Procrastination Buster - Set Your Goals Small And Daily

Overcoming Procrastination - You Should Be Setting Daily Goals

If you feel like you're losing the battle against procrastination, one of the most effective strategies for taking charge of your life is to get in the habit of setting and accomplishing smaller daily goals.

The surest way to really know that you can do something is to have done it before. When you set daily goals for yourself, you develop the habit of getting things done.

So when the procrastination demon appears, you already know how to force yourself to push ahead because you've done it before, even as recent as yesterday.

Set a goal every day, and achieve it.

It's easy to get discouraged when your projects don't seem to be going anywhere. We all need a long-term vision to guide our day-to-day efforts, but many people with high goals develop a negative attitude when they think they're not making progress.

That's why it's important to set achievable goals every day that align within your bigger vision. Also the more goals you achieve, the more positive your attitude will be. Small goals or not, start to achieve them and see how good you feel.

Set weekly and monthly goals. Your short-term goals are milestones that keep you moving toward long-term goals. They help you know if you're going in the right direction.

When a long-term goal seems far away, it's easy to feel discouraged. Breaking down a large project into smaller segments makes it easier to stay focused. Congratulate yourself when you achieve daily and weekly goals, and give yourself a special reward when you achieve a monthly goal.

It's important to experience the satisfaction and rewards of successfully completing jobs. When you force yourself to keep moving until you finish a project, it's easier to get started on the next one.

Don't be surprised if you feel yourself grappling with the drift toward procrastination now and then - it may never go away completely. We all feel this way at times. All successful people learn how to identify the procrastination monster, and they know what to do about it when it threatens:

1. Successful people learn to use their time well. When an urgent task threatens to pull them away from what they're doing, they don't rush into it just because it seems urgent. They always ask: Which of these two things is higher on my list of priorities?

2. They turn off the phone from time to time. Can you get more done by leaving a voice message and turning the phone off during certain periods of the day? The telephone is one of the most insidious thieves of our time. It's urgent but rarely important. It shoves out the less urgent but more important things.

3. From time to time they keep a log of how they use their time. If they miss a deadline, they plan how to finish the remainder of their work and estimate as accurately as possible when it will be done.

4. They develop a habitual routine to get things done. They set an objective to accomplish every morning and every afternoon.

5. They leave time in their daily schedule for contingencies.

6. This last one is key. They always think twice before postponing a task. Successful people know that pushing themselves to accomplish daily goals makes them more likely to achieve their long-term goals. They love the feeling they get when they get things done effectively and on time.

Try following some these suggestions. You will soon find that you love getting things done too.

See you later.

Al

Procrastination Buster - Make It Social!

How To Get Yourself To Take Action, OR . . .

How To Get Yourself To Do The Things You Need To Do - When You Need To Do Them, In Order To Get What You Want To Get - When You Want To Get It! Notice that there is no 'if' anywhere in this title.
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Make it Social. - This really works for me. When I even think of putting off something important, I start thinking of who I can bring in to help me. Generate the momentum of getting things done, not the inertia of putting stuff off.

If you are having trouble getting yourself to do something, then try it with someone else who is interested in the same things. We are social beings and many of us prefer doing things when we have company.

Pick one thing that you need to do but up until now just haven't made any progress on.

Think about the task you are putting off. Is it fear that prevents you from taking action? Is it because you don't like to do whatever it is? Have you habitually let yourself get away without taking action on it?

Just the idea of doing this turns on your negative self talk? But . . . you know that you need to do it or it will hold you back. It has turned into the bottleneck that slows down all other goals progress.

Is this something that you can do with someone else? Usually there is always a way we can bring a friend in on it. Pick up the phone and call someone who supports you on your goals journey. Talk it over with them.

If it is health, or exercise related, start teaming up with others with the same interests. Get your schedules together. If it is work or business related, set up a mastermind group and practice it with them.

There is huge momentum in social outings that moves you forward when you are having trouble. Power is created by the several minds that are moving in tandem, and it keeps you motivated to continue when you may stall by yourself.

This is not weakness to need others, it is quite the other way around. This is when we have the most power; we are capable of so much more when we allow others to share our journey.

Make it social. You will immediately feel the extra power generated by having other people at your side. Start doing some things with kindred spirits today.

See you later.

Time Is A Valuable Asset - Are You Giving It The Attention It Deserves?

Time - Your Most Valuable Asset in the War against Procrastination

Research shows that people spend most of their time and effort working on activities that have nothing to do with the success of their projects.

I'm convinced that procrastination is the main reason people fail to live richer lives.

If you want to get serious about eliminating the habit of procrastination, you can start right now by recognizing that your most valuable asset is time.

Learn how to use your time efficiently. Make sure that people know when you don't want to be interrupted-don't blame other people when you don't have enough time to finish a task.

When you miss a deadline, plan how you're going to finish the remainder of the work instead of making excuses about why you didn't get it done on time. - Then do it.

Procrastination is a No. 1 cause of stress.

Do you ever wonder why the most successful entrepreneurs-people like Bill Gates, for instance-always seem so relaxed in interviews and public appearances?

They work harder than most of us and they make billion-dollar decisions that the rest of us will never have to face in life, yet they never seem stressed out, worried, or depressed. Why not?

Research shows that high stress levels are caused when too many things are left undone. That's why habitual procrastinators always complain about chronic fatigue-putting things off creates enormous stress in our lives, which manifests itself as fatigue.

Break down your long-term goals into manageable segments and milestones. Without measuring your progress on long-term goals, you can easily delude yourself into believing that you're making good progress when you're just spinning your wheels.

Setting project milestones is a good way to measure your progress and stay focused.

Reserve some time each day for working on your long-term projects.

Spend most of your time on the things that need to be done this week, but try to spend some time each day on work that helps you make progress toward your long-term goals.

