Help for the Procrastinator

Are you a procrastinator?  Do you avoid or find it hard to get started on a difficult or unpleasant task at work, at school or at home?   You are not alone.  Many have this problem from time to time, but for some procrastination is chronic and causes a high level of stress and anxiety.

There is hope.  Procrastination is a behavior that you can change.  Now is a good time to start taking control of your life and the tasks that need to be done.

Here are some strategies for overcoming your procrastination:

• Identify your thoughts and behaviors that keep you from doing necessary tasks and plan how to reduce or control these thoughts and behaviors.
• Make a list of everything you have to do.
• Break complex tasks down into smaller, manageable tasks.
• Set realistic goals and standards that are attainable.
• Prioritize and create realistic time frames for completing tasks.
• Make your tasks meaningful and find the value in completing them.
• Reward yourself for your accomplishments.
• Eliminate tasks you have no intention of doing.

And remember to balance your work with recreation and relaxation.

Resource: Procrastination Research Group, www.carleton.ca/~tpychyl/.