Your situation is not unique. The world is full of procrastinators - some of whom have raised it to an art form! Against some of them, you look like a dynamo of resolve and results! But, we both know you have a way to go, and we are both resolved that you will take steps 2 onwards, right?

Having realised that you are in a hole, the next thing to do is to look for a way out. Well a Goal would be a fine start, so how about:

Step 2 - Set a Goal

Select one task that you have a history of putting off - make sure it's a significant task, but it doesn't have to be the biggest, baddest one in the box; just a medium size one would be good to start on.

With the task in mind, write out a goal. Make sure that your goal statement has the following elements; that it is:

1. Dated ("tomorrow" won't work; tomorrow's date will)
2. Precise (numbers would be good)
3. A positive statement of what you want as an end result
4. In the first person (ie, it contains the word "I" followed by a verb)
5. Achievable (set yourself up for a success on which you will build)

Step 3 - Practice Affirmations

Write out your goal at least 3 times a day, then recite it (softly, in private is OK) three times a day for more than 27 days. (Why "more than 27" - we could tell you, but we'd have to kill you, and that would defeat the purpose of this exercise, so just trust us!)

Step 4 - Complete a Reality Checklist

Click here to get a copy of the checklist.

Step 5 - Only Fix the Broken Bits

Having identified your "shortcomings" via the checklist, how do you rectify all of these? You don't!

Be realistic, and pick the ones that are truly an issue, and leave the rest (avoid perfectionism, and get on with the job).

Step 6 - Only Do What's Immediately Possible

Do what you can do simply, immediately and with available resources:

1. Set Goals

2. Increase your Desire

1. Emotion leads to action, so get emotionally involved in the desired outcome of your commitment to change. Imagine how good it will be. Fantasize and enjoy the result before it's real. Get attached! Buy in! Be passionate!

3. Commit to action. Be a pig!

1. Commitment is like a bacon and egg dinner. The chicken has an interest, but the pig is committed.

4. Get fit.

1. Start regular, progressively challenging exercise and you will find your energy level rising! Use your new energy for you new resolve to get new results.

5. Get organised!

1. Put in place - buy! - a proven time management system and use it! Or invest in attending a time management course that supplies a support system that you can afterwards use to implement the ideas it teaches.

2. Participate in a ProfiTunity workshop!

6. Learn a relaxation technique

1. Meditation is hard to beat, but a quiet walk through a park or forest has merit as well.

2. Create and give importance to your "unwind time"

3. Promise yourself unwind time after you complete a stage of your chosen task.

7. Create an optimistic outlook based on proof!

1. Study an expert in the field of your challenge.

2. Buy autobiographies of such a person, and get inside their heads.

3. Note that they often start their story with their challenges, and don't be surprised if they are just the ones you have now! Great! Here's a map of how to get to where you want to go from where you are now.

8. Kill the habit of procrastination. Counter this using the only means proven to reach deep-seated negative programs you may be running in your brain (ie, the ones on your "motherboard"). Use:

1. Well-structured Affirmations (written and/or spoken), repeated with passion. (Belief is not necessary, but is desirable since it accelerates the process); and/or

2. Action executed with a commitment to Excellence; and/or

3. Doing the things you are afraid of until they become mundane; and/or

4. Perfect practice

For bonus tips and hints click here.