Procrastination is the action of delaying, postponing or avoiding tasks – especially tasks that we know we should do. How many times have you procrastinated this week?

Many people put things off until last minute, but procrastinators are people that consistently avoid tasks and in doing so, harm themselves. I truly believe that you have something uniquely special to give to this world and I would hate for you to not reach your potential because you were constantly PROCRASTINATING!

• Some people procrastinate because they are avoiding boring or unpleasant tasks. If you are, I would recommend that you take a closer look and see what you can do to not have those tasks to do in the first place. Maybe it is time for a change.
• Some procrastinate because of their poor organizational skills. If you don’t have a plan and are not committed on where you will put your focus and energy, it is easy for you to put off things that are uncomfortable. So just schedule and commit ahead of time on the important tasks you want to accomplish.
• Some procrastinate because of fear. If you fear success or failure – you might be putting things off to avoid that failure or success. Remember, failure is part of the journey to success and success, well success is success – don’t be afraid of it. Step into it!
• Lastly, some procrastinate because they are perfectionists. They rather put off, doing the thing than to do the thing and not do it perfectly. Remember that striving for perfection is a process of doing so just get on with it and make it better as you go.

At the end of the day, it is up to us to take full responsibility for any procrastination that might be holding us back. Life is short so there is no time to waste, just get on with it.

Here are 7 things that you can start doing today to break your habit of procrastination.

1. Make a list of everything you have to do – Keep an updated list and look at it every day.
2. Write a statement of intention – For example, “Today I promise myself I will …”
3. Set realistic goals – Like, I will complete the first page of my paper due next month instead of I will finish my 10-page paper by tomorrow.
4. Break it down into specific tasks – Clarity gives you more of a roadmap and makes it easier to follow.
5. Make your task meaningful – At the end of the day, you must care about doing what you set out to do, if not – you will find it hard to have the energy to finish the task.
6. Promise yourself a reward – If I organize the room today I will treat myself to the movies tomorrow.
7. Eliminate tasks you never plan to do. Be honest with yourself!