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Modern Definition of Procrastination:

"To voluntarily delay an intended course of action despite expecting to be worse off for the delay".

 [This is an update to a previous post and was the basis for a recent Ask the Expert column in the "Arkansas Democrat-Gazette" newspaper.   The information is timeless - and especially useful in a new year.]

Many of us have resolutely vowed to make positive changes in 2015. I like to call them goals, and include the planning process that increases the likelihood of success. Whatever the term, and whatever the goal, we are often sidetracked by that universal nemesis Procrastination.

Studies show that 95% of people put things off occasionally, and 25% of us are chronic procrastinators.  So you are not alone.  Interestingly, those most impacted by it are over-achievers and perfectionists.  It’s actually not a slacker’s disease.

The demands of modern life and the media send expectations through the roof with airbrushed 14 year old models, high-pressure job and parenting juggling, and the advertised ideal that this new product will make our lives “perfect”. The result is stress, overwhelm, and becoming stuck when it's just too daunting to even begin.

Many areas of our lives are negatively impacted by the “I’ll think about it tomorrow” syndrome.  For example clutter is very often due to NOT making a choice. Peter Walsh - that Most Famous Professional Organizer and Friend of Oprah - said: "each pile of clutter is a monument to a series of small procrastinations".

When you don't have a place for something and can't decide what to do with it, chances are it lands on a nearby surface. Once 3, or 5, or 12 of these things group together they become a clutter pile. I'm pretty sure - although this is not scientifically proven - that these piles then take on magnetic properties and draw more stuff into them while we sleep. Just a theory....

Below are my top 4 strategies to overcome the roadblocks and get on with your terrific life!

1. Set priorities and look at the ROI. Review your list of things to do and determine the return on investment for your life. If it's truly vital, then do it. If not, then just say "NO"!

The #1 cause of disorganization is chronic over commitment. Every time you consider a new hobby, or sport, or group to join, or that leadership role, step back a moment and ask yourself: Does this move me nearer my vision of my best life? If not, then vow to focus instead on the more important stuff.

2. Avoid the Perfectionist trap. Understand that for most areas of our lives perfection is neither expected nor necessary. An inspiring quote from actor Michael J. Fox: "I'm careful not to confuse excellence with perfection. Excellence I can reach for, perfection is God's business."

The endless amount of information available to us makes every project loom large - especially if we feel if must be flawless. Once anything becomes overwhelming in our minds we tend to put it off - finding any other activity preferable. 

Get it done, and wrap it up. Studies show that 50% of the effort used in any project is required to achieve only the final 10% of quality. You don't have to make 100 to get an A.

3.  Find a mentor, coach, or accountability partner.  Telling someone about your goal vastly increases the chances that you will get started – to save face if nothing else!  Or maybe a Professional Organizer!!

4. Break it down. Rather than pondering the entire project (studies again show that we mentally overestimate the time needed to complete something), bite-size it!

Decide to do a small portion now - write the outline, clear out a drawer in the kitchen, walk one block and back, etc.. Then do another and another using a timer if needed for short bursts of activity. I find I can do almost anything for 15 minutes. Completion and success then motivates you onward to the next step, and so on, and so on...