ELIMINATE PROCRASTINATION

The only way to stop procrastination is to take action. Begin by figuring out why you procrastinate. Some common reasons people procrastinate and ways to remedy the situations are listed below:

·         No clear idea of what to do. If you are not sure what to do, ask yourself how you can find out what action you should take. For instance, has someone else performed the task? Can you ask that person for guidance? Are there directions for performing the task that you can access? Can you research an answer? Can you brainstorm with others or have someone train you?

·         The size of the task is overwhelming. Break tasks into manageable pieces and take small bits of action. Work on one part of the task at a time. Whenever you have a spare few minutes, do something that brings you closer to your goal of completing the task. If possible, delegate portions of the task or else have someone work with you.

·         No clear priorities. Decide what you want to accomplish. Write down your goals. Create a to-do list and prioritize it. Create a plan of action complete with the steps you can take to perform each task. Ask for guidance when needed.

·         Too much to do. Get organized and learn to manage your time well. Forget about pleasing everyone; learn to say no. Align your to-do-list tasks with your priorities. Concentrate on the most important work first. Combine like tasks. Eliminate unnecessary tasks. Attempt less. Avoid perfectionism. Know when you are in over your head, and ask for help when you need it.

·         Distractions. Eliminate as many distractions as you can by closing your door, turning off the radio or television, regulating the temperature, getting comfortable, and the like. Temporarily turn off the phone, email alerts, and social media sites. Avoid situations where you will be tempted to socialize whenever you do not have the time to spare. When people drop by to talk, tactfully tell them you have to complete your tasks and will talk with them during break. Discourage socializing by continuing to work and not making eye contact or engaging in the conversation. Stand up when someone comes into your office, or else meet visitors outside your office. Be unavailable.

·         Indecision. Do your research; get the facts. Brainstorm ideas. Consult others if necessary. Weigh the risks and consequences of possible decisions. Implement the decision. Learn from any negative consequences of your decision. Re-evaluate the decision and change what needs to be changed.

Meet Deadlines - Increase Your Efficiency

Meeting deadlines is a workplace priority. Here are some tips on meeting deadlines and sticking to those busy schedules.

• Prioritize. No one has time to do everything he or she would like to accomplish in a limited amo9unt of time, so it is necessary to arrange a to-do list according to one’s priorities.
• Work on one task at a time until it is finished if possible. Switching from one task to another causes a lull in productivity. The mind has to re-familiarize itself with each task when switching.
• Eliminate distractions. This includes internal and external distractions.
• Work efficiently. Is there a better way to do a task than the way you have always done it? Can you prepare in some way before beginning the task?
• Make decisions quickly. Explore all options and commit to a plausible action to resolve the problem.
• Develop your skills and keep up with technology that will help you complete tasks.
• Just do what needs to be done.

 Taking the initiative, working efficiently, and doing everything necessary to meet deadlines will pay off in a big way.

Time to Review Those Goals

Half the year is over. Do you know where you are in reaching your goals? Now might be a good time to evaluate and then re-evaluate the goals you set at the beginning of the year to find out what worked, what is still working, and what you can eliminate. Ask yourself the following questions in your quest to complete, revise, and set goals.

• Have you made the progress you intended to make when you set your personal and professional goals?
• If not, why not?
• Are you doing something everyday to move yourself closer to your goals?
• Is there anything else you can do to move yourself closer to your goals?
• Did you make a list of steps you can take to reach your goals?
• Do you need to revise these steps to increase their effectiveness?
• Do you have goals on your list that you should now remove or revise?
• If you have met most of your goals, can you think of new ones to set?

As the year moves forward, make your goals move toward completion.

Meet Deadlines - Increase Your Efficiency

Another tax year is closed. Hopefully, everyone met the deadline. Meeting deadlines is a workplace priority. Here are some tips on meeting deadlines and sticking to those busy schedules.

• Prioritize. No one has time to do everything, so it is necessary to arrange a to-do list according to one’s priorities.


• Work on one task at a time until it is finished if possible. Switching from one task to another causes a lull in productivity. The mind has to re-familiarize itself with each task when switching.


• Eliminate distractions. This includes internal and external distractions.


• Work efficiently. Is there a better way to do a task than the way it has always been done? Can you prepare in any way before beginning the task?


• Make decisions quickly. Explore all options and commit to a plausible action to resolve the problem.


• Develop your skills and keep up with technology that will help you complete tasks.


• Just do what needs to be done.

Taking the initiative, working efficiently, and doing everything necessary to meet deadlines will pay off in a big way.

Putting a New Year in Perspective

I am ending the year with some tips for keeping your life in balance.

• Take stock of your activities to be sure you are spending sufficient time in all important areas of your life--work, family, spiritual, and extracurricular activities
• Renew relationships with relatives and friends you have not been in touch with for a while
• Purge excess belongs and donate them to charity
• Meditate
• Exercise
• Create a workable budget
• Volunteer
• Devote time to your hobby or favorite activity
• Start a gratitude journal and write in it daily
• Read a few good books
• Listen to uplifting music
• Be flexible
• Let go of worries and stress
• Keep a sense of humor
• Share with others
• Establish priorities and eliminate things that do not add value to your life
• Strike negative words from your vocabulary
• Forgive
• Take it one day at a time

Happy New Year!