7 simple keys to overcome procrastination

1. Understand procrastination is a habit. A habit is a learned behaviour that has become automatic. It begins by being more motivated to reduce stress and seek comfort than seeking achievement. And like any habit, it can be unlearnt. It's always more difficult to unlearn a habit than create one. Try learning to touch type after you've learnt to two finger type.  It can be done though as proven by my clients who move from inactivity to creating a 'do it now' attitude.
2. Write a daily to-do list that not only includes the things that need to be done (deadline-oriented items) but also long-term projects that propel your strategic plan. Some people find the best time to do this is in the morning, others find the best time is to do it the night before. Find what works for you.
3. Set priorities - make sure you prioritise your list. Do the most important and pressing things first or do the most unpleasant things first.
4. Use the one touch system - whenever possible take care of the task before it gets on a possible procrastination list. Pay bills when you open the envelope. File things immediately. Refuse to create piles of paperwork.
5. Develop a 'Do it Now' attitude. It is your thinking that creates your behaviour so you must begin to think differently. What needs to change in your thinking? Stop telling yourself you are hopeless and disorganised. Start telling yourself you use time efficiently. Us an affirmation like 'I tackle tasks immediately'.
6. Chunk things down into smaller tasks. Writing a book for example is a mammoth project; believe me. To achieve that I began by writing down the series of events in my life that were relevant. Then I created a timeline. Then I set aside one night a week to write. I set a goal for the first draft to be finished. The old saying is true. How do you eat an elephant? One mouthful at a time.
7. Reward yourself - pat yourself on the back when you finish a task, especially a task that you saw as difficult or challenging. Stop and make yourself feel good, not just relieved. Sometimes you can reward yourself with things you used to procrastinate (time wasters). Some examples might be surfing the net, responding to emails, watching TV. Just make sure the reward has a limited time.

All you have to do is follow these steps for a day. That's right one day. Then do it again the next day and the next and the next and observe the transformation in your world and the way you feel about yourself.

Want more help? Email me now anthony@anthonyvennbrown.com about The Procrastination Buster $400 over 4 weeks.