Procrastination! Why we do it and what we can do about it

Here are some tips to help you manage your procrastination:

1. Assess what it is about the chore that is holding you back. Until you know why you are avoiding it, it's hard to solve the problem. For example, if it's due to boredom, come up with novel ways to attack the job so that it's not too painful. If it's due to lack of room in your house, or financial issues, etc., come up with a plan to deal with the underlying problem.
2. If there is no major underlying reason, ask yourself: am I happier with the status quo, or will I be happier if the issue is taken care of?
3. Ask yourself how long it will take to finish the task. Most of the time, it's something that only takes minutes to do. Yet, we have this "feeling" that it will take much longer. Remind yourself that in 10 minutes (the time it took me to unpack my suitcase, for example), you will feel incredibly good about yourself.
4. Note that you are making a choice: doing it or not doing it. You can choose to procrastinate and have whatever project it is hovering over you. Or...you can choose to jump in and just do it.
5. Reward yourself. You've heard this a lot, but it bears repeating. If you can endure the pain of getting an unpleasant task done, reward yourself once it's been completed.
6. Sometimes we procrastinate because we worry that we won't do a good enough job. Remind yourself that it doesn't have to be perfect. You'll feel better getting it done as best you can rather than continuing to let it sit.
7. Procrastination almost always leads to stress. Ask yourself which is worse: attacking the project, or allowing stress to attack you. It's your choice.

Some of our members started listing chores they'd like to attack. Let's continue the momentum!

Are you up to the task? Can you choose *one* project you've been holding off doing? Share it here and we'll cheerlead you into getting it started. As for me, I'm going to put that unpacked suitcase back where it belongs!