Do you ever find yourself putting off a task you really need and want to get done? Every morning, you tell yourself you will take care of it today and somehow the hours pass and the task is still left undone.


Often I hear clients say, If only I would stop procrastinating, things would be so much better Procrastination is everywhere. We see it in our kids, our spouses, our business associates, and as much as we hate to admit it, in ourselves.

Well, I admit it. Sometimes, I procrastinate. But I dont necessarily think thats a bad thing. I think the key to avoid procrastination some of the time, if not all of the time, is to ask, Why am I procrastinating?

Often we procrastinate because we really arent ready or in the mood to do the task we need to do. By waiting a bit, the final project may be that much better.

Take my monthly newsletter, for instance. I truly enjoy writing it, and sending it off to my readers. Most months, it is written and posted and ready to go as scheduled. However, some months, I find myself getting down to the wire with only a few days left before I can possibly reach my personal goal of sending it off the first week of the month.

I used to get really upset with myself whenever that would happen. I didnt understand why I was procrastinating. I would tell myself, Enough Just sit down and get it done. But the more I did that, the more I experienced writers block.

So I began to analyze the situation, and figure out what was going on. Why was I procrastinating? After a great deal of thought, I realized it happens when I am just not inspired and ready to write.

I had planned to prepare this newsletter before leaving for our family vacation. I had a busy week preceding, filled with client appointments, classes, a speaking engagement, and of course, packing When the newsletter didnt get done, I told myself I would write it on the plane. When that didnt happen, I told myself I would write it while relaxing by the pool.

All the while, I knew that none of those options would work. I now know from experience, if I just let it go, it will come to me. Sure enough, today while doing an early morning workout, I laid out the entire newsletter in my head

In no time, it was on a word document and ready to deliver to my readers. So here is what Ive found out that helps me when Im feeling stuck. Before you can end procrastination, you need to ask the question, Why am I procrastinating? Check out the answers below, and the tips to get moving.

1. I am overwhelmed. Break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces. Make a list of every step that needs to be done to accomplish the task. Focus on one detail at a time, and use self-imposed deadlines for completion.

2. I dont understand what I need to do. Where can you find the essential information? If you require clarification from a boss or business colleague, get it. Do some computer searches and gather the information thats necessary. Once you comprehend the outcome you are looking for, youll have the know-how to get going.

3. I dont feel inspired. If you need your creative juices to flow to complete the job, taking a break and doing something totally unrelated is probably your best bet. Exercise, get outdoors, or sleep on it, and you just might find the inspiration.

4. I dread doing the task because I find it overly difficult, complicated, and time consuming. It might be time to delegate this one. As much as I enjoy writing this newsletter, thats how much I hate posting it on my email server. So, I no longer do that. My virtual assistant does. The money I pay her to do what she is an expert at, and I am clearly not, is well worth it. I can then spend that time doing what I do best - writing, coaching, speaking or enjoying my family and friends.

5. Ive procrastinated so much, my to-do list is enormous, and I dont know what to do first. Take a deep breath, minimize all distractions, and take the time to prioritize and actually write out your list. Keep the items that have the greatest personal and professional payoff on top (income producing, growth promoting, life satisfying, etc.) and start with the number one item on your list.

6. I am a chronic procrastinator. Why do today, what I can put off until tomorrow? If you are constantly avoiding necessary tasks, try adopting a Do it now attitude. Every time a thought comes into your head (I need to pay this bill), if you are not working on something important, stop and just do it If you are involved in something, write down the thought and attend to it as soon as you complete the one youre working on.

7. This task is boring and I hate it. There are things that regardless of whether we like it or not, we have to do them. So find a way to make it fun. Listen to great music while cleaning your house, use a speaker phone and talk to a friend while folding laundry, listen to books on tape while driving around town doing errands. And when all else fails, build in a reward system for completion. Have something to look forward to will increase your motivation to just get it doneBy: Ellen G. GoldmanArticle Directory: http://www.articledashboard.comEllen Goldman created EnerG Coaching, LLC, to help entrepreneurs and executive professionals who are worried about their health and happiness, and are either exhausted, burnt out, out of shape, overweight, or all of the above She shows clients how excellent health leads to business wealth Visit www.calmhealthylife.com to receive a free copy of 52 Tips to a Calm, Healthy, Productive Workweek & Life. For additional information on EnerG Coaching programs and find out if you qualify for a COMPLIMENTARY PHONE STRATEGY SESSION WITH ELLEN, please contact her at ellen@EnerGcoaching.com or 973-535-8891. To invite Ellen to speak to your company or organization, please contact her through email or phone.