yeesh...
- We procrastinate because it is much easier to push something back to
later, than to do it / address it now
-- sometimes there are underlying factors to why we put something
off (handling issues, problems, etc....)
- We develop this habit through self-approval, giving ourselves
permission to push something to the backburner, making it almost a
habit to do so. Often, these issues are ones that might only affect
us initially (or we may see it as such) so we feel it is only hurting
us - so it is okay...
- The soultion to overcome it is simple. Set rules for yourself, agree
that you will not watch TV until your homework or chores are done,
that before you do this - you will do this first. Restrict yourself
more from habits that are time-wasters, such as watching 'any' TV show
choose a few you really want to see, and pick something to do the rest
of the time.
- Techniques - well when you find yourself balking, pull out a mental
reminder - such as 'in the amount of time I am wasting - I could of
already had it done'.
-- if you are putting off homework, then change your surroundings,
make it more conducive to productivity. I light a small candle, put
on quiet music and turn of TV's and other distractions. I tell my
kids - 'its my homework time' and when I am done, I announce that I
have completed it and I spend some time with them.
-- if you are putting off a chore, such as dishes or housework, put on
some lively music, get into the MOOD.... cut off distractions -
Procrastination is normal, but it can be habit forming. I teach my
girls to set rules for themselves as well as rewards. Their reward
for coming home to do their homework is a snack while they work
(fruit, yogurt, fruit juice) something healthy. Their rewards for
doing their chores is computer time.
They tell me what snacks they want for the following week, and sure -
if you are on a budget, do like I do, carrots or celery. For the
drink, a nice gallon of tea with a little lemon. For computer time -
they are old enough to monitor themselves.
It is all common sense. If we can set rules for our kids, why can we
not set them for ourselves?
My biggest one is paying my utilities - I put it off.. So now I use an
hour after my homework, when all is quiet, and I turn on some music
and go over them. I bought a $1 ledger (journal) and record them in
here. I feel better since they are being done 'on time' and as such
not rolling over to the next billing statement - being an even larger
bill.
For me - it comes down to, if you put it off - it can become something
to big to handle. And is certain to boomerang back.
Most of our issues are started with procrastination on something - we
feed into our problems.. until they become so big we cannot handle
them. Ignoring a small twinge or pain, ignoring a tooth ache, ignoring
a bill or debt, etc..
Peace out ~
deb..
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