15-Aug-2012

No Way Delay!

Get Past Procrastination

Ever put off doing something unpleasant—like writing a report for work, cleaning out the attic or writing thank you notes? The roots of procrastination run deep for many people. In fact, the habit of “putting things off” is often tied to very complex emotions, like fear of failure, self-doubt, painful memories and low self-esteem. So how can you break out of a pattern of avoidance that is self-perpetuating at best and debilitating at worst?

Modern psychologists have seen a rise in the phenomenon of procrastination, which crosses boundaries of income, intelligence and upbringing. If you find you are in a cycle of rationalizing not doing a project or tackling a difficult chore, there are a few simple techniques that may help get you going. To avoid the sense of “overwhelm” break your project into small manageable tasks. Get a friend to help or find a support network to encourage you. Set priorities and use a timer to work on your tasks for 5-10 minutes at a time. Before you know it you will be back on track and you can reward yourself for a job well done!

Video: New Ways to Move Ahead

Recommended: Procrastination - Why You Do It, What to Do About It Now by Jane B. Burka PhD and The Procrastinator's Handbook: Mastering the Art of Doing It Now by Rita Emmett