Would you like to discover how to overcome procrastination? If you're anything like me you probably answered yes, but are thinking, "I'll start tomorrow."

When folks procrastinate it's usually because they don't like what they have to do, they haven't figured out how to do what they need to do or they're afraid.

Problem is, procrastinating can mess up a lot of stuff in your life. Failing to complete projects on time can affect things such as your relationships, income, confidence and credibility.

When you really think about it, your procrastination problem affects everyone who is close to you.

Family may imitate your bad habit (children learn by example), friends probably don't rely on you or trust you to stick to your word, collegues are probably rightly pissed off at you because they have to pick up the slack from your procrastiantion habit, and anyone that has to wait to complete their part of a project until you've done yours may be frustrated beyond belief.

I know...sounds pretty bad but you can overcome procrastination, even if you've been a procrastinator most of your life!

Follow these 4 tips to help overcome your procrastination habit and become that person who always gets things done:

1. Break it down. Take any task that you need to do and break it down into easily accomplished action steps. Every project has different pieces that need to be accomplished in order to complete it. Breaking it down into baby steps makes it seem much easier to get done.

Put the easiest steps, the ones that can be done quickly, at the beginning in order to give yourself the boost you need to continue. You'll build momentum and this in turn will keep you motivated until you complete the task at hand.

2. Delegate. Get over the sense that you have to do everything yourself!

If you know you won't be able to complete a project on time, ask someone to lend a hand. You can hand off the easier steps and focus on the more difficult parts of your project.

Get in the team spirit! You be the captain and pick your players, delegating the parts of the project to those you know are capable of handling it.

If you're not quite sure of what to do...ask! It's easier to overcome procrastination and get things done when someone who's been there and done that can give you pointers on how to accomplish a project. Once you have this knowledge, you won't find the task such an obstacle.

3. Just do it! I'm talking about a to-do-list. Write everything down that you've been procrastinating on so that you can see exactly where you are and what you need to finish.

Place the tasks in order of importance so that you'll get the most urgent ones done straight off and break down each task into easily achievable steps as explained above.

Make sure you place your list somewhere that you can see it throughout your day so that you can tick off each step or task as you finish it. This is going to give you a sense of accomplisment and pride as you see the checkmarks multiplying.

Make sure to treat yourself to something you love once you have completed a project because you deserve it!

4. Embrace new habits. Use these same tips every time you have a project or task to complete.

Take your project and break it down into bite-sized, smaller tasks, delegate whatever you can and act on at least one small task right away. If you do this in a conscious manner for just a few short weeks, you will have developed a new, positive habit that will make your work a lot easier and your life a lot more enjoyable!

Put these tips into action today, not in an hour, not tomorrow, but today and you'll be well on your way to having overcome procrastination!

 

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