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Patricia Diesel PO, CEC, Author/Columnist Keep It Simple Now, LLC 908-642-1226 www.keepitsimplenow.com Call Now For Your FREE Assessment Kit Life Coaching & Professional Organizing Passionately Enhancing Your Way of Life • Reduce Stress • Conquer Procrastination • Find Work-Life Balance • De-Clutter Your Life GET A COPY FOR THE HOLIDAYS! , "! - !" # "&. , # * #" !" # " , ! " " !"& , ! , % ! ' ! , " , " * ! , " * " ! , "# ! 311 ) " " , $ ( 07735 807*253*3660 %%%) ! " " !! ) ))) " 45 #" ! & /288 # " 12+31+15) $ CareCredit ® & "# ! !" !# ! " ) /285 & $ 99 # " 12+31+15) Do You Postpone “THINGS?” By: Patricia Diesel, CPC We are all guilty of it at one time or another, but… If you realize that you are putting things off more often than you are get- ting things done, then it is time to pay attention. You may have fallen into the cycle of procrastination. What is procrastination? Procrastination is the avoidance of get- ting a task accomplished. What are the effects of procrastination? Procrastination can lead to feelings of guilt, self-doubt, depression and also lead to chronic procrastination. Why do we procrastinate? Here are a few possible reasons: • When we feel overwhelmed, it is easy to fall into the trap of putting off tasks for a later date or spending time doing things that are not a pri- ority. This is a good time to assess our time management skills, goals and priorities. Ask yourself if you are taking on more than you can or if you are having difficulty saying “No.” • Is your home cluttered and your office messy? Do you find it difficult to focus because your surroundings are noisy? Do not underestimate how your space can influence your ability to get things done. Perhaps it is time to assess your environment and de-clutter your life. • Sometimes we put things on the back burner due to fear and anxiety. This can stem from being afraid of failure, rejection or success. Take a moment to consider if you spend a lot of time on worrying or asking ‘what if?’ • Are you constantly thinking negative thoughts? If so, these thoughts can turn into limited beliefs about your- self, such as: I am a failure, I can't succeed in anything or I am stupid? This negativity can stop you from getting things done and it can also lead to low self-esteem and confi- dence issues. • Having unrealistic expectations can certainly lead to disappointment but it can also keep us from following through on our tasks. In the same vein, perfectionism can be poison- ous. Do you believe you have to do everything 100% perfect all the time? Do you think that is being realistic? Tips to conquer procrastination After reading through the reasons, be honest and ask yourself the ques- tions from above. Take the time to realize what the answers reveal to you. Figure out your short-term goals – where do you want to be in 3 months, 6 months, and a year from now? Write down your long-term goals – where do you see yourself in three years, five years? Write an action plan for your short- term goals that can be revised every time a goal is completed. From there, work towards your long-term action plan. Set priorities and attach them to a deadline. Having a time frame to work with helps eliminate unrealistic expectations and keeps you focused, on task and accountable. Believe in the power of a To Do List. Write one for everyday and cross off each task after it is accomplished. Not only will you feel empowered but you will get a sense of what can be done daily. Modify your environment. Organize your area so it works for you, not against you. Make sure you have the necessary tools at hand in your office and on your desk so you do not have to get up to get pens, pen- cils, books, etc. Make sure you have “homes” for your things so you are not searching for them and elimi- nate noise distractions. Patricia Diesel Patricia Diesel is a Life Recovery Coach and Professional Organizer dedicated to bringing her skill, inspiration and encourage- ment to those who want to regain hope and enhance the quality of their life. She conveys her life transforming lessons through her trav- els, speaking engagements and media appear- ances, including GMA, Lifetime & TLC. She has helped countless individuals restore tranquility and sense to their lives. To learn more about Patricia, visit www.keepitsimplenow.com or you can contact her directly @ 908-642-1226. O RGANIZE THAT