The tasks that help you achieve long-term goals are easy to leave undone. They don't seem urgent in the way that telephone calls seem urgent, but they usually represent our most important goals in life.

In many cases, these larger goals get pushed off the radar screen by the countless distractions and "urgent" but unimportant things that demand our attention throughout the day.

You need to spend 75 to 80% of your time on jobs you have to wrap up this week.

But dedicate the rest of your time to projects that need to be finished in the next six months. Have you set milestones for these projects? How are you measuring your progress on each project?

Always ask yourself: What have I learned about the consequences of procrastination, based on the decisions I made-or failed to make-yesterday?

Never lose sight of what's most important in life.

Ask yourself every day: If I only get one thing done today, what must that one thing be?

Then . . . get it done.

Whatever it takes, DO IT!

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You can listen to this article. The audio has been recorded here.

Talk to you next time.

Say No To Procrastination . . .Go Get Your Goals Now!

I always like a good article on Procrastination, especially if it includes tips on mastering and overcoming our tendencies to procrastinate. Denise is short and to the point in this article today, and it has 10 tips for avoiding procrastination and get you motivated to take action.

Say No to Procrastination

The word procrastination comes from the Latin Pro - in favour of and Cras - tomorrow. Is that you? Are you putting things off?

What has procrastination been costing you?

• Your health
• Your relationships
• Your energy
• Your finances
• Your career
• Or is it just plain wasting your time

You are not alone, would you be surprised to know that nearly everyone procrastinates one way or another!

You need to ensure that whatever it is you are procrastinating about is something you really want, need or have to do. Sometimes we tell ourselves we are procrastinating when sometimes we are just plain tired or haven't got the concentration at that moment.

Make sure you recognize the difference.

Remember procrastination means 'putting things off', not just delaying things. When you delay things you are saying you will do it later, that is different to avoiding the task altogether.

I started to do that myself. I had a job that really needed doing and not only did it need doing I wanted to do it, to get it out of the way - but I was just too tired and I knew that if I did it whilst I was that tired - I wouldn't do it properly.

I did ask myself: Was I procrastinating (putting it off) or was I really tired? Well I had a good rest, got up and did the job, documented my accounts perfectly - all reconciled and no mistakes! Done!

Tips to keep motivated and avoid procrastination
1. Tell yourself you will do the task and keep your word to yourself.
2. Reward yourself for completing the task
3. Know that you can get into good habits by completing the task
4. Chunk down the task into small pieces
5. Set time limits
6. Look away from the fact that you need to be perfect
7. Visualise how you will feel once you have completed the task
8. Find the inspiration which will make you begin the task
9. Ask yourself how quickly you would do the task if you were doing it for somebody else.
10. Just set a time and do it

by Denise Vogel

How much do you want to change your life - do you believe you haven't got the answers - you do! Together we can find these answers. I am the person who can help you. I have been a life coach for 2 years, training with the Coaching Academy, one of the top coaching schools in Europe. My passion is people who want to get the most out of their lives.

For more information, go to my website: Denise Vogel and see how we can work together to get the most from your life.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Denise_Vogel

Procrastination Buster - It Just Can't Wait!

Ever catch yourself procrastinating? Oh, well. Who hasn't? (Grins)

Plan ahead to overcome feelings of Reluctance. Use a ready made procrastination Buster . . .

Do you bounce out of bed in the mornings? Do you look forward to the day's events?

Find out what will move you to action. What can you do ahead of time that will propel you into action when the time comes. Overpower and crowd out your habitual negative self talk phrases. Get emotional, feel excited about turning yourself around!

Bundle as many 'get yourself moving quickly' strategies together as you can. The momentum you will feel will overpower any reluctance that has settled in since you made your plans. Negative self-talk has a way of gradually shifting your mental state.

I use 3-4 such power moves together and I plan them out before I can change my mind. I lock myself in so to speak, no way out. I wanted this, I planned this, why would I change midstream? I plan methods of keeping myself in high gear, you know keeping the momentum flowing. Things do not have a habit of flowing continuously. One has to help it along.

I break things down until they are ridiculously small actions, I commit myself to others, I crowd out the negative with a multitude of positives. I anchor those positive thoughts to potentially negative feelings.

You know which ones I mean. You know which ones they are! They are the same thoughts habitually running around in our heads telling us the exact opposite of what we really want. Write them down, get them out where you can see them! Then, plan how you will overcome them when they come up. You know they will . . . Plan for it now and turn them around.

I don't feel like doing it now. But it just can't wait! I better do it now.

I don't know whether I can do this. But it just can't wait! I can start it now.

. . . etc., etc.

Whatever has been preventing you from taking immediate and decisive action can be turned around. Go ahead, turn it around and then celebrate each time. It will get easier every time you are successful.

I've gone on and on again. Oh, well, what can I say? I'm excited! I'll shave these messages down yet. 'See' you soon.

It Just Can't Wait!
By Al Smith

It was 6:30 a.m. and my eyes had popped open. My alarm was set for 7:00 and I deliberated on whether to snatch another half hour of sleep, or turn off the alarm and just get going right then and there. (Yes, I sometimes think about going back to sleep too, I just don't make it a habit.)

Easy decision to make this morning even though it was a Saturday. I thought about what I had going on, visualized myself confidently completing everything and how I felt when I finished what I had planned. You know this only takes a couple of minutes, our brains work FAST!

I don't mean think through everything you are going to do, just the top 1-2 things you'll love doing that day. Visualizing it takes seconds, and feeling it comes with the visualizing, the thinking about it happening for you. It's simple when you have practiced it enough, just get through the rough part of starting anything new. Remember this is just about jump starting your day, getting your juices running early.

