ENJOY PROCRASTINATING, and Get The Job Done Anyway — 7 Steps

1. Choose a task you have been meaning to get done but never seem
to get around to doing. You must be able to see and touch
something that represents this task to you. It could be a
note about making a phone call or a file folder containing
everything you need to start writing a report, or a stack of
material you have been meaning to file.

2. Pick up the object, the note, the stack, the paint
can…whatever it is. Preferably pick it up 10 times a day;
but at least once a day. Hold it and look at it.

3. Say aloud the following words. “I don’t want to...(fill in
the blank with words similar to these the following)...call this
client (specify his/her name), fill out this form, write this
check to (specify the name)." "Nobody can make me...(say again
what you are not doing.)" "I will do...(say what it is once more) when I
am damm good and ready to do it!"

4. Pay attention to your creative (or resistant) thoughts as
you do this process. Laughing, giggling, or stomping your
feet during the process is okay too.

5. Repeat this process daily for at least 5 days — unless of
course you complete the task before then.

6. If the job still isn’t done by now, you certainly know
why it isn’t done and/or what resources you need to do it.
Decide whether or not you will actually do the task.

7. Do it, ditch it, or delegate it appropriately.

This works because procrastination is often a sign of
ambivalence. Part of you does want or needs to do the task,
but another part of you, usually a silent part, does not
want to do it.

Giving the resistant part of you a chance to speak, as well
as acknowledging that you have the power to complete the
task when you are ready resolves the impasse.

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Laurie Weiss, Ph.D.
Email: media@laurieweiss.com

Copyright 2004 Laurie Weiss, Ph.D.