The P Word... Procrastination

A problem many of us are familiar with. Its showing up in your work environment interfering with your daily life?.and peace of mind.

What does procrastination look like? Clutter on your desktop, over-stuffed filing cabinets, chaotic digital files, not getting to work on your priorities and failing to make deadlines to name just a few. The outcome? More stress, anxiety and frustration about what 'wasn't done'. Reduced efficiencies. Wasted time. Fewer productivity gains. Simply put, delaying decisions is a deal breaker when it comes to personal performance and satisfaction...particularly in the workplace.

You're probably thinking that there are many reasons we procrastinate and you're right. And none of them are going to make a difference if you really want to overcome this roadblock. Here's how to begin shifting this paradigm:

Have you vision and ownership of your goals? A key point. Without the vision it's hard to remain focused on priorities and execution. You also need to write down your goals. Make them measurable, relevant and timelined in a way that helps you stay accountable to yourself.

What types of things do you procrastinate about? Most of us probably procrastinate to some degree about something. Even Professional Organizers. Years ago I began recognizing specific areas in which I was a procrastinator. I started using a timer to get me to take action within a certain period of time. It got me through the task and eventually these actions became a habit. Changing a negative habit to a positive one is the key. Take a minute to think about specific areas in your life where you might be delaying decisions. List a variety of methods that can help you work through that?and don't forget to include some rewards along the way.

Who can help? One thing that helps us get through change is support from family, friends and co-workers. If you want to change your behavior, identify one area or topic in which you know you procrastinate, list the action steps you can take overcome this hurdle and then share your goal with someone. I call them an 'accountability coach'. Call this person for encouragement when you feel yourself slipping. Find someone who can help and offer to do something in exchange for them.

Start now. Take action. Because it's all about your actions?and not just your intentions. Remember?thoughts become words?words become actions?actions turn into habits?habits develop character?and your character is your destiny.

Copyright 2003 Cynthia Kyriazis. All rights reserved

Cynthia Kyriazis is an organizing and time management consultant, trainer, speaker, coach and author with over 20 years management experience in multi-unit corporations. Organize it, a division of Productivity Partners, Inc. is an organizational training firm she founded in 1995 and has been serving Fortune 500 clients ever since. Cynthia works with business and their employees to help improve performance and realize productivity gains.

Cynthia has appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer, Kansas City Star and the Legal Intelligencer. She currently serves as Secretary on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Professional Organizers (NAPO), member of the National Speakers Association (NSA), member of the Kansas City of the International Society for Performance Improvement ? (ISPI-KC) and consultant to the American Coaching Association.

---

Struggling With Juggling

'The trick to juggling is determining which balls are made... Read More

Words that Inspire: PASSION

What is your PASSION?Dictionary says: strong liking for or... Read More

Change 101: How to Get the Changes You Desire

Here's a bold statement:Change can be simple and easy.It really... Read More

Beyond Procrastination ? 8 Questions To Ask Yourself

Why am I constantly putting things off? Why don't I... Read More

Ending Procrastination

Perseverance is about as important to achievement as gasoline is... Read More

Courage Is A Gift

"It is not what happens to you, but how you... Read More

Finding Motivation: What To Do When You Dont Feel Like Doing Anything

"The measure of your success usually comes down to who... Read More

Mr. Smith, Please Enter the Dream Room - Dream Big Dreams to Do Big Things!

Enjoy a great quote to start off this fantastic week!"All... Read More

Explanations?... or Excuses?

Which of the following "explanations" have you heard (or used!)... Read More

Self Determination - Making the Most Out of You

Breaking the mold of being a child is difficult. The... Read More

Practical Ways To Motivate Yourself To Learn A Skill

One way to motivate yourself to work hard at anything... Read More

Learn to Do What Winners Do But Others Will Not

If you want to be a winner you have to... Read More

A Reality Practice

Suggested practice to gain freedom from self-limitation.It is suggested that... Read More

Break Free

I received an email the other day from one of... Read More

Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow

Recently a person attended one of my goal setting seminars... Read More

No Excuses

Don't you just hate it when people make excuses for... Read More

Motivation By Spring Cleaning

Spring cleaning is a great motivator. Why confine it to... Read More

This Emotion Is As Helpful As Ali-Baba And His Forty Thieves!

Are you afraid of your own best ideas? Do you... Read More

Elements of Change

The key to achieving more than you currently are, no... Read More

Motivation: How to Get Unstuck

Have you ever felt stuck?You know the feeling - you're... Read More

Ask Your Question ? Get what You Desire

"Questions get answers, advice, opinions, beliefs, impressions, stories, and... Read More

Getting What You Really Want

Everyone wants something in life, love, money, success, recognition ...... Read More

When Life Gives You Waves, Learn to S.U.R.F.

Would you like to learn a skill set and technique... Read More

Letting Events Control Your Life ... Dropping The Negatives And Moving On!

It's interesting to note how we sometimes become so inundated... Read More

The Missing Piece

Have you ever tried putting a puzzle together, only to... Read More

7 Hot Tips For Self Improvement Part 2

Self Improvement Tip 4 Don't procrastinate! The more you put... Read More

No, Fear! The Success is Yours (1)

Fear is the minds great mortal sin.And isn't it just... Read More

Ill Put My Money On The Kid!

Now, the Fun Part. It is nigh time to find... Read More

For Those Who Have Suffered!

As one who has suffered from the long, term effects... Read More

The Seven Keys to Motivation

Motivation. It's a complicated subject that is studied by many... Read More

Fear of Failure

The fear of failure is more deadly than failure itself.... Read More

Changing Lifestyles

We stood in the kitchen talking. I was discussing my... Read More

Stick With the Winners

Here is an interesting quotation from Stephen Walsh."We're building up... Read More