That was it! I turned off the alarm early and sprang into action. The extra few minutes of sleep wouldn't change anything, and I could use the extra time today to get things out of the way earlier. I had commited myself to an 8:00 - 8:15 a.m. appointment with a customer that would suck up the whole morning and I really wanted to get this job done.

Two things that will always get me moving are commitment to others, and my desire to complete a job or task. I always set up early appointments because of this. It gets my juices going quickly and I can't easily turn my back on someone once I've commited myself. Self-policing at it's best.

Also, when I chunk jobs and projects down into manageable actions, I get a real feeling of accomplishment when I complete them. I just find it easier to manage small parts of a large task and then feel great every time I move them forward. Less chance of going into overwhelm that way, and I find that it works well for me. If you don't already do this, you should try it.

Do you have a plan for getting yourself to do the things you need to do? Or are you second-guessing yourself when you should be taking action? This is where the feeling of procrastination can gather power and take advantage in your situation.

When you leave your actions to chance, there is always the possibility that you might not feel the energy like you did the night before, or when you set up your schedule. If I don't plan my moves out, the same happens to me.

When you have goals that are important to you, and you have built up the desire to move towards them, there will still be times when you need something more to turn the power on, so to speak. Realize that this is normal and plan proactively to handle these times before they can take hold.

Find out what moves you to action. Think about it. What can you do that will move you forward each and every time because it is so important to you that you wouldn't even consider not following through. It is there, look for it.

This is critically important, spend as much time as you need to get this right. What do you value? What is critically important to you? How can you align this with what you have to do?

Do you need to schedule a fun activity first thing or when you are feeling a lack of momentum? Do you need to make a commitment to someone you wouldn't dream of letting down? Is there a way that you can get fulfillment from splitting tasks up into smaller actions so that you can look forward to getting them done, so much so that you can't wait to get at them?

This is another favorite strategy of mine, to feel so strongly about a completion that I can't wait to move it forward and off my plate. I get so excited about what I am doing that I happily make whatever adjustments necessary to bring it about, and I sincerely enjoy the process.

I call this my 'I just can't wait to get this done' strategy, and it makes a huge difference in activity from the 'I don't feel like doing this right now' syndrome. I affirm this to myself constantly. I just can't wait to get at it! This is where you want to be. How can you make this feeling a regular part of your life?

If you aren't feeling this feeling every day, the chances are that you are not getting all of the juice in life, the joy of accomplishment, the passion felt from positive change and variety, and the chances are that you are not getting those things done that need doing.

The brute force of willpower will work for you temporarily, but you must create and cultivate positive and proactive habits that will propel you forward so easily it will seem that you are not even trying. It takes much less effort on our part.

I love getting things done and every habit I can add to my life arsenal that puts my goal achievement on auto pilot is definitely desired, so I can then focus on what's important to me.

Try this for a few days, make the first activity of the day something that you enjoy immensely, or at the very least, something you can look forward to completing. Sprinkle these throughout your day and affirm to yourself that 'I just can't wait to get at these.'

Really mean it! You will spend your days doing what is important and satisfying to you. Please find a way to make this happen, you can't know what it feels like until you truly experience this. Now, Go for it!

Al Smith, Copyright All Rights Reserved

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Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
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Procrastination Buster - Just Take Action!

Personal Success - How to Stop Waiting and Take Action

In the course of my work and life, I meet so many people who have big, amazing, earth-shaking plans that get me excited just listening to them. But when I ask them how they're progressing with those plans the answer is almost always the same. "Well, I just have to - (insert any excuse here) - and then I can get started."

There are a million reasons that go in the middle of that sentence, but the basic premise is always the same; these people are not taking action. I bet you could hear yourself saying something similar when you think about some of your plans. I know I have said similar things myself, many, many times.

So how do you break out of this pattern of procrastination? Here are five key tips to get you started on the road to your own personal success.

Tip #1 - Don't listen to yourself. Very few of us are actually insane, but we do all have voices in our heads. As soon as we begin to think about stepping out of our comfort zones, the voices of our highly efficient self protection mechanisms start chattering and telling us not to do it. They can come up with a million reasons why we shouldn't go any further, but they all boil down to one. Fear of failure.

You can't shut them up - it's impossible. But you can ignore them and that's what you must do to move forward. Instead of thinking about what might go wrong, just concentrate on what to do next and just start doing it.

Tip #2 - Perfection is a pipedream. One of the most frequent reasons for inaction is telling yourself that everything has to be perfect before you start or else the end result won't be right. So what? Nothing's perfect.

The best results arise from trying and failing, learning and adapting, doing and adjusting. If you wait for every single thing to be right, you'll still be waiting when you die. Embrace imperfection and learn to use it. Just start doing.

Tip #3 - Don't listen to others. The thing about dreams is they're very fragile things and they need to be protected. You already know that you can crush them with your own self-talk, but far more destructive are the opinions of others.

How many times have you told someone you know one of your plans, only to have them shoot you down in flames? They do it for only one reason; to protect themselves. They might tell you that they are protecting you, but don't believe them. They don't want you to achieve your dream because they are afraid that you might change, that they may have to acknowledge they were wrong and that they might be found wanting in the face of your success.

Just like the voices in your head, listen, nod, smile politely and then just ignore them. As I keep saying, just start doing.

Tip #4 - The bigger your dream the bigger the axe. If you want to build a roaring log fire in your front room, you can't set light to a tree. You have to cut that tree down and then chop it into pieces small enough to fit in your hearth and small enough to catch fire. Dreams are the same.

No matter how huge your vision, you have to start somewhere with a small manageable piece that you can do in one day. Instead of standing back and admiring your great big, wonderful shiny future, roll up your sleeves, wade in, pull out the first task and deal with it. Then go get the next one and the next and the next, until one day you look up and you find that you've done it. Just start doing.

