Procrastination can be a good thing, it allows you time to think about a project, get creative and formulate an effective plan to achieve your goals. Procrastination can also have a negative effect because it can stop us moving forward. Here are 12 strategies to add to your toolbox to Stop Procrastinating.

Do you experience one of these reasons for procrastinating!!!

• Are you afraid of failure?
• Do you fear success?
• Do you have a negative voice in your head telling you that nothing you do is ever good enough?
• Are you a “perfectionist” and can never get started on a task?
• Do you lack the skills to get started?

Once you discover the reasons for procrastinating, you can take steps to make procrastination a thing of the past and enjoy a more successful life.

Here are 12 strategies that will assist you to “dig yourself out” and plan your next project.

 1. Do the most difficult and most unpleasant tasks first

Get them out of the way so you can feel proud of what you’ve accomplished. Everything else will seem easy after that.

2. Break down big projects into smaller ones

Complete a small section, then move on to another part of the project. Eventually these blocks of work will all add up to a complete project.

3. Schedule work time and break time

Sometimes you don’t need long hours to complete a task, just be consistent, focused effort for short periods of time. Work for 25 minutes, then take a break for five minutes. Do this for four sessions, then give yourself a reward of a longer break such as 15 to 30 minutes. Continue in this manner until you complete the task, and then move to the next item on your to-do list.

4. Transform your tasks

If you find the task dull, boring or difficult, turn these negatives into a positive. For example, if it is dull, promise yourself a reward once it is done. If the task is difficult, what wonderful new things will you learn in the process of accomplishing it?

5. Avoid perfectionism

Remember that it does not have to be perfect; it just needs to get done. Do your best, but don’t miss a deadline either.

6. Get Organised

Be organised, write down what you have to do to get started, refer to this list often until you have a ritual you are comfortable with.

7. Learn the Skill Set you require

Often a project might just seem too overwhelming. Ask others who have the skills you need to help you get the job done.

8. Reward yourself along the way

Be sure you reward yourself, this is a really important step.

9. Manage your time

Use planners and diaries to keep track of all deadlines. Give yourself a time so you are not stressed and working down to the wire.

10. Establish your priorities

Deadlines are a fact of life. Determine what must be done first, but be prepared to switch from one task to another.  For example if your current assignment is due at the end of the week but a new one comes in that needs to be done by the end of the day.

11. Keep the End in Mind

Think how great it will be once you have completed the task.  If it’s a long term project like wellness and health or similar break it up into small steps and reward yourself after you have completed the goal.  It may start with an hourly or daily achievement.

12. Turn off your inner critic

Be kind to yourself, acknowledge every step and think about how great it feels to accomplish your goals.

Procrastination can be beneficial because it is just a way of giving yourself the maximum amount of time to mull something over before you begin. You can gather your thoughts, take in more inspiration, and look beyond the most obvious solutions to find the most creative ones.

However procrastination can also be paralysing and be a hindrance to you achieving your goals.

The above 12 tips may assist you if you are having difficulties getting started.

http://www.jilliesblog.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.