Procrastinate, then Back to Reality!

March 1^st kicks off National Procrastination Week! So, relax, put your feet up, and don't even think about those tasks you've been putting off.

Once the week is over, get back to reality! Procrastinating drains your energy, creates guilt, and leaves you in a time crunch.

1. First, figure out why you are avoiding the task. Is it because:

• It's an unpleasant task.
• You are unsure about how to do the task.
• The task will involve making some decision/s you'd like to avoid.
• You like the adrenaline rush of barely making the deadline.

2. Get Started - "The best way to get something done is to begin." - Author Unknown. Have you ever noticed that once you get started, the project isn't as bad as you'd thought; you get done in less time than you'd imaged, and now you have more time to do what you want to do.

3. Set Goals – Break the task into small portions. Set a date & time for completion of each portion. Enlist the help of an "accountability partner." Check in with that person when each step is scheduled to be completed. This is motivating and prevents the entire project from being completed at the last minute or not at all.

3. Reward Yourself – After completing a step, give yourself a small reward – 5 minutes of music, reading, or a short walk. Upon completion of the entire project, celebrate. Treat yourself to a larger reward – a massage, dinner at your favorite restaurant, watch your favorite movie. And remind yourself that you did a great job, worked hard, and were successful at beating your procrastination! Congratulations!