Procrastination: Stop It Today, Not Tomorrow

Procrastination. Why do people do it? How can it be stopped? Let's look at some causes of and cures for this common ailment.

Depending on whose theory you study, there are basically three reasons why people procrastinate. They are:

• fear
• anger
• indecision

If you procrastinate due to fear, ask yourself what it is you're afraid of. Failure? Success? Something in between? Next, consider the worst-case scenario: What's the worst that can happen? Determine whether you can handle the consequences. Reward yourself for at least having accepted the challenge.

If you procrastinate due to anger, determine at what or whom you're angry. Perhaps you feel resentment because you feel that the task you've been asked to complete is not your responsibility. Get to the root of your anger and address the issue with the appropriate person/people.

Do you procrastinate due to simple indecision? Maybe part of your problem is that you don't understand exactly what should be done. Explain to the appropriate person that you need more specific direction.

Now that you know why you procrastinate, you'll be better able to stop it! Turn the 'Just Do It' advertising slogan into your personal credo.

1. Set reasonable goals, using available knowledge, energy, and skills.
2. Allow time to break the habit. Plan for new behavior to take at least a month to implement.
3. Ask for help. Making a formal and public commitment to stop procrastinating is helpful.
4. Break projects into smaller parts, then handle one step at a time-this way, at least you're doing something!
5. Delegate, if possible.
6. Fight fears with facts. Ask what's the best or worst that can happen as a result of doing or not doing a task.
7. Reward yourself for a job well-done. Establish a reward plan, then treat yourself upon completion.
8. Be persistent. Don't give up!