I am Jewel Diamond Taylor. I am a recovering procrastinator.
Sadly, I admit I have lost money, time, opportunities, sleep and peace of mind from the terrible habit of avoiding important tasks. I am not totally recovered. However, gladly, I have seen so much progress and gained some self-respect, effectiveness, progress and peace of mind because of these following practices I put into place to break old habits.
To increase my daily success of achieving my tasks. I have to psyche myself out because I know the words, habits and thoughts in my head that block and sabotage my progress which causes me to avoid tasks and eventually pay the consequences. So instead of having a “to do” list…I have a “things to finish” list. When I hear “to do” it sounds to wide open and vague. “Things to finish” is my kick in the behind to not only do something…but finish my task. I have learned that my self-talk changes how I do things. Since I read my emails daily…all day…I send myself an email with the subject line “To finish“.
I don’t have several pieces of paper with lists that eventually end up being lost.
I only have one place which insures that I will SEE it and get it done.
I don’t put tasks on my list that I normally would do anyway.
I add those things that I want to avoid or seem difficult.
I am learning to stop the habit of putting my self into a last minute crisis and panic attack which was self-induced.
I keep the consequences of avoiding important tasks in my mind instead of being in denial or hoping someone else will do it for me. I take responsibility for the quality of life and peace of mind that I gain when I finish my tasks.
I keep a short list so my day won’t feel so overwhelming.
I have learned to delegate, dump the low priority items and finish the high priority items to keep my stress down.
I have given up being a perfectionist…shift happens.
I don’t over commit. I have boundaries and review my list often for short term and long term goals so I can keep the main thing…THE MAIN THING!
I say “no” without feeling guilty to unrealistic demands of my time.
Distractions and excuses keeps me ineffective and stressed so I have learned to notice when my mind tries to justify not doing the task or I hear the whispers “Do it tomorrow.”
I am eating better and walking daily which gives me
strength and stamina for the day.
I pray for discernment, guidance, courage and wisdom.
I am determined to keep growing, get better and develop the discipline of an
achiever, leader and finisher. How about you? ~
Jewel Diamond Taylor s an authentic, highly acclaimed, witty, knowledgeable, in-demand, and international conference speaker, life coach, author, founder of Women on the Grow, Inc. 501c3 ... 
Leave a Reply