Why Do It Today: The Procrastinator’s Guide to Success

When you wake up, begin your daily routine. If you have placed your list in a place you go every morning, you are going to see it and remember. Next step is to go over your list again to ensure that you have not missed anything. You should then place importance on each and put them in order. Top Priority at the top and work your way down. Nobody can tell you what order your list should be in, determine what you find to be Top Priority and work from there. You should always include at least one task that is Top Priority, one that is High and so forth. This will ensure that you have a specific direction in which to focus.

Excuses, Excuses, and More Excuses!!

We all have excuses as to why we will procrastinate. Many excuses are legitimate! “I work 16 hours a day and I am tired. I don’t have time to get these things done!” To work toward ending procrastination for this excuse we must focus on a single task at a time. No, we may not be able to get everything done. We may not even be able to finish the Top Priority task today. But focus on one task at a time. It might be surprising how quickly a task gets completed once it is begun. Another common excuse is “I just have to watch the “___________” program every time it’s on TV!”  This is a valid excuse as well. Remember, nobody can decide what your priorities are but you. The important thing is that each night we should prepare our list. The next morning we should prioritize! Work toward the goal of finishing our daily list. Do not make the mistake of setting too many tasks as Top or High Priority. Once we begin doing this daily, it will become a habit. Not all habits are bad. This habit will help you lead a more productive, and organized life. We may not finish every task, every day, but it is ok. Some days unforeseen obstacles arise, and you may get nothing accomplished. Just keep plugging away: We must avoid getting in a habit of trying to finish a few of the lower priority tasks because they will get done more quickly. You should focus on the Top Priority and High Priority tasks. Only after completing them, should you move on to the lower importance tasks!!!

It’s a Wrap!

Most successful people Write Things Down!  Make your list, prioritize daily and if you don’t finish, no need to worry! Begin again tonight with your list. To quote Winston Churchill “Never, Never, Never, Never Give up!” Remember that we find new opportunities to reach our goals each day. Also remember, there is no need to rush to the finish line. Success, for most of us, is a Marathon, not a sprint…So, do things at YOUR own pace!