As wise man once said to me the best way to beat procrastination is to just do it!

There can be many reasons for putting off what we have to do but they are usually always excuses we tell ourselves so that we feel better about not doing what we should be doing.

In order to be able to beat procrastination it is important to understand the impact and benefits that removing it from your life will make:

1. How good does it feel when an activity or job is completed? The relief is a nice chemical release through the entire body.
2. The completion of one task often will open wide the door to even greater opportunities
3. What’s it like when someone comes good on a promise to you? They haven’t run away. There is a deeper respect born from someone who fulfills their responsibilities.
4. It builds self-worth. When you tell yourself you are going to do something and you do it, this shows you are true to your word and strengthens self confidence.
5. Learnings are always available when we finish a job, take the time to reflect on what has been achieved.
6. A sense of accomplishment is felt with the effective use of your time. More things can get done.
7. The freedom to truly enjoy your leisure time because your mind won’t be busy constantly running over the list of things that still need to be attended to.

Here are some great pointers to remember whenever that pest ‘procrastination’ appears on your shoulder:

1. Keep your workspace clear from clutter and distracting items (TV, gadgets even people!).
2. Turn off the automatic message notification function or better yet, close your email.
3. Chunk down the job before you into smaller, more manageable tasks.
4. Reward yourself (sounds phony I know) but seriously tell yourself you can have a break in 1 hour or whatever works for you.
5. Be consistent with your actions, this will greatly assist in forming goods work habits.
6. Do the priority things first because all the other menial things will either take care of themselves or can wait to later.

It might also help to get into the right head space if you quote these little 1 liners to yourself:

1. I always start and finish my tasks on time
2. Every day in every way I demonstrate a high work ethic
3. I clearly show my wonderful skills and talents through my work
4. I am achieving and receiving fantastic results
5. I enjoy the feeling of accomplishment
6. There is no try, just do

May this information and these suggestions be of use to you in your life as they have in mine.

Your stories, comments and feedback always welcome.