Tip #5 - Yes, that’s right - Just Start Doing! This is the simplest to say but it's the toughest to do. A novelist who began his writing career, very late in life was once asked how he finally got started. "Well", he said, "I decided to stop sharpening my pencils and write something. Since then, I've never stopped."

Taking that first tiny step and actually beginning the first task is so liberating and empowering that you'll hardly believe how good it makes you feel. It is like walking on air. All the talk is finally over and you are at long last becoming the person you want to be.

Stop waiting - Just Start Doing

by Andrew Grant

Andrew Grant is a web entrepreneur, life coach and marketing consultant. He has written many articles on self growth and how to build a successful web business. Andrew publishes a FREE fortnightly newsletter, packed with valuable information for growing your wealth and growing your self. Visit http://www.money-and-mind.com to subscribe Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Grant

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Join Audio Motivation and hear exclusive interviews from the greatest names in personal development. Leap onto the fast track to success with dynamic, exciting audio motivation messages with AudioMotivation.com. Listen to Audios with Success Teachers and today's movers and shakers and keep yourself at the top of your Game. Find out more today.

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Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Ezine
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.

Procrastination - What It Is And What To Do When It Surfaces

Here are two articles about procrastination by the same author. One neatly goes with the other.

Procrastination: Why We Do It and How to Change

PROCRASTINATION: You’ve known about it since high school or college, when everybody boasted about it. Everyone put off papers for a basketball game or a night on the town. It was OK—you only go through college once, right?

You left college, but did you leave procrastination? You are now accountable for procedures and personnel responsibilities more complicated and more consequential than any you shouldered in college. Have your habits and attitudes evolved to handle them?

TACKLING PROCRASTINATION:
1) Recognition. Be aware of the costs of procrastination and the benefits of reform.
2) Insight. Discover procrastination patterns in our work.
3) Enlightenment. Learn the ways other people have successfully changed their habits.
4) Action. Begin to use those methods to change our own habits.

THE COST OF PROCRASTINATION: Procrastination is a choice. Faced with some distasteful obligation, large or small, professional or personal, we choose to do anything but carry it out.

At first, its deadline is comfortably distant. There is no need to act because we have so much time. After some time passes, we realize that we are letting valuable moments slip by.

Yet we dread the task, disparage the goal, and continue to opt for more pleasing work. By this time, however, we cannot ignore the impending moment of accountability. We begin to think That Job is more difficult and more momentous than anyone realizes.

We begin to make excuses to ourselves or others, knowing well are only trying to gloss over a worsening situation. Eventually, we begin to lose confidence in our ability to make decisions, control our performance at work, and even lead worthwhile lives.

REASONS: FEARS AND FEELINGS BEHIND PROCRASTINATION: If the risks of procrastination are so high and the results so grim, why do we do it in the first place?

Often because, as we anticipate meeting a particular obligation, we are struck by fear and its corollaries:

1) Performance anxiety: fear of doing a poor job.
2) Dreading the outcome: fear of what will follow.
3) Disliking the task: fear of specific steps.
4) Boredom: fear of monotony.

You can start to control your time by controlling these fears. Face them honestly, define them. ask yourself whether they are rational—are they directly related to the obligation at hand, or are they rooted in anxieties about other aspects of your life?

Once you have reflected on them, focus on changing the circumstances that give rise to them. Take steps to overcome your fears and work towards your real objectives instead.

Copyright A.E. Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO of A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Make Procrastination Wait

Reflect on the rewards of kicking the procrastination habit. They are quite clear:

-- Daily feeling of accomplishment.

-- Long-term sense of achievement.

-- Better performance.

-- Satisfaction with a job efficiently done.

-- Freedom from the tyranny of imposed tasks—more confidence about mastering future assignments.

-- Better professional image.

-- Higher self-esteem—belief that you can and will make decisions and take effective action. -- More control of your job and career.

1) Begin the task. Take some facilitating action as soon as you have made a decision. Once you have started, you will be on your way to meeting your obligation.
2) Don’t end a working session until you have actually done some work toward your goal. Handle a part of a job that you are comfortable with, however small. You will gradually build momentum and grasp the benefits of seeing your initial efforts through to completion.
3) Recognize your ineffective work habits and change them!

To control your time, plan it. Many options are open, use the one that works best for you.

Take care, and remember that all require commitment — commitment to planning responsibly, and commitment to the plan itself.

To plan constructively, follow these suggestions: -- Clarify your objectives. If you prioritize your values, goals, and activities, you will gain perspective on your career.

You can change a vague feeling of fear into a clear feeling of challenge by knowing what you actually want to achieve over the short-term and the long-term.

-- Focus on rational, important priorities. Don’t waste time over the trivial.

-- Outline a weekly work plan and daily to-do lists that integrate the tasks at hand and your long-term goals.

1) Set your own intermediate deadlines. Plan enough time for each phase of a large job and control your own work schedule. You will be more likely to meet staggered deadlines.

2) Post your deadlines visibly and tell a trusted colleague about them. You will thus make the deadlines “real” and have the personal support you may need to stick to your plan.

3) Give yourself time to make a mistake and learn from it. Remember: If you miss a deadline, others are not likely to go out of their way to help manage your emergency—unless you have a good record and have had the time to help them before.

Copyright A.E. Schwartz & Associates All rights reserved. For additional presentation materials and resources: ReadySetPresent and for a Free listing as a Trainer, Consultant, Speaker, Vendor/Organization: TrainingConsortium

CEO of A.E. Schwartz & Associates, Boston, MA., a comprehensive organization which offers over 40 skills based management training programs. Mr. Schwartz conducts over 150 programs annually for clients in industry, research, technology, government, Fortune 100/500 companies, and nonprofit organizations worldwide. He is often found at conferences as a key note presenter and/or facilitator. His style is fast-paced, participatory, practical, and humorous. He has authored over 65 books and products, and taught/lectured at over a dozen colleges and universities throughout the United States.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/

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Are you missing out? Want shortcuts to your goals?
Great Attitudes Create Great Results!
Al Smith is also the Editor and Publisher of
FREE Motivational and Goal Achievement Ezines.
Blast through Procrastination, Inaction, and Distraction
with Consistent Focused Action!
For success tools at your fingertips,
Subscribe Now to The Realgoalgetter Ezine
at http://www.realgoalgetter.com/ezines/.

