How to Stop Procrastinating in 4 Simple Steps
By Sten Morten Andersen
If I could sum up how to stop procrastinating in 4 steps, here is what they would be...
1. Dig deep into yourself and discover the VALUES that lie at your very CORE.
2. Use those values to formulate a CLEAR goal.
3. Create an actionable plan to reach that goal. And break the plan into doable STEPS.
4. Work the plan relentlessly and do not get distracted from your course.
Using this simple plan, you can achieve most anything. Let's have a look at each of the steps.
1. Dig deep into yourself and discover the VALUES that lie at your very CORE
These values can be used to discover what's stopping you right now (so you can eliminate those reasons) AND the motivation you need to really break out of the chains and get going. You might discover that you're actually trying to do something that's *against* your core values, and that you're actually limiting yourself and working against yourself.
When you resolve those issues, you'll propel past obstacles that used to look insurmountable, and stop beating yourself up for not getting ahead.
2. Use those values to formulate a CLEAR goal
A clear goal is extremely important for you to get anywhere.
Not "I want to do better at work" or "I want a million dollars", but something concrete that you can feel an believe. For example, it can be "I want $100,000 in my bank account by August next year, and I will get them by starting my own business helping people train their Chihuahuas".
Why is that a lot better? Your brain reacts positively to such a clear statement, and starts looking for ways to make it real. All of a sudden, you'll find that you see opportunities and resources everywhere, that will help you reach your goal.
3. Create an actionable plan to reach that goal. And break the plan into doable STEPS
Nothing is worse than having a plan with unactionable steps.
It feels like you have a plan... it seems like you have a plan... but still, you're not able to get anything done.
Most often this comes from not breaking the plan into small enough steps.
This plan, for example:
1. Set up a business on the Web
2. Promote it to where it makes $1,000 per month
3. Reinvest that money to take it to $6,000 per month
... is not detailed enough. It's a great start, but you need to figure out how to start on step 1. What tools and information do you need to get started? Plan to research and implement, and then refine your plan.
4. Work the plan relentlessly and do not get distracted from your course
This step separates the people who succeed from those who just "try" their whole lives. You know the type, the person who's always got some new-big-exciting project going, but who never seems to reach his goals.
It is in this step that having invested in doing Step 1 really pays off. Discovering your core values, you find out what really motivates you and turn that into your own personal super charging station.
So there you go. Follow this simple plan, and any goal is within reach. You'll stop procrastinating and really get going.
About the Author: Sten Andersen is a life designer and coach. To dig into each of the 4 steps so you can stop procrastinating 15 minutes from now, get Sten's short special report "How to Stop Procrastinating in 4 Simple Steps" at http://www.corelizer.com/beat_procrastination_report.php
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