Motivate yourself to stop procrastinating by Aim 4 Order

Back when you were in school, did you wait until the last minute to complete assignments? Some things never change. Most of us procrastinate when it comes to doing tasks we don’t want to do.

Why does everyone procrastinate? The most common reason is because we think it will be difficult or taxing to do whatever it is that needs doing. Usually, when the task has been completed, we feel great. We can look back and see the progress and be proud of the accomplishment.

Here are some tips to help you stop procrastinating and get things done.

• Make lists to remind yourself what you need to accomplish. You can do this with a pen and paper or you can use a computer or cell phone – whatever works for you.
• Prioritize your list and try to figure out how much time you will need to do each task. Set realistic times and avoid overbooking activities. Sometimes your work space is not conducive to the effective use of your time. If you can do some of the tasks elsewhere, do that. If not, you may have to add in time to organize your work space. You need to do that from time to time anyway.
• Do the jobs in small increments so they don’t seem as daunting. Do the more important things during times when you feel most productive like early in the day after you’ve had breakfast. Concentrate on one list item at a time.
• Get rid of time wasting habits that are distracting and ultimately put you behind schedule. When the phone rings, check the caller ID. If it’s not an important call, let it go to voice mail and call the person back when it is more convenient.
• Remember that you are allowed to say “no” when your time is booked tightly.
• As the slogan from Nike says, “Just do it.” You know you have to get the job done. If you wait until you feel motivated, it may never happen. Do it now and finish before the clock runs down.

After you achieve your goals and do the tasks you set out to do, remember to congratulate yourself on a job well done. Celebrate the fact that you accomplished what you set out to do and realize that it was not as bad as you expected it to be. You no longer have that job hanging over your head. Remind yourself of that good feeling the next time you have to do something you don’t want to do.

Visit Aim4Order.com for more organizing tips and advice.