being

Avoiding Procrastination

Answer these basic questions, and keep the answers before you as you mark your progress.



Is your procrastination related to a project, or is it a habit?

  • To remedy procrastination, begin with one, modest project.


What are the major steps to get there?

  • Develop your plan by listing its main, realistic steps.

  • A project is easier when it is built in stages
  • start small and add detail and complexity as it grows.

  • Don't get too detailed: think big. 


What have you done so far?

  • Acknowledge that you are already part of the way, even if you are just in the planning stages. These are your first steps.


What is your biggest motivation?

  • Do not concern yourself if your motivation is negative. This is honest and a good beginning. However, if your motivation is negative, re-phrase and re-work it until it is phrased positively. 


What other positive results will result from achieving your goal?

  • Identifying these will help you uncover benefits that you may be avoiding. Dare to dream.


List what stands in your way. What is in your power to change? What resources outside yourself do you need?

  • Resources are not only physical (e.g. tools and money), but also include time, professors, tutors and your attitude.
How much time each will take?

  • A schedule helps you track your progress. 


What time of day do you dedicate yourself to work?

  • Knowing what times you are most productive, helps you develop a more effective habit of working.
  • Build a good work environment and distance distractions. (It is much easier to enjoy your project when distractions are set aside.)

  • Decide what rewards you will have after you accomplish each goal. Also, decide what you will deny yourself until you achieve each goal.

  • It is good to have a trusted friend or tutor help you motivate yourself or monitor your progress.
Admit to:

  • False starts and mistakes as learning experiences. They can be important, and help you with your next project.
Distractions and escapes:

  • Do not deny they exist, but deny their temptation.
Fantasy:

  • See yourself succeeding and achieving your goals.


Finally, if procrastination is a habit of yours:

  • Focus on the immediate task and project, and build up from there. 

  • Each task begins with one step.



Sourced from:
Learning Center, University of Texas at Austin, www.studygs.net/attmot3.htm




Check out: 
Create a To Do list . This simple program will help you identify a few to-do items, the reason for doing them, and timelines for getting them done. You can then print the list and post it as a reminder.
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