This is the first year – EVER – that I am not dreading April. Usually when we hit April 1st, I am less concerned about pranks and more disturbed by the fact that in 15 days I will be turning in my taxes. This year I finished them on March 15th (Number 1 on the 10 Tips to Overcoming Procrastination list). It worked for me. It looks like there is hope for me yet.
Most of us procrastinate in one or more areas of our lives. There are those who are right on top of all their business related activities but fall behind on the personal. Others, procrastinate on certain aspects of their work that they do not enjoy – such as the detailed part such as accounting or taxes.
Here are ten ways to overcome procrastination
10. Write down a list of all the projects you have put off.
9. Prioritize them by date you need to have them completed.
8. Decide what needs to be done first and DO it!
7. Divide a big project into manageable parts and tackle one a day.
6. Get a timer and set it for 15 minutes. Focus on that one part without allowing yourself to get distracted.
5. Get someone to help you get started.
4. Find an accountability partner and report your progress.
3. Make a game out of it and have fun!
2. Celebrate progress and keep going.
1. Set a fake deadline before the real one.
I set a fake deadline for my taxes and have enjoyed a sense of smug accomplishment for the last two weeks. Good luck with your deadlines and remember, be kind to yourself!
What tips can you add? What are your secrets to avoid procrastination?
Karen Sebastian is a serial entrepreneur who wants to help you succeed in your business. Please email her at hopepreneurs@gmail.com if you would like to book her as a speaker or want one-on-one coaching. Subscribe to this blog for more inspiration on how to become a HOPEpreneur.
HOPEpreneurs - Providing support and success strategies for women entrepreneurs 
Karen, this is an excellent blog topic!
We all deal with procrastination sooner or later. Your words really spoke to me today because I was stung with the procrastination bug earlier in the week.
Like you suggested in tip #10. Whenever I feel overwhelmed with my workload, I usually write down a list.
My list was extensive and I was overcome with anxiety.
It was tempting to just procrastinate even longer, but that will not solve my problem.
So I came up with a reasonable and realistic solution for me:
If your list is too long, then write down the first three important tasks on a separate document or sheet of paper.
We all have 24 hours in a day, so focusing on three tasks in a day is achievable.
Karen, thank you so much for your leadership!
Many Blessings,
Stacie Walker
WomanInLeadership.com
Stacie, you are doing a phenomenal job with your website and consulting business. I admire your dedication and continual growth in your business. Keep up the good work!
Karen
Karen,
Reading you feedback comment has cause me to cry with jouJOY!
Your inspiring words mean so much to me!
I really look forward to personally meeting you in Austin, Texas in a few days. Continue to change lives for women sour to great heights.
To Your Success,
Stacie Walker
Woman in Leadership – Essential Knowledge for Business Success
This is some good information, but this method helped me to finally stop procrastinating.
http://tinyurl.com/ptcnq85