Do It NOW

Learn how procrastination occurs, and what we can do to combat this "thief" that robs us of productivity.

1. Baby Steps
2. Feature Article: DO IT NOW!
3. Quotes
4. Recommended Resources: Take Action
5. Self-Care
6. Final Thoughts

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1. Baby Steps

"I'm going to do it, I've just been putting it off."
"I just can't find the time."
"I'm still working out the details, but I'll get to it soon."

Procrastination is one of the biggest challenges we face in our
busy lives. Most of us procrastinate, whether it's putting off an
undesirable task at work, or delaying the inevitable chore at
home. Some of us do it more than others...Could I be
describing anyone you know?

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2. Feature Article: DO IT NOW!

The dictionary says to procrastinate is "to put off doing something
until later." Although we really want or need to do something now,
we don't do it. Procrastination is one of the major stumbling
blocks in trying to accomplish our goals.

But why do we do it, even though on a conscious level we know
that we're doing it, and the effect that it's causing? And what can
we do to combat this "thief" that robs us of productivity?

How does procrastination occur?

1. Overplanning. Rather than taking action, we continue to
"plan" the action to be taken. As the argument goes, more
planning is necessary before the action can be taken. The
problem is, the "plan" will never be 100%.

2. Perfectionism. This is related to overplanning. Here, every
detail must be perfected, though this is really not necessary.

3. Boring tasks. One simply lacks the motivation to continue
action on mundane tasks. Why perform a boring task, when
you could be doing something exciting?

4. Too complex, time-consuming. It's much easier to do a lesser
task, and easy to not do a bigger one.

5. Need for adrenaline. For some, it is very satisfying to finish
a task just before the deadline. The risk is, if cut too close, it
will not be finished on time.

How can we fight procrastination?

1. Set deadlines. Knowing that we need to accomplish something
by a specific time leads us to action.

2. Break task into small pieces. Reducing the task to smaller,
more manageable pieces helps to avoid confusion and
overwhelm, two causes of procrastination.

3. Get started, even if you can only do a little. Better to chip
away than to do several lesser tasks.

4. Commit to just five minutes. If you make a firm commitment
to this short period of time, you will often continue on track
for much longer. If it's just not happening after five minutes,
then stop--at least you got something accomplished.

5. Enlist a buddy. Making a commitment to another person
provides additional leverage. Make sure the person cares
enough to follow up.

6. Use affirmations. By repeating these commands or statements,
you enlist the help of your subconscious mind to move you
toward completion of the task. Affirmations such as "I begin
immediately on my most important task, and stay with it until
complete," repeated over and over, will have a dramatic effect
over time on your ability to take action.

7. Take a break. If you're stuck, take a break for a few minutes.
Just make sure you go back after a short break.

8. Do the unpleasant task first. By getting the hard stuff out of
the way first, the rest seems easy (and more doable) by
comparison.

9. Build momentum with an easy task. Sometimes, though, the
hard stuff seems too difficult. If that's the case, then start
with something easier, but still relevant.

10. Make commitment publicly. Like enlisting a buddy, this public
declaration gives notice that you intend to complete the task,
and provides additional leverage for doing so.

By recognizing why procrastination occurs, and utilizing the tools
above to fight it, you will begin performing much more efficiently
than you ever have before. Remember, just do something, and
do it now!

What do you do to overcome procrastination? If you have additional
ways to take action when you don't feel like it, please email me.
I'd love to hear from you!

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3. Quotes

Each indecision brings its own delays and days are lost lamenting
over lost days... What you can do or think you can do, begin it.
For boldness has magic, power and genius in it.
- Joann Wolfgang von Goethe

We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act,
but a habit.
- Aristotle

All our dreams can come true--if we have the courage to pursue them.
- Walt Disney

Perseverence, n. A lowly virtue whereby mediocrity achieves an
inglorious success.
- Ambrose Bierce

You can do anything if you work and keep on working; if you try
and keep on trying.

Nothing in this world can take the place of persistence. Talent will
not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.
Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education
will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and
determination alone are omnipotent.
- Calvin Coolidge

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4. Recommended Resources: Take Action

Time Tactics of Very Successful People
by Eugene Griessman

The difference between successful people and unsuccessful
people is how they use their time. This book documents how very
successful individuals manage their time, and how you can, too.
It is a terrific book, and very useful.
To order book, click here

The Power of Focus
by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen and Les Hewitt

This book provides a practical guide for achieving desired results
in the key areas of your life. The action steps at the end of each
chapter make it easy to formulate your plan and then implement
it immediately in your life.
To order book, click here

Conquering Procrastination: How to Stop Stalling and Start Achieving
by Dr. Neil Fiore

With the proven techniques revealed in this tape set, Dr. Fiore
helps you to eliminate the causes and effects of procrastination-
and take advantage of time instead of letting it take advantage
of you.
To order tape set, click here

Take Charge of Your Life
by Jim Rohn

America's foremost business philosopher arms you with tools
to improve the quality of your life. Jim is a pleasure to listen to,
and his talks are chock full of ideas to help you achieve personal
success.
To order tape set, click here

Lessons in Mastery
by Anthony Robbins

Learn how to use your personal power to create an
extraordinary life!
To order tape set, click here

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5. Self-Care

Drinking water is one of the most important things you can do to
improve your health. Water provides several benefits, including
the following:

1. Increased energy level. When you're dehydrated, drinking a
glass of water improves your stamina almost immediately.

2. Improved digestion and waste elimination. Drinking water is
critical for keeping food moving through your digestive tract.
Don't drink while you're eating though. Wait until one hour
after your meal, so the digestive enzymes that break down
food are not diluted.

3. Hydrated, healthy skin. Water hydrates our skin from the inside
out, keeping the skin clear, healthy and radiant.

4. Reduced risk of kidney stones, heart disease and cancers of the
colon, bladder, urinary tract and breast. Water helps to flush
carcinogenic substances out of the body more rapidly, thus
diluting the carcinogens and reducing exposure.

You should drink at least one half-ounce of water for each pound
of body weight each day. So, if you weigh 150 pounds, then drink
75 ounces per day. Whenever possible, drink purified water (or
"drinking water", as it usually labeled). Purified water is produced
by distillation, deionization or reverse osmosis.

Carry a water bottle with you at all times, and enjoy the gift of
hydration!

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6. Final Thoughts: Giving Blood

A little girl named Liz was suffering from a rare and serious
disease. Her only chance of recovery appeared to be a blood
transfusion from her 5-year old brother, who had miraculously
survived the same disease and had developed the antibodies
needed to combat the illness.

The doctor explained the situation to her little brother, and asked
the boy if he would be willing to give his blood to his sister. The
boy hesitated for only a moment before taking a deep breath and
saying, "Yes, I'll do it if it will save Liz."

As the transfusion progressed, he lay in bed next to his sister and
smiled, seeing the color returning to her cheeks. Then his face
grew pale and his smile faded. He looked up at the doctor and
asked with a trembling voice, "Will I start to die right away?"
Being young, the boy had misunderstood the doctor; he thought
he was going to have to give his sister all of his blood.

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Thank you for reading the LifeExcellence Newsletter.
TAKE ACTION this week!
- Brian Bartes
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