How to Overcome Procrastination

How to Overcome Procrastination
by Peter Murphy

Learning how to overcome procrastination can be very
difficult for many. It is a character trait most of us
possess, but if we become willing to try something new we
can begin learning how to avoid procrastination and the
unproductive cycle it keeps us in.

Procrastination fosters anxiety, anger, and keeps us from
fully enjoying life, so learning how to overcome
procrastination is imperative.

Being a poster child for procrastination, I found learning
how to avoid procrastination necessary if I was ever going
to be successful at anything.

So, I set out to rediscover that part of myself that is
organized and loathes procrastination.

Procrastination is really nothing more than fear, a lack of
good organization, and poor self-motivation. Regarding the
latter two, simple measures can be taken to begin learning
how to overcome procrastination and start to restore some
sanity to life.

Unfortunately, fear requires a little more effort. When
facing any task where fear might play an important role,
it’s good to ask yourself a few questions in order to begin
learning how to avoid procrastination.

1. What am I most afraid of regarding this task? Is it the
outcome? Is it the actual task itself? Is it the
possibility of failure or am I uncomfortable with the steps
required to complete it?

2. What is the worst thing that can happen to me? Is it
possible that I am simply afraid of being rejected?
Taking a quick inventory of what is causing the fear goes a
long way in learning how to avoid procrastination.

Most experts agree that procrastination is typically caused
by a fear of uncomfortable feelings. So, what are some
concrete measures you can take to begin learning how to
avoid procrastination?

Here is a simple list of things you can do to get
organized, instill motivation, and begin practicing better
habits.

1. Make lists.

But, more importantly, make small lists. Making a list
with 20 things that need to be done will only give you
another reason for procrastination.

Overall, completion will seem impossible allowing you to
justify doing nothing. So, keep your lists to a manageable
amount: typically 5-10 tasks.

2. Don’t start with the most difficult task.

Complete a few easier tasks to build your motivation and
confidence

3. Check off the completed tasks.

Few things feel better than scratching a line through
something that has been completed. A weight lifts from you
and the likelihood of you learning how to avoid
procrastination of larger tasks increases.

4. Tell someone else what tasks are on your list.

This is a simple concept; you are relying on a third party
to help hold you accountable.

5. Don’t procrastinate beginning your list.

Do not read your email, shop Ebay, or call to schedule that
all-important vet appointment for your dog. These are just
ways your mind works to keep you from learning how to avoid
procrastination.

Get out the list and immediately complete one of the items
on it.

I say all of this as a procrastination convert. For years,
I refused to plan anything, and all my procrastination
yielded me was anxiety and more things to do.

So, get out that pen and paper right now, make a list, and
commit to completing it. That’s the first step in learning
how to avoid procrastination.

You’ll feel better and find yourself enjoying other things
in life. Stop avoiding learning how to overcome
procrastination, because learning how to overcome
procrastination is as easy as deciding to begin.

Peter Murphy is a peak performance expert. He recently produced
a very popular free report that reveals how to crush procrastination
and sustain lasting motivation. Apply now because it is available for
a limited time only at:

http://www.getmotivatedstaymotivated.com/special.htm