Procrastination
We've all heard the adage, "Procrastination is the thief of time." Analyzing why you are putting things off is a helpful first step.
Here are some reasons why people procrastinate. Which ones seem familiar?
• Feeling overwhelmed-Try breaking down the overwhelming task into smaller parts and do the most essential one first.
• Perfectionism-If it doesn't turn out exactly right, it's not any good. Remember, "perfect" rarely exists!
• Fear of failure or success-No action avoids disappointment; success can be daunting if you don't believe in yourself.
• Resentment about what needs to be done-feeling "forced" or frustrated by the job at hand and/or feeling there is not enough time to do the things you really want to do.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Life Tip 14
Rife With Resolutions
As December rolls to a close, do you find that the idea of making New Year's resolutions seems to be looming large? Perhaps it's time to consider how to have 2008’s resolutions usher in the time for meaningful changes in your life:
· Not making a serious commitment-if you made a pact with a relative or friend, would you not honor it? Time to make a non-negotiable commitment to yourself!
· What is your plan of action? - it IS necessary to plan the specific steps you'll take in order to reach your goal.
· Fuzzy focus- concentrating on all that you have to get done as opposed to how much you've accomplished, then getting overwhelmed and not finishing the task, project, etc.
· Not being part of a formalized schedule- try making an actual appointment with yourself in order to get the job done.
· Procrastinating- need I say any more? We all know about this "time thief"!
· Take time to really think about the people and/or things in your life that are unsatisfactory - figure out why you are keeping them in your life.
· Flexibility-this can be a tricky one! Rather than having too much wiggle room to rationalize why this resolution isn’t working, try to earnestly “tweak” it to have it mesh with changes in circumstances.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
As December rolls to a close, do you find that the idea of making New Year's resolutions seems to be looming large? Perhaps it's time to consider how to have 2008’s resolutions usher in the time for meaningful changes in your life:
· Not making a serious commitment-if you made a pact with a relative or friend, would you not honor it? Time to make a non-negotiable commitment to yourself!
· What is your plan of action? - it IS necessary to plan the specific steps you'll take in order to reach your goal.
· Fuzzy focus- concentrating on all that you have to get done as opposed to how much you've accomplished, then getting overwhelmed and not finishing the task, project, etc.
· Not being part of a formalized schedule- try making an actual appointment with yourself in order to get the job done.
· Procrastinating- need I say any more? We all know about this "time thief"!
· Take time to really think about the people and/or things in your life that are unsatisfactory - figure out why you are keeping them in your life.
· Flexibility-this can be a tricky one! Rather than having too much wiggle room to rationalize why this resolution isn’t working, try to earnestly “tweak” it to have it mesh with changes in circumstances.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Life Tip #13
It’s A Dog’s Life?
If "every dog has its day", perhaps it makes sense that Adam Katz, a Southern California dog trainer, decided to share what he thinks
humans could learn from dogs:
•Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
•Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be
pure ecstasy.
•When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
•When it's in your best interest, don't bark.
•Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
•Take naps and stretch before rising.
•Run, romp and play daily.
•Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
•If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
•When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by &
comfort them gently.
•Thrive on attention and let people have contact with you.
•Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
•On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
•When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
•Be loyal.
•No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing
& pout...run right out & make friends.
•Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
If "every dog has its day", perhaps it makes sense that Adam Katz, a Southern California dog trainer, decided to share what he thinks
humans could learn from dogs:
•Never pass up the opportunity to go for a joyride.
•Allow the experience of fresh air and the wind in your face to be
pure ecstasy.
•When loved ones come home, always run to greet them.
•When it's in your best interest, don't bark.
•Let others know when they've invaded your territory.
•Take naps and stretch before rising.
•Run, romp and play daily.
•Eat with gusto and enthusiasm.
•If what you want lies buried, dig until you find it.
•When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by &
comfort them gently.
•Thrive on attention and let people have contact with you.
•Avoid biting when a simple growl will do.
•On hot days, drink lots of water and lay under a shady tree.
•When you're happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
•Be loyal.
•No matter how often you're scolded, don't buy into the guilt thing
& pout...run right out & make friends.
•Delight in the simple joy of a long walk.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Life Tip # 12
Winter Wind-down?
As the days get shorter and the nights colder, it can be a time to reassess, not just dig in. If you're feeling like you're in a rut or disheartened by things in your personal or professional life, consider these tips:
•If what you're doing isn't working, try taking a break from all the activity. A "mental health day" can allow you to relax and look at things more objectively.
