I love watching the Olympics!  These athletes have put their personal and professional lives on hold for the sake of a dream.   Each morning they get up and make a decision that their bodies and minds may not agree with and that is to practice one more time, run one more lap, and lift one more weight.

Many of us have shown great discipline at work and home as we strive to lose weight, build a healthier body, remodel our home, etc.  But usually lurking around that corner is the ugly beast called procrastination.  You know the beast that helps us rationalize why we don't finish our expense reports, or write that thank you note, or read that book that will help us get ahead.   So, how do we fight off the beast of procrastination?  Read below for a few tips that will keep you focused and motivated.

• Become very clear on the outcome you want from the activity you must do day in and day out.  If possible, have a visual or picture of the outcomes you are trying to achieve.

• Surround yourself with achiever friends and co-workers that will inspire you.  Ask them for the tips they use to stay on track.

• Don't beat yourself up if you get off track.  We all get sidetracked and take the easy path when the going gets tough.  Don't let this dissuade you from the entire goal.

• Just do it.  Sometimes we fall into analysis paralysis and find ways to rationalize why we don't need to do the task or activity.  If you find small ways to get yourself going, you will find success.  When I want to work out, I put my workout clothes on the chair next to my bed in the morning.  When I want to diet, I get rid of the junk food and replace it with healthy food. When I want to start thanking people more often, I buy thank you cards and place them next to my computer.

Question for You:

Are you putting off one activity that would really help you get to a higher level at work or home?  Have you been rationalizing why you don't need to do it today?

Action For You:

If possible, go get that one small thing that will get you started or back on track right now.  Take that first small step that will allow you the opportunity to find success just like the athletes in London.

"Every man is a diary in which he writes one story while intending to write another.  His humblest moment is when he compares the two."  Hugh B. Brown