Not Enough Time In The Day? Job Seems Too Big?

The Best Way to Deal with Tight Timelines and and Big Challenges

When you watch the end of close sporting events you will eventually see two types of teams or players. One type, when behind, will start to press a little bit. They know they have a limited amount of time to reach their goal and they get stressed and their sense of urgency drives them to accelerate their efforts, scurry, and eventually rush.

This hurried approach can sometimes lead to the desired results but more often creates errors and costly mistakes. Often these are errors and mistakes that wouldn’t occur under normal situations.

The other group, facing the same urgency and pressure, seems to look and act differently. They know the urgency, but they act as if this additional pressure actually makes them better – more confident and efficient.

This second group typically performs better in this pressure packed situation and makes fewer errors in actions or judgment, and more often than not, wins the game.

The difference between these two groups isn’t their skills or abilities. The difference between these groups is best described by the legendary basketball coach John Wooden. He encouraged his teams to “be quick but don’t hurry.”

The first group is hurrying – the second, more successful, group is quick – but facing the same situations they seem more calm and not hurrying at all.

This difference is as apparent in work groups as it is in sports teams once you take the time to consider these differences. Some people or teams are always rushing from meeting to meeting, task to task. These people are constantly reacting to situations and “putting out fires.”

Many of these people will say that they like the adrenalin rush they get from this high pace high stress environment – which is good because in their haste they continue to create more fires, more reaction, and more reason to hurry.

Contrast those with people who always seem to have their wits about them. They are able to make decisions and take action quickly, but they never seem to get rattled or seem rushed.

This second group seems to operate with a quiet, confident calm, even when timelines are tight and stakes are high. These people are nimble and quick, but they aren’t hurried or rushed.

As you read these descriptions I’m sure you are thinking that the later group is the more productive and effective, and you are right.

The logical question then is, what can I do (or what can I do in leading others) to be quick, but not to hurry? Read on – the rest of this article gives you suggestions for making that shift.

The Suggestions

Be prepared.
Teams that are most effective in “crunch time” have practiced every situation long before the game. Similarly when you are better prepared you will be ready for whatever situation you are presented with, and therefore will be able to manage it more effectively.

Have a plan.
People who don’t plan argue that things never work out according to the plan – which is partly true. The value of the plan is that when things are going according to the plan, you can be proactive and stay ahead of the challenges and avoid many of the pitfalls. That planning then saves your heightened attention and effort for the parts of the plan that do change.

Focus – stop multi-tasking.
Have you been daunted by the enormity of a project or task? When we think about everything we have to do, we often begin to hurry, rush or try to multitask. You will be more productive when you focus on one task at a time.

A basketball team down by 20 points can only come back 2 or 3 points at a time. A soccer or hockey team can only score one goal at a time. As you complete one task and then move to the next, and you will be making more progress faster.

Think confidently. Be confident in your abilities!
Remind yourself of past successes! (Here’s a hint - when you have a plan and are well prepared it is easier to be confident.) Confidence is an under-valued skill off the court and playing field. When you think confidently you are taking the necessary first step towards acting with confidence.

Stay inside your sphere of influence.
Remember that you can’t change the world (or the other members of the project team for that matter). Focus on what you can impact. Stay inside yourself and proactively work on things that you have the ability to impact or change.

Remain positive.
A positive attitude, approach and demeanor can make a big difference. When you really feel rushed, you probably aren’t your most positive self. But when you feel on top of things, even if you are busy, you are more likely to be positive. Knowing this is true, you can create more positive actions by starting with more positive thoughts.

Take a deep breath.
This piece of advice, given to me often by my grandfather and father is some of the best advice I’ve ever received, and it certainly applies in this case. Take a deep breath, refocus and move forward positively, confidently and quickly - without hurrying.

All of the suggestions above are powerful ways to improve your performance. Now that you have read the list, identify the one or two tips that seem most valuable or applicable to you or your team. Apply those suggestions and your performance will improve immediately and significantly.

bu Kevin Eikenberry

Kevin Eikenberry is a leadership expert and the Chief Potential Officer of The Kevin Eikenberry Group, a learning consulting company that helps Clients reach their potential through a variety of training, consulting and speaking services. To receive your free special report on Unleashing Your Potential go to http://www.kevineikenberry.com/uypw/index.asp or call us at (317) 387-1424 or 888.LEARNER.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Eikenberry

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Overcoming The Beast Of Procrastination Once And For All

Overcome Procrastination: A Practical Guide to Beating Procrastination

If you actually follow some of the tips outlined below you will soon get things done.

Are You Bogged Down By Detail?

It's time to step back and take a look at the big picture. What exactly are you trying to do? Sometimes we get so caught up in the detail that we lose sight of where we are going.

Are You Overwhelmed?

If the task seems overwhelming - break it down into small do-able steps. Identify natural milestones along the way. If you want to lose 20lbs - aim for 1lb each week. If you want a tidy, organised desk - tackle it one drawer at a time.

If You Can't Decide What To Do

Do something - anything will do - the first thing that comes into your head. You will soon know whether you have made a good decision - you will know whether it's the right decision for you.

Give yourself permission to change your mind if it becomes obvious you are headed in the wrong direction. Doing something really is better than doing nothing - it will get you started.

