728x90
my iParenting
From Our Sponsors
e-newsletters
Sign up to receive our free weekly e-newsletters

new terms of use
new privacy policy
award-winning products
The iParenting Media Awards program helps parents find the best products for their families.
Home › Articles › Parenting Strategies › Avoid Procrastination and Do It Now!

Avoid Procrastination and Do It Now!

By Dr. Raymond J. Huntington

Pages:  1  2  3  

Think about what you want and what needs to be done. Be specific. If it's getting that paper completed by the deadline, figure out a timetable with realistic goals at each step. Keep your sights within reason. Having goals too big can scare you away from starting.

  • Set priorities. Write down all the things that need to be done in order of their importance. The greater the importance or urgency, the higher their priority. Start at the top and work your way down!
  • Partialize the tasks. Big projects feel overwhelming. Break them down into the smallest and most manageable subparts. You'll get more done if you can do it piece by piece. Partializing works especially well with the unpleasant jobs. Most of us can handle duties we dislike as long as they're in small increments.
  • Get organized. Have all your materials ready before you begin a task. Use a daily schedule, and have it with you all the time. Check off the tasks when you have completed them.
  • Use prompts. Write reminders to yourself, and put them in conspicuous places like on the TV, refrigerator, bathroom mirror, front door and car dashboard. The more we remember, the greater the likelihood we'll follow through with our plans.
  • Reward yourself. Celebration has a powerful effect on developing a "do it now" attitude. Pat yourself on the back, smile and let yourself enjoy the completion of even the smallest of tasks. Don't minimize your accomplishments. Remember, you're already that much closer to finishing those things that need to be done. Go ahead, get started...NOW!

    • Pages:  1  2  3  


    Want to see more?