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Stop procrastinating – now

It may seem like no matter how hard you try, you always end up doing everything except what you really need to accomplish. Procrastination is a major struggle for many people. They find themselves perpetually stressed because they are always running behind and trying to do things at the last minute. Breaking out of this cycle is possible.

With these tips you can learn how to stop putting things off and start being on time:

Make a list
Write down the things you want to get done in order of importance. This list should serve as a guide for your day.

Set small goals
Tackling a big project can be overwhelming. Before you begin working, divide the job into several smaller parts. You will find it easier to keep up with the project when you have certain steps leading you to your goal.

Get rid of distractions
You may struggle with getting things done because every time you get ready to work other unfinished tasks come to mind. When this happens, grab a pad of paper and jot down all the distractions that come to mind. Don’t stop what you are doing to work on those other tasks until you have completed the present assignment.

Set aside a special time
If you have a major job that needs to get done, set aside a special work time for that one responsibility. If you make an appointment with yourself, you will be more likely to get it accomplished. Procrastination doesn’t have to be a way of life for you. As you stop putting things off, you will probably find your stress level decreasing and notice that you have more enthusiasm for your job.

Procrastination can also be a symptom of an emotional problem that causes a person to be indecisive and thereby not able to make up their mind in a timely manner resulting in unfinished tasks.

Information was provided by Business Psychology Associates, which is the state of Idaho's Employee Assistance Program provider. See BPA's Web site for information or consult a mental health professional.