Stop Procrastinating NOW

By Jill Mowser

Are you working from home, but finding it difficult to get a lot accomplished? A major problem a lot of people have when working from home is procrastinating, because it is so easy to do! Procrastinating becomes harder to stop the more you do it. The more you procrastinate, the lower your self-esteem becomes, which in turn, makes you want to procrastinate more. Here are some tips that you can start doing today to get you on your way to accomplishing more in your work day than you ever have before!

1. Think about what you want most out of life. Decide what it is you would most like to achieve, and imagine how you will feel having accomplished some of your goals. Once you have a clear vision of how you see your future, it is easier to bring yourself to actually doing the daily tasks that will take you closer to your dreams.
2. Set goals for yourself - long-term, short-term, and daily. Accomplishing your daily goals is what will eventually bring you what you desire in life, so make sure that your daily goals are very specific, and attainable! You want to challenge yourself, but not overwhelm yourself. For example, if you do telemarketing from home, but you find yourself putting it off every day, then choose a number of phone calls that you must make every day. That number shouldn't feel overwhelming to you, but should feel attainable. At the same time it should be a number that you will feel proud having accomplished at the end of the day.
3. Reward yourself for achieving your smaller, daily goals. Your reward can be anything from a favorite snack, to a meal out, to watching a favorite TV show. Make sure you save the reward for after you complete the day's goals!
4. Eliminate and delegate the things you feel you have to do, but probably never will! If you have an overwhelming list of things to do, and you can't possibly do it all, that will add to your procrastinating habits! Nobody wants to even bother trying to accomplish something they know is actually impossible. If you know you are never going to finish that antique desk, then sell it and let it go! If you know you can't possibly work, do all of the housework, cook meals and care for children, then delegate! Ask your husband or older children for help. You can also hire outside help if you can afford it.
5. Get organized. Nothing is more overwhelming than an un-organized pile of work, and the feeling of trying to remember everything you need to do. Get a day timer. Buy some file folders. Get whatever you need to sort out your work, and be able to feel confident that each day you have a list of exactly what needs to be done - both in your work and family!
6. Don't commit or agree to things that are beyond your abilities, or will leave you feeling overwhelmed. It's ok to say no to volunteering at school, helping out on this committee, etc. once in a while if you just don't feel you can do it.
7. Look after yourself! If you are eating well, exercising and feeling healthy, rested and strong, you are going to accomplish so much more than if you are feeling tired, run-down and out of shape! Take care of yourself, and your work-life, family-life and self-esteem will flourish!