Quit Procrastinating And Start Living

Most of us have procrastinated at one time or another. It's easy to tell ourselves that we can do it later or that we have other things to do before we begin. This is especially true if we're avoiding a boring project.

Instead of getting down to business we you might find yourself asking questions like: What will I gain by doing this? Would it hurt if I took a nap instead? Why do I have to do it today when it could be done just as easily tomorrow?

These are all typical thoughts of a procrastinator. You probably already know it if you are one.

Procrastination rarely makes anyone happy in the long run. When we finish a job on time we always feel happier. But knowing this, a lot many of us procrastinate anyway.

If procrastinating makes us feel bad, then why do we do it? One reason could be a fear of failure. Approaching difficult tasks can be intimidating because we don't know the outcome. We can't know the result of our efforts until trying.

Another reason is that doing the task may take us out of our comfort zone. It's certainly more pleasurable to stick with what we know. Delaying what might be perceived as painful is a way of borrowing against the future. The procrastinator knows they'll have to pay eventually and is therefore unable to fully enjoy the present.

People often find themselves postponing what they aren't comfortable with and creating unnecessary tasks to keep them from having to face what they don't want to do. Eventually it catches up with us and causes stress.

Procrastinating is an irrational behavior which actually creates added pressures. It causes guilt and keeps us from achieving goals.

Simple steps can be taken to change this bad habit. First, instead of putting the least favorite activity for the last, the best thing to do is attack it first. Doing the most dreaded task first and finishing it can remove the pressure caused by having unfinished business hanging over your head.

Make a list of things that need to be done and number them starting with the ones you don't want to do first.  Mark through each item as you finish it so you have a visible record of what is getting done. Seeing your list get smaller takes away much of the pain of doing the unpleasant tasks.

Once you master the list technique you want to begin a running log of the things you have done and those that need to be done. The unfinished tasks need to be given a specific day and time to be started and completed. If a project isn't completed in the alloted time, then you must use the time set aside for more enjoyable activities to get it done. This not only helps in overcoming procrastination - it also aids us in using time more efficiently.

Those who are able to set time goals and stick to the schedules made are far happier and self-confident that those who procrastinate. They always have the satisfaction of knowing the unpleasant tasks are behind them. This makes life more pleasant and frees the mind to enjoy the present.

If you are tired of the stress caused by procrastination then it's time you use these techniques to get control of your time. Don't put it off until tomorrow. Do it today.