Do You Lack Confidence?

Is your lack of skill real or only imagined? If it's in your imagination - acknowledge your fear and deal with it. Fears shout the loudest when they feel they are not being heard. Recognize your fear and create a plan to deal with it - the fear will soon lose its power.

If you need further skills - take steps to get them - ask for help. Take a few deep breaths and allow yourself to step out of your comfort zone.

Have You Got Enough Time?

It isn't always easy to find large uninterrupted periods of time. Try doing things in 15 minute chunks. You will be surprised how much you can do in 15 minutes - and it will get you started.

Are There Too Many Distractions?

You could decide not to answer the door or the phone for an hour. Take control and give yourself the gift of uninterrupted time.

Have You Got Too Many Things To Do?

If you genuinely have too much to do, say so - either to yourself, your boss, or your family, prioritize, enlist help and delegate.

Ask, "What is the most important thing to do right now?" Focus on that. Many 'urgent' things are not as important as people make out.

Is It An Unpleasant Task?

The longer you wait, the greater the chance it will go away or someone else will do it. By procrastinating you are getting a reward!

Do you really need to do it? or Could it be done less often?

Could you trade with someone or buy in help? If you really do need to do it - do it sooner rather than later. The longer you wait, the more energy you will spend thinking about it. It's much better to spend that energy actually doing the task and experience the reward of finishing it.

Finally, When you find yourself procrastinating, ask yourself what's so bad about what needs to be done? The anticipation is usually worse than simply doing it. Try allocating 15 minutes to doing the job and see where it takes you.

One thing's for sure - you won't be procrastinating any more.

"The hardest work in the world is that which should have been done yesterday." - Muriel Strode

Procrastination drains your energy - it truly is the thief of time. Plug the drain and begin what you have been putting off - you will feel better for doing it.

"The secret of getting ahead is getting started. The secret of getting started is breaking your complex overwhelming tasks into small manageable tasks, and then starting on the first one." -- Mark Twain

Which tip will you use right away? Now, get started.

By Lynne Lee

Visit http://www.beyourownlifecoachnow.co.uk/ for more tips and tools to help you coach yourself. Subscribe to my blog and free newsletter and I'll send you an article with keys to help you take control of your life.

Lynne Lee is a life coach and author working in the UK.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Lynne_Lee

Do You Always Feel Like Doing It?

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This post has been revised and moved to:

Do You Always Feel like Taking Action?

Sorry for any inconvenience.
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Procrastination? Get Passionate And Own The Process!

No Such Thing As Procrastination

Here I am on my band wagon again. I had a client ask me if I thought they were procrastinating. Why is it we have to have labels of who we are and what we do? What is my answer to the client? Well I said,” No”.

I mean, there is something stopping them from doing what they want to finish off. Most likely, when I run out of steam, I’ve lost my inspiration or sense of “flow” in what I was doing. OR I’m terrified of what will happen. Will I succeed or fail or worse, what if I don’t WANT to succeed. Reasons, reasons, reasons.

It’s what I do for a living. You know how you decide you want to move from Point A to Point B. There is a gap there. You fill it up with information, knowledge, skills tools, advice, and step by step procedure on how to fill that gap and walk over to the other side. I like to stir up that gap and let all those reasons float to the top.

If you have “bought into” or actually bought a product or service, you have if from the best authority that these steps of skills and tools are guaranteed to work. There are all sorts of testimonials saying it works. You are all excited because THIS is the moment. This is when you get to where you want to go. It doesn’t matter what Point A or Point B is.

It could be you’re overweight and you want to be slim. It could be your relationship is on a downward spiral and you want to get it back to where it was. It could even be you want your business to make more money, get more clients. It doesn’t really matter what it is. You have all this knowledge and you’re “procrastinating”.

I am more interested in how it feels. I’m more interested in how often you think about this. How committed are you to getting from point A to B. Because really, I don't have a clue what will work for you. I have nothing that follows a direct line from A to B with all the steps outlined for you.

I don’t have a plan of attack because I don’t know what works for you.

I assume you are an intelligent human being that is dissatisfied with something in your life. What I do know is your whole life is a set of experiences and events that have shaped the way your mind thinks and operates around your behavior. It’s how you perceive what is happening to your life.

So, if anything it’s not really procrastination that is stopping you.

More likely it’s just your brain misfiring. It gets all excited about taking new action but the steps, skills and tools just don’t click with how your mind thinks and works. Remember all those testimonials? Well that step by step process you just bought into worked for them because it fit in nicely with how their brain is hardwired.

It works for them and because their brain “likes” the whole process it allows that person to stay inspired, keep up the excitement and maintain the flow to reach their goal.

Your brain, on the other hand, just doesn’t work that way and it misfires. You come screaming to a halt. It immediately makes up all these reasons about why you can’t proceed or just plain old: don’t feel like it. Your brain doesn’t have a connection with the whole process. It just doesn’t ring true for you.

Where does the excitement come from? It comes back to that idea about perceptions. It could be a million things that get you excited. Your excitement is as unique to you as a fingerprint. But it isn’t sustainable.

However, a more immediate issue is, “What do I do now?. You’ve got this process you’re not excited about any more. If you’ve invested money, my best suggestion is to make the process your own.

If you have a way of doing things that really gets your juices flowing then do it. Does art bring things alive for you? Then do some drawing of how you want to work it out. Do you need to make short term goals and work towards them? Then set it up that way.

I’ve got tons of assessment tools that I try out myself before I suggest the use to a client. It is a rare occasion that I even suggest this. In every case I have changed how I use it. How do I know when I’m going to have to change it? Well my first clue is that it feels like someone is “telling me how to do something”.

I’m a relatively intelligent person and I don’t often need to be told HOW to do something. Its often reminds me of my parents telling me what I can and cannot do.

