101 Tips for Avoiding Procrastination

Table of Contents:

I. INTRODUCTION...3
II. SELF-EVALUATION...5
III. PROCRASTINATION AT HOME...12
IV. PROCRASTINATION IN SCHOOL...17
V. PROCRASTINATION AT THE WORK PLACE...22
VI. PROCRASTINATION AND HUMAN RELATIONSHIPS...33
VII. SELF IMPROVEMENT – A GENERAL SENSE OF WELL BEING...39
VIII. BONUS TIPS...46
IX. CONCLUSION...54


Tip # 8 Filtering the essential from the petty
Procrastination is the opposite of action. When you decide which of
your tasks need immediate attention and those that can be done later
in the week, you’ve just learned the fine art of prioritizing. So decide
– once and for all – which should be assigned top priority, and then
act.
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Tip # 9 Better in black and white than dreaming in
technicolor
That’s just our way of saying that when you read things on paper,
you’re able to act logically; this is much more effective than just
thinking out how to avoid procrastination.
Putting down things in black and white is even better than
brainstorming with another person. Here’s the reason: if you write
down what needs to be done, you’re the only one who knows what’s
urgent and important.
You focus on this task from the implementation to completion. Once
it’s completed, you take it off your list. There’s that sense of
accomplishment, no matter how small the accomplishment is.
You go on to the next task, until you actually get used to the idea of
doing, rather than procrastinating.
Brainstorming with a friend, on the other hand, can be viewed as a
positive, but can be a form of procrastination. You’ll say to yourself,
“what she said makes sense”, so you mull over it, leaving the task
undone.
Thinking about your tasks yourself and then doing them – without
anyone’s feedback – is much more productive.
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Tip # 10 Discard old habits
We’re creatures of habit. Even if we know that a certain activity is no
longer cost effective, we continue doing it anyway.
One example: not looking for alternatives. It’s a lot easier to use the
same, familiar road to work, but if there’s a quicker, or more relaxing
route you can take, find out what that other route is.
It’s always good to have alternative routes. Traffic snarls occur in
times when you’re in a hurry.
Tip # 11 It’s mantra time once again
Once in awhile you’ll deviate from your intentions. You’re a human
being with limitations, or else life, without warning, takes a detour,
and we get derailed.
Let’s take a lesson from our brothers and sisters in the east who live
by mantras that they recite to themselves every day.
Here’s one you can recite in the morning as you wake up: “I will not
procrastinate today. It is unproductive. I have tasks to do, and I will
write them down so I can decide which of them need to be done by 12
noon. My goal is to finish at least 2 big tasks and 2 small ones”.
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Tip # 12 Have a second mantra for after the job gets done
Have a second mantra that you can recite after you complete a task.
“I completed my task! I focused well and didn’t allow myself to
procrastinate. This translates to about $150.00 that I can take to the
bank.”
It may sound vulgar to attach a monetary value to every task
accomplished. This reinforces the belief that time is money. And when
you make a final tally, you’d be surprised at what you end up with.
Time can always be expressed as a savings or a loss. It’s all up to
you. And people don’t have to know. After all, a mantra is something
you keep to yourself!
Tip # 13 If you fall back a few steps, climb the stairs again
If you’re a chronic procrastinator, you will experience problems staying
on course for the first few weeks. It’s like going to the gym for the
first time. You’re all gung-ho for the first 3 days and then you stop.
Old habits die hard. So you missed doing the three tasks yesterday,
big deal. Revise the list, and plan on doing them within a specific time
frame. Don’t dwell too long on what you failed to do.
Start climbing the stairs again and get to the top without looking back.
Aim for completing four tasks today - three from yesterday and one for
today.
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III. Procrastination at Home
Tip # 14 Keep it simple
This is a common advice. Simplifying your life means a simpler,
uncluttered way of living. Get rid of grit and gunk from your house.
When your house overflows with objects, it tends to distract you. And
we all know what happens when there is too much distraction. It
prevents you fro