Gratitude for Getting Things Done
I am expressing my gratitude for crossing things off my list of things to do – at times this list gets pretty long, but as the saying goes, I just “Keep On Trucking!”
Are you a procrastinator? Do you put things off for as long as possible? Can you only get things accomplished when the mood hits you to do things? Can you get focused enough to complete the tasks that you want to get done? Maybe you are afraid of failure, or find the work stressful or boring.
I found a great resource to help me increase my productivity! Jason Fladlien has a very inexpensive program called, Double Your Productivity For Life . I first read it a couple of years ago, and have been a fan ever since! It has just about everything you would want: low cost, money back guarantee, and most importantly, it works!
You can find a way out of this negative cycle of procrastinating the things you want to get done using that system.
The Feelings That Pour Over Procrastinators
Do you feel guilty when you’re the last one to finish or when you complete something much later than you promised? I know there were times when I did not finish a task and just give up when I realize how far behind I was. Did that ever happen to you?
Research shows that procrastination can lead to depression, especially when your habit of putting things off prevents you from ever achieving goals that are important to you. Watching the success of others who always finish first can make you feel worthless.
As a procrastinator, beginning a task can be the hardest part. These suggestions can help you get started and continue working on your tasks until you complete them.
Ginseng – The Stress Buster, Memory Enhancer, Concentration Booster
An adaptogen (a class of substances that help the body adapt to physical or mental stress), ginseng protects you from stress. This herb also been shown to sharpen memory and concentration. This may be exactly what you need in order to overcome procrastination.
Also, menopausal women may be prone to depression and mood swings, which can hamper their ability to work. Ginseng can help allay menopausal symptoms, which in turn will assist in productivity and reducing procrastination.
Time Management
Procrastinators tend to ignore tasks by pointing to a lack of time. If you feel like you often don’t have enough time to do your work, try these tips on managing your time more efficiently:
1. Prioritize your tasks. Do the most urgent first.
2. Rise earlier so you can get more things done in time. For many, early morning is the best time for working on the most urgent and important tasks. During these hours, your concentration is high and the mind is fresh.
3. Make a to-do list. Post it where you can see it and follow your list.
4. Watch less TV. Keep an eye on how much time you spend on leisure activities such as watching television. Try reducing this time by an hour or two a week. You may be surprised at how much more you can get done!
Focus on Glorious Goals
Always look at the bigger picture – accomplishing your life goals. Let this vision motivate you to work towards your goal each day. Completing one small step each day will contribute to the manifestation of your dreams.
When you feel lazy, remind yourself of what you truly want. Dream about it. See it clearly in your mind’s eye. Feel the elation and satisfaction that comes from bringing these dreams to fruition.
Short List of Tips for Beating Procrastination
- Avoid waiting for the right “mood.”
- Remember that procrastination can lead to depression.
- Avoid allowing fear of failure to overwhelm you.
- Do the “boring” tasks first.
- Take ginseng every day.
- Remind yourself of how completing your tasks contribute to reaching your goals.
- Avoid packing too much into your to-do list for any given day.
- Refrain from assuaging your guilt by doing minor tasks instead of doing the major ones.
- Focus on one task at a time so you don’t scatter your energies.
- Shake yourself out of your false sense of security (that you have plenty of time to start it later) and tackle that task now!
Follow these tips and you’ll no longer have to watch others reach the finish line before you. You’ll feel a sense of great accomplishment, and before you know it, your bigger goals will no longer just be dreams; you’ll have achieved them!
If you want a little extra boost, check out Double Your Productivity For Life!
Be Well.
Paul.
The Gratitude Guru
AMAZING way to start every morning! Thank you so much!
Give it a try, Vanessa, and let me know how it works for you!
Right on the button!!
Working on it intently. I found out that after battling health issues for many months I had not known before, it is so easy to fall into that “poor me” procrastination mode. And, it is not easy to get out of. Meditation and half hour exercise to start the day helps me to focus again on a list, starting with small but significant tasks to further my goal.
Thanks for this great post to give us a boost and tools to incorporate!
Ute – Are there really ‘small’ things? Maybe things that come easier to us, or things that do not take a lot of time. Some of these things can have the biggest impacts on our lives. It is just a matter of being in tune and realizing them. Do not take them for granted!