Tips On Avoiding Procrastination

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Mr. B of Slough wrote in "can you please give me some help with
getting things done? My wife says I am the world's biggest
procrastinator. We used to joke about it but now my ways are causing
friction in the house and I have to accept that things need to change.
I don't know how to go about it. All I ever seem to do is talk."
The first point to make is that you know a number of the difficulties
already. -----------You only get as far as talking about it whilst you
are aware that action is required. You appear to be acknowledging your
responsibility for not doing things and recognise that this is making
things at home difficult. On a positive note, you have already made a
change. You have got round to asking for some help to make the
changes.
There are a number of tips I can suggest. I would also suggest that
you ask yourself some questions.
Questions first.
Reflect on past situations and ask yourself what the cost of your
procrastination has been in particular situations .This may be in
terms of finance, time, friendships, etc.
Now ask what would be different/ advantageous for you now if you had
behaved differently?
What are the learning opportunities that this situation presents you
with? Then, ask
Why have I been putting off doing x?What would be the benefits of
doing x?What do I need, or what will help me in getting the task done?
Where would the easiest place be for me to start?What is the one thing
that I can do right now that would make the biggest difference?
Tips
Do pen and paper exercises using above format.Write out a list of
achievable goals with timescales.Think about what some of the
difficulties arising may be.List the strategies you can employ to deal
with these eventualities.Be clear about when you will review the
situation.Be prepared to make modifications if necessary
Remember that some tasks can be dealt with more easily when broken
down into smaller more manageable components.Tell your wife or someone
else what you are doing and ask for and accept encouragement.If you
are concerned about slipping up, try to get someone to act in the role
of buddy and help prompt you.Give yourself some reward at different
agreed stages.
Don't put yourself down.Use positive affirmations.
Do it now!
Good luck.