•Are your goals and values aligned? Inconsistency between these two can lead to stress, discouragement, self-sabotage and procrastination.
•Write down 5 things you've been promising/fantasizing/putting off doing. Make a commitment to do 2 of them within the month.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
As the days get shorter and the nights colder, it can be a time to reassess, not just dig in. If you're feeling like you're in a rut or disheartened by things in your personal or professional life, consider these tips:
•If what you're doing isn't working, try taking a break from all the activity. A "mental health day" can allow you to relax and look at things more objectively.
•Are your goals and values aligned? Inconsistency between these two can lead to stress, discouragement, self-sabotage and procrastination.
•Write down 5 things you've been promising/fantasizing/putting off doing. Make a commitment to do 2 of them within the month.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Friday, December 7, 2007
Life Tip # 11
Intolerable Tolerations
Tolerations are those situations and/or individuals who drain your energy, drag you down, and usually take up a good percentage of your time.
Take a few minutes and think of the things (both large, small and miniscule), that you are presently "putting up with", rationalizing, or gritting your teeth over.
When writing these down, time to ask yourself:
•Who or what generally takes the joy out of life?
•Why am I tolerating so much?
•What benefit do I get in not eliminating these tolerations? Try to make a list that enumerates both “Pros” and “Cons”.
•Choose 5-10 tolerations, when eliminated within the next 30 days, will begin to improve your quality of life (start with the smallest and work your way up).
•For those tolerations that may presently be unalterable, perhaps they can be viewed differently, i.e. choose to accept them, explore possible alternatives, re-categorize and re-frame them in a more positive light.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Tolerations are those situations and/or individuals who drain your energy, drag you down, and usually take up a good percentage of your time.
Take a few minutes and think of the things (both large, small and miniscule), that you are presently "putting up with", rationalizing, or gritting your teeth over.
When writing these down, time to ask yourself:
•Who or what generally takes the joy out of life?
•Why am I tolerating so much?
•What benefit do I get in not eliminating these tolerations? Try to make a list that enumerates both “Pros” and “Cons”.
•Choose 5-10 tolerations, when eliminated within the next 30 days, will begin to improve your quality of life (start with the smallest and work your way up).
•For those tolerations that may presently be unalterable, perhaps they can be viewed differently, i.e. choose to accept them, explore possible alternatives, re-categorize and re-frame them in a more positive light.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Life Tip #10
LETTER TO A FRIEND
Pretend to write a letter to a friend in a year from now. As you
look back over the past year, it is with a sense of accomplishment
and satisfaction, both personally and professionally. You are
extremely excited about all that has transpired in the past 12
months.
Your letter begins: "This has been an incredible year for
me…"
• What were the highlights of this past year?
• What proactive steps did you take to get to that place?
• What were the obstacles you had to overcome?
• What, or who, did you have to stop "tolerating" or “putting up with” in your life to reach this level of success?
• *What has been the underlying theme(s) for the entire year?
• Are there any unfulfilled goals that you’re still determined to accomplish?
• What sage and compassionate advice would you give yourself?
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Pretend to write a letter to a friend in a year from now. As you
look back over the past year, it is with a sense of accomplishment
and satisfaction, both personally and professionally. You are
extremely excited about all that has transpired in the past 12
months.
Your letter begins: "This has been an incredible year for
me…"
• What were the highlights of this past year?
• What proactive steps did you take to get to that place?
• What were the obstacles you had to overcome?
• What, or who, did you have to stop "tolerating" or “putting up with” in your life to reach this level of success?
• *What has been the underlying theme(s) for the entire year?
• Are there any unfulfilled goals that you’re still determined to accomplish?
• What sage and compassionate advice would you give yourself?
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Friday, November 23, 2007
Life Tip #9
How to Get An Energy Boost (or at least stop the energy drains on your
life!)
• Be selective, delegate and don't over-commit.
• Learn to say "No".
• Establish a support network which enhances and enriches your
life.
• Re-frame problems as opportunities that promote creative
solutions.
• Envision and set goals for a bright and exciting future.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
life!)
• Be selective, delegate and don't over-commit.
• Learn to say "No".
• Establish a support network which enhances and enriches your
life.
• Re-frame problems as opportunities that promote creative
solutions.
• Envision and set goals for a bright and exciting future.
And remember, taking action is the catalyst for change!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
