Is life simply about completing projects? Almost everything we do could be described as either major or minor “projects”…

There are home related projects: Garden, Decorating even washing up!

Work related ones: Writing out business plan, designing new website. Personal projects like running a marathon or helping your offspring apply for jobs/college, or even writing the book you've been dreaming about for years!

In order to complete all or any of the above there is a start, middle and end – an outcome, but all are swayed by our thinking, our attitude, our ability to “motivate ourselves to action” but does “procrastination” stop you at any time?  Yes? Well you may find some help in the text below:

How can we overcome procrastination and complete the things we know we need to (or want to) do.

To succeed in the completion of any project, CONSIDER:

1. Set a deadline.
A deadline can decrease stress by motivating you to act. Our anxiety about completing a project is usually related to inaction and this anxiety uses an enormous amount of our energy. Once you have a deadline in place, it releases this energy and allows you to put it to good use.

2. Put "Group support" in place.
Left to our own devices many of us will push back a deadline, especially when it relates to those projects that cause us discomfort. By asking someone to hold you accountable in a supportive way you put positive pressure on yourself to make your project a priority. Be sure to choose someone who has your best interest at heart and ask him or her to gently check in with you to be sure that you're on track. Also, make plans to celebrate together once you reach the finish line.

3. Set a start date.
Once you have a project, a deadline, and someone to hold you accountable, you're ready to set a formal start date. Setting a time to begin a project gives you a chance to prepare. For example, if you have a deadline to complete your taxes by April 1st with a start date of March 1st, you'll have a chance to clear your schedule, get forms and resources in place, and line up the help you might need before you get into trouble.

4. Create zones.
Think of this step as casting a wide net around you and your project so you're protected while you work. For example, if you need to complete a report for your job, you'll want to schedule uninterrupted time in your office. This might require a "do not disturb" sign on the door, a conversation with co-workers about needing space, and a willingness to shut the ringer off on the phone or avoid email until you're done.

5. Have “me moments”.
Do you find yourself working flat out in order to see a job through? Well by creating breaks in our activities this gives the body and mind the opportunity to rest and allows you to return with much more zest and energy but they must be rest zones that allow you to do just that, be disciplined and take advantage of the “me moments” that truly do help you relax – you may need to explore this more deeply in order to find the comforting activity or non activity that allows you to find that mental and physical recuperation.

6. Understand and remind yourself of the benefit.

When the project is done how will your life be improved? What's the benefit of completion? There are many benefits to completing a project: the satisfaction of a job well done, the peace of mind that comes from no longer beating ourselves up for not acting, or the actual benefits like a tax refund, an organised room to enjoy, or reduced debt.