Author: Maria Gracia

Kick the Procrastination Habit

"I'll get to it–when I get a chance." You know what that means, don't you? You'll never get to it! Here are 8 simple ways to kick the procrastination habit and start getting things done.

  1. BREAK IT DOWN. Seem overwhelming? Don't look at everything as one big project. Break goals, projects or tasks down into small parts. Assign a specific deadline (date and time) to each part.

  2. WRITE IT DOWN. Make it official by recording on paper, what needs to be done. When it's written down, it's more concrete, and there's a greater chance you'll start and complete it.

  3. TELL SOMEONE. Tell a friend, associate or loved one what your plans are. Discuss decisions that need to be made with others. Ask a friend or associate for some ongoing motivation. Sometimes an outside perspective may be all you need to get started.

  4. SCHEDULE. Establish a regular time each day to work on your goal, project or task.

  5. USE PROPER TOOLS. Organize your environment, complete with the tools you need, so it is conducive to working.

  6. POST REMINDERS. Keep your goals in front of you. Post reminders of your goals and deadlines where you can constantly see them.

  7. I'LL ONLY DO THIS, IF I COMPLETE . . . Make something you normally do and enjoy contingent upon doing the avoided task. For example: "I will not watch my favorite television program until I complete Part A of my project." — By the way, no fair cheating!! 🙂

  8. SET REWARDS. Set rewards for your ultimate goals and mini-goals. You'll constantly have something enjoyable to look forward to.

_____About the Author______________
by Maria Gracia – Get Organized Now!
http://www.getorganizednow.com


Visit Maria's Get Organized Now! website for lots of tips, tools and ideas to help you get better organized, plus a FREE Idea-Pak and Newsletter!

10 Ideas to Help You Remember Better

  1. WRITE IT DOWN:
    With the amount of things you have to remember in any given day, why should you try to stuff it all into your memory bank? When you want to remember something, the very best thing to do is write it down. Then, when you need to recall it, it will be there for you in an instant.
  2. KEEP IT TOGETHER:
    When you write down things you want to remember, keep them in one consistent place. Otherwise, you're going to spend a lot of time looking for your notes. TIP: The New Get Organized Now! Easy Organizer makes remembering everything a breeze!
  3. GOOD HEALTH:
    Eat healthy foods, get enough sleep, and exercise. These are all important for your memory, staying focused and being alert.
  4. RECORD YOUR THOUGHTS:
    Sometimes you might want to remember something, but it's impossible for you to write it down, such as when you're driving. A little hand held tape recorder is a wonderful gadget to carry around with you and record your thoughts, or your parking space number, or a phone number you see on a billboard.
  5. CALL YOURSELF:
    If you're at the office, and you want to do something when you arrive home, call your answering machine and leave yourself a message. When you get home, you'll listen to your message and remember exactly what you wanted to do.
  6. BELIEVE IN YOURSELF:
    If you keep saying you have a bad memory, you'll probably continue to have a bad memory. It's important to have a motivated, I CAN remember attitude.
  7. E-MAIL REMINDERS:
    There are many free e-mail reminder services available. You simply type in what you want to remember, such as a birthday, anniversary or event, and you then receive an e-mail reminder when the date is approaching. Try http://www.calendar.yahoo.com
  8. POST-IT NOTES:
    Those wonderful, little sticky notes can be amazing memory helpers. Want to remember something before you leave the house? Jot it down on a Post-It Note and stick it on the inside of your door. You'll be sure to see it as you're getting ready to walk out. Have to make an urgent call first thing in the morning? Leave a Post-It Note on your telephone.
  9. TIMERS AND ALARMS:
    Take advantage of alarm clocks and timers throughout the day. Have to take the clothes out of the wash at 3:00? Set your alarm clock to remind you. Want to leave for the basketball game by 6:15? Set your timer to beep a few minutes before.
  10. VISUAL REMINDERS:
    Visual reminders can help you remember and focus. I especially like visual reminders for remembering your goals. If your goal is to take a trip to a beautiful island in a few years, keep a magazine photograph of the island right on your desk. If your goal is to own your own business one day, find a picture or ornament that will help remind you of this goal each day.

    _____About the Author______________
    by Maria Gracia – Get Organized Now!
    ============================
    If you liked this article on having a better memory,  visit Maria's Get Organized Now! website for lots of tips, tools and ideas to help you get better organized, plus a FREE Idea-Pak and Newsletter!