Procrastination

Procrastination can be a stress-producer. And many studies have shown that chronic stress can create a host of health problems -- from the common cold to cancer and heart disease.

But how can a procrastinator possibly change his ways? After all, he would just keep putting off a plan for change,

wouldn’t he?

Well there is hope for procrastinators.

Here are a few tips to help you procrastinators out there change your procrastinating ways.

*Know that once a procrastinator does not have to mean always a procrastinator. Procrastination is a habit and

habits can be changed.

*If you are delaying a project because you don't have the right skills to complete it competently, try delegating the

project to someone better suited to it. Then enroll in a class that will improve whatever set of skills you’ll need to

complete similar projects in the future.

*Look at the task differently. Instead of seeing the project as one big job, and feeling overwhelmed by it, break

it up into smaller projects. Then set deadlines for each phase.

*If you're procrastinating because you have to do something that you don't like to do, know that the sooner

you get the task done, the sooner you can quit agonizing about it. Schedule time on your calendar to do it

so you can get it over with and off your mind. Worrying about a project you don't want to do uses up valuable

energy and creates stress.

*Get in the habit of making lists of everything you have to do. Then note the satisfaction you get from crossing

off each project as you complete it.

*Set realistic goals for yourself. If you try to tackle too much in too short a time, you may get discouraged.

*Promise yourself a reward when you've completed your project.

*Don't fool yourself. Eliminate tasks you never really plan to do.

Source: Procrastination Research Group