Just Say ANO@ to Procrastination!

Do the following statements sound familiar to you?:

;                  AThat English paper is due tomorrow, but I just can=t get motivated enough to start working on it!@

;                  AThis is so boringBwhy does my boss make me do this?@

;                  AI=ll just watch TV for 30 minutes, then I=ll start dusting.@

If so, then you=re not alone!  Most of us procrastinate in one way or another, whether it be with school work, on the job, or with chores at home.  It is normal to avoid tasks that we don=t enjoy, but we often end up wasting valuable time in the process of putting things off!  Here are some ways to reduce the amount of time wasted while procrastinating and to increase productivity
and time management skills:

(                   Know when you are procrastinating.  What is your favorite distraction?  Do you doodle, daydream, clean your room?  Be aware of your favorite procrastination tactics, and learn to tell yourself to AStop!@ as soon as you wander off.

(                   Get moving!  Do some small things to get your task started (for example, write the first sentence of your term paper), and pace yourselfByou=ll find that once you start moving, it will be much easier to keep rolling.

(                   Divide your project into small pieces.  Take one step at a time, and make use of small chunks of time (waiting on a ride, or for band practice to start).  Read a few paragraphs or answer a few of your homework questions, and you=ve at least started the assignment!

(                   Set small goals that are specific.  Instead of thinking AI=ll do some studying later,@ tell yourself that you=ll read a certain amount of pages, by a certain time.  This way, you have a specific goal to accomplish, and you will feel like you=ve achieved more when you do things this way.

(                   Avoid distractions.  When you get ready to work or study, set up your workspace with as few distractions as possibleBturn off the TV or radio, close your room/office door, turn off the ringer on your phone. 

(                   Reward yourself!  Once your task is completed, whether it be a school assignment or a project at work, treat yourselfBbut only allow yourself a reward if the task is completed!

(                   Enjoy your freedom.  Isn=t it a great feeling, knowing that you=ve finished an unpleasant task?  Take time to enjoy the feeling of freedom that comes with knowing you are done!

From >How to Beat Procrastination= at Saint Joseph=s University=s Counseling and Personal Development Center website

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