Build Habits of Action. Become an Ex-Procrastinator

Start getting what matters most done now.

When it comes to the important things, you’re a master of avoidance.  

You’ll do it later.  

It just isn’t a good time.   

Instead of dealing with that stack of papers on your desk like you want to, you spend the day reading about the latest smartphone to see if it looks like a good buy. Or get caught up reading the news and your favorite blogs.  

You tell yourself you’ll get to those papers tomorrow. Just like you’ve been doing for months.  

As the piles gets higher.

So, how do you get yourself to stop procrastinating and get your high-priority projects moving? Build habits that encourage you to take action.  

Habits of action are based on planning to make sure you know what you are going to do, preparation to set the stage for taking action, and then
consistently following through.

Habits of action help you:

• Plan – Take control of the situation by making a plan. 
  
  Think things through from start to finish. Anticipate as many obstacles as you can. Have solutions to overcome them so you feel prepared. Include any other support you might need.
  
  Whether you want to get organized, learn public speaking, or go back to school to get your MBA, the act of planning is a good way to visualize yourself achieving your goals. Crafting a well thought-out plan gives you confidence that you can actually get it done.
  
  A good plan also tells you what to do next. You have something concrete to focus on, so you’re less likely to get off track. And if you do, a plan makes it easier to refocus.
• Prepare to act – When you’re clear on what to do, get ready to take action. 
  
  Begin by gathering what you need to get started. For large goals, you may need to spend money on classes or training. Other times, you just need to gather things you already have, put away what will distract you, and set aside time to do the work.
  
  Finish getting ready by reinforcing a positive, resilient attitude and effective expectations. 
  
  The right attitude helps form useful, realistic expectations that give you the freedom to take the steps you need to. Sometimes that’s all you need to get started.
• Take consistent, confident action – Now that you’re ready, it’s time to move forward. 
  
  This is where you reap the benefits of your planning and preparation. 
  
  It’s time to work your plan. If you need to, lean on your attitude and expectations. Think of them as your internal support system. 
  
  Take the biggest step forward you can. Then take another one. 
  
  Pay attention to what you do so you can celebrate your efforts. Recognize the work you did to get where you are. 
  
  Acknowledge your results, but focus on what you did to achieve them. Concentrate on the thought, time, and energy spent. Encourage yourself to keep working towards your goal.
  
  Don’t keep thinking about what could go wrong. Your plan dealt with that. How would you feel if you spent that time thinking about what could go right? 
  
  

Become your own “go-to” person.

Every life has distractions, temptations, and potential setbacks. When you have habits to confront and overcome obstacles, they lose their power to cause doubt, fear, hesitation, and procrastination. 

What can you do when you master habits of action? You can conceive a goal and make it happen without worrying that you’ll sabotage your success. You won’t have to worry about obstacles. If they come, you’ll know what to do.

And that’s what really matters.