A survey (by the University of Chicago) suggested that those who relish challenge are more likely to live up to 10 years longer than those who spend their lives inhibited by timidity.

Trying to realize our ambitions, even if we don’t always meet them, is preferable to not having the courage or motivation to take the risk. So not making any resolutions because we fear that we’ll break them is having a defeatist attitude, as we allow procrastination to become an insidious habit which stops us from leading more fulfilling lives.

Unfortunately, people, by nature are procrastinators. It’s a fact. I know I’ve been there.

Here are 10 ways to kick the procrastination habit!

1). Personal values development

Take the time to find out what you really want in life, what your personal values are. Do you want more time, more money, better health, greater self esteem and confidence, more fulfilling relationships, a different career, set up a business? When we procrastinate it’s often because what we are planning to do is not really aligned with what we truly want. We may be scared of our skills (or perceived lack of) or fear ridicule from others.

2. Make health and high energy levels a priority

Without good health we are less likely to have the energy and dynamism needed to make positive changes in our lives and it’s easier (and necessary if you’re very ill) to procrastinate. So ensure that you have a nourishing diet, sleep well, exercise and meditate. Incidentally, it is thought that regular meditation helps delay the worst effects of the aging process.

3). Visualize your life without procrastination

See and feel the benefits in your life if you didn’t procrastinate. What could you do and achieve? Begin to act as if you’re not a procrastinator. Write down, draw, imagine your life as a film. Use affirmations to help you.

4). Banish the Gremlin

That little voice which runs on auto in your head – that dismisses any idea that you might have. It says things like “I’m not in the mood” “I don’t have time” “I can’t do this”. Stop running on auto, replace the “should’s” “oughts” “have tos” with “want to” “desire”. You have a choice. Acknowledge your choices and banish the Gremlin. Again, using affirmations can help you replace the Gremlin with more positive alternatives.

5). Stop over commitment

Saying “yes” to everything – often leaves you feeling tired and without the energy to focus on what is most important to you. This leads to procrastination as projects and tasks are dropped. Identify what is most important to you and only focus on those areas which will make the biggest difference to your life. It will enhance your focus and motivation.

6). Set personal and professional goals

It’s hard to motivate yourself when you don’t have a good idea of what you want to accomplish. So when setting goals think about what you want to achieve in the short term and long term. Techniques for doing so include the SMART strategy. S = specific M = measurable A= Action R = Realistic T = Time based. Use goal setting software to help you in goal planning and setting. Tip: try to make your SMART goals fun.

6). Prioritize Your Goals

Develop a plan or schedule to help you reach your goals. In doing so you will begin to identify whether some elements need to be included or enhanced or dropped completely. Also remember to be flexible, revisit your goals regularly and modify or drop if appropriate. Just because a goal is written down doesn’t mean that it is set in stone!

7). Divide and conquer

Once you’ve prioritized your goals, divide them into smaller chunks. Sometimes we procrastinate because a project seems really large and the scale of it overwhelms us and puts us into a temporary form of paralysis – you don’t know where to start, so you don’t start at all! Approach each project – especially large ones – on a step by step basis.

8). Reward yourself

Once you start to complete tasks, reward yourself by giving yourself something that you want. So instead of seeing a film before you complete a task, see it afterwards and make it a reward for you.

9). Just get started

No excuses. Don’t wait until you’re “in the mood”. The mood never comes! It is a clever camouflage and a delaying tactic. What you resist persists! Start with what is easiest, so that you experience immediate success, which will give you the fuel and motivation to upgrade and take on larger projects.

Do any of the above and you’ll be well on your way to Kicking the Procrastination Habit. And if you’re procrastinating over doing any of the above :.), then remember that life is the biggest deadline of all!

If you found this post useful, please like and share. And leave a comment. I’d love to hear from you.

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Thanks.

Lee


    4 replies to "10 Ways to Kick Procrastination and… Live Longer?"

    • Hi Lee,

      I guess to a certain extent, procrastination has been one of my kryptonites. I’ve spent so much time perusing email and watching tutorials thinking that was building my business.

      Once I got into P2S, my focus has changed. I don’t know what spurred the change, but I’ve been focused every day since I started (actually re-started). I was a member a couple years ago and quit after a couple months, because I realized I had to work.

      I came back after several failed attempts at other methods. It was a slap in the face, but I realized a business (online or offline) requires work. Three clicks of the mouse doesn’t work.

      I’m on a good path right now, and I know that if I just see this through to the end, I’ll be in a good place.

      I’m not sure what my wake-up call was or when it happened. I don’t care. The important thing is it happened.

      Everything is positive from this point. This is the BEST program. No other coaching even comes close. I can’t believe I left before.

      • leecornell

        Hi Bob,

        I agree that John’s course was one of the best investments I ever made. I went at it full force when I joined and then around week 10 I started to stall out. It actually took me 2 years to launch my first P2S product. My second one came a lot easier and faster. Just keep at it and take advantage of asking John questions when you need help. There are not too many internet marketing millionaires that will talk to you directly and help you. Thanks for the comment. Lee

    • Lee

      I know that procrastination is one of the main problems when working either in an on-line business or even a standard job as we all tend to doubt ourselves and believe what people are saying to us.

      By joining a programme like John’s and surrounding yourself with people with the same desire to succeed and having mentors like John and Randy plus many more students all helping you, will help you achieve success.

      To your success

      DaveT

      • leecornell

        Couldn’t agree more, Dave. That’s why I’ve been working with John for 4 years now. Great mentor!

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