Dreams

When it comes to motivating yourself to be a better... Read More

Why Idle Hands Create Stagnation in Our Lives

You've probably heard the phrase, "Idle hands are the devil's... Read More

Rules To Live Life By

How often have we heard ourselves complaining about how unlucky... Read More

Day Dream Believer

I am sure you, just like the rest of us,... Read More

Book Summary: If Life is a Game, These are the Rules

This #1 New York Times bestseller offers some useful and... Read More

Lego Laws for Life

Just about everybody owns or has owned a bucket of... Read More

Ten Terrific Self Motivating Tips

No one can motivate anyone to do anything. All a... Read More

Make Motivation Stick

Motivation is the elusive elixir. Not only does it help... Read More

Quick Steps To Help You Take Action Now

Need to move ahead and yet find yourself holding back?Edward... Read More

Regret or Passion? Which Will Be Yours?

I once attended a retreat on how to live with... Read More

Can Pain Be A Motivator?

Carol was a new client. She had been looking for... Read More

Ill Put My Money On The Kid!

Now, the Fun Part. It is nigh time to find... Read More

Mind Power

King Solomon said "As a man thinketh in his heart... Read More

Excuses, Excuses, Excuses

Lately, I've become super sensitive to the amount of excuses... Read More

Making Excuses

I edited and re-edited my article. I had to make... Read More

What Once Was - Ain?t No More

Rather than beat around the bush and try to lead... Read More

Get Off Your Butt and Create Your Financial Future?Now!

Most people have no idea where their money goes. They... Read More

Keep On Keepin On

In those times when everything seems to be going just... Read More

Getting What You Really Want

Everyone wants something in life, love, money, success, recognition ...... Read More

Starting Over

I worked hard for the past 17 years. I felt... Read More

Do You Know Which Door To Open?

Do you remember that old television program that gave the... Read More

How Much Fight Is In You?

"All the adversity I've had in my life, all my... Read More

What Motivates You?

As a life-long student of personal development, I've attended dozens... Read More

Anchors Away!

If we want to fill our heads with the doom... Read More

How to Become an Effective Self-Help User

"Know Yourself" That's what the big guy said way back... Read More