When I hear that voice I will allow a client to try it out but tell them to change it in any way that feels more comfortable to them.

An example would be a tool I use to determine “values”. What an overused word with a myriad of meanings. This again is another topic for a future article. I often tell people it really is just a tool to play around with to find out what they are passionate about. It really tells them the elements of their personality.

I go through an assessment and ask them how they think they would change that step of the process to reflect who they are and how they think and behave. By the time we are finished they have created a whole new tool and then they are excited about getting down to business.

The bottom line is to create your own process. It doesn’t mean you have to start from scratch. There are many products and services that you can start with and many of them are free at your local library. Cut and paste away and create what works for YOUR mind.

by Maureen Miller B.Ed., C.U.G.,
Certified Teleclass Leader Coaching Personally
http://www.squidoo.com/ThinkingRevolution
http://THinkingREvolution.blogspot.com
Create a thinking revolution for yourself!

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Maureen_Miller

One Step At A Time, Just Get Started Right Where You Are

One Step At A Time
by Mark Farmer

The advice was the same I'd given myself many a time and he, my client, didn't like it any more than I did. Still it was the only advice I could give:

One step at a time.

So often we want to go from "here" to success in one step. "Success would be easy," goes the thought, "if I could just start from a different place."

The problem is... the only place you can start from... is right where you're standing.

Many a person has wasted years, wishing that they were starting from another place and wondering how to get to that other place before starting on their goal.

We wish we could start from a different place because we can't clearly figure out how to get from "here" to "there."

The problem is, that when you've set your goals out where they should be - somewhere between reality and fantasy - we CAN'T see how to get from "here" to "there".

Layer on a goal that really matters to our soul and we become afraid about what failure would mean.

The combination of fogginess and fear keep people stuck, sometimes for a lifetime.

Often, the largest "pain" you feel will be the realization that you have to start from "here" to get to "there." And... that in order to get from here to there... you'll probably have to do what you least *want* to do.

The woman who realizes that she won't be able to grow until she leaves the marriage she's in, stuck... trying to figure out a way to grow, but without leaving the marriage (not wanting to start from where she is: unhappily married) and not wanting to get a divorce (the thing that she fear's most). "I don't want to be here," she says, "I just can't figure out how to get to 'there.'"

The man who realizes he needs to lose over 50 pounds; that his weight is affecting his health... and wishes that he had time in the day to exercise (not wanting to start from where he is: where other things have taken priority over his health) or a professional chef to cook healthy meals (again, wishing he could start from somewhere else) and not wanting to go to the gym where he's afraid he'd look like a fool (fear). "I know I'm killing myself," the man says to himself in the mirror, "but I just don't see a way to change."

The unfortunate answer for how you'll achieve any of life's profound goals is this: One step at a time. Starting where you're at. And figuring it out as you go.

That "unfortunate" answer is also one of your greatest "secrets"...

(Look for "The Secret of One Step at a Time" in the next TLS newsletter!)

Reprinted from TotalLifeSuccess.com - the Web's leading success community featuring inspirational quotes, success articles, and tools to improve your life. To subscribe, visit TotalLifeSuccess.com

Turn Your Goals Into Questions (And 10 Reasons Why)

Turn Your Goals Into Questions (And 10 Reasons Why)

You’ve set a goal. It is specific, measurable and has a deadline. All the things a good goal should be. Now what?

If you’re like me, you need a push to move from “goal setting” to “goal getting.”

Questions can give you the push you need to get moving on your goal and make it become a reality.

Here’s how:

Write out the question, “what steps do I need to take to make this goal come true?” This question helps you come up with a step by step plan.

Then write, “which of these steps can I start acting on now?” This question helps you get the ball rolling and off to a good start.

Keep writing out new questions as they come to mind to help you get over every hump and through every phase until the goal is accomplished. One of my favorites when I get up in the morning is, “what can I do today to move me closer to my goal?”

You should also use questions to gauge your progress. “What changes or improvements can I make to help me accomplish this goal sooner?”

Also use questions to push through procrastination. “What can I do right now to help me move closer to my goal?”

A question can help you break the goal into small, more manageable pieces. “What little step can I take now to keep me moving toward this goal?” I also use this same question when I have only a little time between other responsibilities to make me “sandwich” a little goal-related activity between appointments or projects.

Use question to keep yourself motivated. “Why do I want to accomplish this goal?”

Questions can also help you visualize the finish line. “How will my life be different when I accomplish this goal?”

Keep your emotions from growing stale or fading with, “how will I feel when I accomplish this goal?”

And possibly most important of all, use questions to escape from drudgery. “How can I make this job fun and enjoyable as I move closer to my goal?”

Questions have their own extraordinary power that focus your mind and can keep you moving toward your goals. Use them as tools to help you get the job done.

COPYRIGHT(C)2006, Charles Brown. All rights reserved.

Get New Clients With Irresistible Copywriting! Charles Brown is a Dallas, Texas based freelance copywriter who writes web copy, advertisements, white papers and direct mail. Read his "Freelance Copywriter Secrets" at http://dynamiccopywriting.blogspot.com or contact him at 817.715.3852 or **charbrow@gmail.com**.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Charles_Brown

Getting Started - 10 Tips to Beat Procrastination and Get You Up and Running

Getting Started - 10 Tips to Beat Procrastination and Get You Up and Running

Do you have a project or task you simply can't get started on? Do you recognise that feeling of dread when you think about it; that overpowering compulsion to do any other activity so long as it's not that one thing? We've all been there, but you can beat your procrastination.

Here are 10 great tips to help you on your way.

1. Check your planning. If you don't plan or haven't planned properly your task may seem way too big - you get a feeling that it's simply not doable. So how good is your plan?

