This Week's "Change That Up" Tip...Stop Procrastinating

Do you struggle with putting off or altogether avoiding things you know you should and need to do? Join the club. None of us is immune to the strongholds of procrastination, which can crush dreams, goals, and careers.

If you procrastinate -- or know someone who does -- it’s time to take action and put an end to procrastination for good. Here are 8 tips to do exactly that.

Schedule blocks of time to get things done. This is just as straight-forward as it sounds. Just like you would set aside time for an important appointment, schedule time for tasks, responsibilities, and things that are important -- especially those things that you’ve been avoiding.

If it comes to mind, do it. Simply put, don’t put off for tomorrow what you can do today. Often, when something comes to mind, we write it down so we can remember to do it later. And too often, it sits there on the list. If you can, do it right when you think of it.

Use a timer. Set a timer for a specific amount of time (see suggestion #1). You can use it as a reality check. Are you doing what you’re supposed be doing? You can use it to create a sense of urgency. Did you accomplish what you set out to in the specified time?

Do not multitask. Very few people can effectively multitask. There’s an opportunity cost when you switch from one mentally-demanding task to another, and while most people are good at starting multiple tasks at once, few are good at finishing them. Focus on one thing at a time.

Eliminate distractions. Distraction = procrastination. Move your phone out of arm’s reach (or better yet, out of the room). Turn off your email. Heck, you may even need to move yourself to a new environment to minimize distractions.

Keep yourself accountable. Share your goals, objectives, and deadlines with the important people in your life. You’ll keep yourself accountable by telling others to keep you accountable.

Identify detours. Do you have a “procrastination destination,” as Chalene Johnson refers to those “places” we go when we are avoiding something. Whether it’s cleaning, organizing, checking email, or working on less important tasks, try to identify those shiny objects that distract you from the big picture.

Fill up your tank. Surround yourself with positive-minded, goal-oriented, driven people who energize you and lift you up. Fuel your body with positive images and messages, nourishing foods, and healthy movement.

Last but certainly not least, adopt a do it now mindset. Don’t put off those important tasks, conversations, or projects any longer. Take a confident first step. You don’t have to be perfect; you just need to put your best foot forward.