2. Break down your tasks into smaller 'chunks' (yes - the technical coaching term is 'chunking down'). When the chunks are too big our imagination simply can't see a way through the task. Keep chunking down until you suddenly say to yourself - hey, I can do that bit now!

3. Practice the action you're holding back from. Telling yourself that you are only practising is a brilliant way of building your skills, making your mistakes and taking the pressure off. And often before your realise it you've moved easily from practice to the real thing.

4. Confront your fears. Exactly what is it about this that is putting you off? It's worth spending a little time on this. Once you know what's scaring you it becomes much easier to tackle. The next four questions should help.

5. It's actually a job you hate doing - so how can you make it more enjoyable - and what are the rewards for doing it?

6. You don't know enough to get started. This is an important one. If there genuinely is more groundwork to be done, it's important for your success that you do it. So, how can you plan and start the groundwork?

7. What if I'm not good enough? It's true that there are things we might not excel at. Pavarotti, for instance, may not be a natural at hang gliding, break dancing or the world pogo championships. Do any of these mean that Pavarotti is 'not good enough'?

8. What if it doesn't work? Good question. If it's worrying you - then make a list of the consequences of failing - but you should also make a list of the consequences of not starting.

9. Embrace the idea of failure. This is a big one - changing our attitude to the word 'failure' from negative to positive can seem a little crazy at first. In fact it's incredibly empowering to have a healthy attitude to failure. Go back to the previous tip and add in all the positives that come out of having tried. At the very least, you'll have learned an awful lot for next time.

10. Finally - find your motivations. What are the real benefits of doing this project or task? Ask yourself these three questions:

a. What are the benefits of finally getting started?
b. What will the benefits be of completing?
c. How much better will I feel about myself when it's done?

That's it. If you can't start on the project itself - start on these tips and see where it gets you. The chances are that you'll be racing away before you know it.

by Andrew Leigh

Andrew Leigh works with people looking for life direction and wellbeing, and those wishing to find or exploit their unique creative voice. You can find a free self-coaching guide, tools and articles at his website www.pathwayscoaching.co.uk

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Leigh

Do It On Purpose!

Do It On Purpose!

Are you doing what you are doing on purpose? Are your priorities keeping you from living a prosperous life? With our responsibilities constantly shifting and the amount of work we receive (personally and professionally) generally exceeding our ability to produce, knowing what to do and when to do it becomes an overwhelming task of monumental proportions.

But you aren’t here to spend your life checking off an endless To Do list. You’re here to connect to your passion and purpose – and use it to enrich your life and others! When you’re in tune with your important and top priorities – the ones that “juice” you, the ones that enhance, advance, and enrich you – you’re harnessing the P.O.W.E.R.!

POWER - Productivity - Order - Worth - Energy - Respect

There is an old Chinese Proverb which says, “If you chase two rabbits, both will escape.” You can’t be effective if you’re running in a thousand different directions. YOU HAVE TO BE CLEAR ON WHAT YOU WANT BEFORE YOU CAN HAVE WHAT YOU WANT.

The first step is to clarify and focus.

* Increase your productivity by identifying and focusing on your top priorities
* Improve your chances of success by setting goals that align with your most important objectives
* Harness the power of focus through planning
* Reduce stress by recognizing and eliminating low-priority activities and distractions.

Why are you waiting?

How you’ve spent time in the past has determined your present environment and work/life situation. Your future 5 years from now will be a direct result of how you prioritize your time and activities right now. Being conscious of priority management directly affects the quality of your life.

Why do we have trouble identifying our important priorities?

1. You lack a specific learning set or skills.

You simply lack knowledge. You need to learn a skill or technique to adjust your approach.

* The task is complex and needs to be broken down into smaller chunks.
* Your space is disorganized.
* You don’t have a reliable way to manage information or tasks.

2. Your external environment or circumstances contribute.

Factors beyond your control which limit how organized you can be. Examples include:

* Last minute projects or meetings
* Illness or something of a physical nature
* Unrealistic workload – accepting or being given too much work
* Transition (Birth, death, divorce, new job, downsizing, promotion, new boss)
* Highly distractive environment – lots of crisis management or interruptions.

3. Psychological factors. By far the most insidious and most common factors are the internal fears, beliefs, or behaviors that prevent you from getting the best from yourself and identifying your personal success. Do you fall into any of these success saboteur personalities?

* Chaos Creators: You get a rush from stress, you’re functioning in disaster mode.
* Fear of Failure – You are afraid you won’t be able to achieve your goals, or you’re afraid you’ll make a mistake.
* Fear of Success – Inability to handle something new
* Fear of Completion – You start projects and don’t finish. You love the creative process but not the grind.
* Perfectionism
* Fear of Losing Creativity – You fear structure will squelch creativity.

Once you’ve identified what’s holding you back it’s time to unpack your mental briefcase: Remove old habits, beliefs and attitudes, values, outdated goals that prevent you from making priorities that will advance and enhance your life professionally and personally.

Get Your A.C.T. Together! There are only 3 steps to getting your priorities organized:

A – Assess, Analyze, Affirm: Identify goal or vision – WHAT do you want to do?

C – Create a plan or blueprint for success: HOW are you going to achieve it?

T – Take consistent, daily action: WHEN you’re going to do it and be willing to modify your plan as necessary to achieve maximum results!

7 WAYS TO TURN PRIORITIES INTO ACTION:

1. Choose the most productive time frames to do your work.

Don’t work on an activity that requires intense concentration during a noisy or interruptive time period. Sometimes you have to choose the toughest job first and get it done while your energy level is high – even if it isn’t your highest priority.

2. Choose the Best Task and Do It At The Best Time.

After choosing your priority do it at the time when you can accomplish it most effectively. Perform difficult tasks at peak energy times. Do work you enjoy at low ebb times.

3. Practice Instant Success.

Be