During the last week, what did you postpone until tomorrow that would have been better handled today? Calling a difficult client? Hitting your prospecting goals? Saving for a rainy day? Going to the dentist? Paying your bills? Calling a loved one? Having a physical check up?

One of the most common ways that people create stress and struggle in their lives is through procrastination. If you have ever said, "I just don’t have the time or energy to deal with it now," you paid the price of procrastination in several different ways. First, thinking about doing a task and then not doing it is a waste of time. Second, the longer you procrastinate, the more difficult it becomes to take action to complete the task. Third, delaying the task often can increase the cost of completing it. For example, if you put off opening your bills and miss a payment deadline, you end up paying a late fee.

The Nike tag line "Just do it!" is one approach to coping with procrastination. Unfortunately, "just doing it" is not that simple. The next time that you find yourself struggling with procrastination, here are six simple strategies to get you unstuck and into action.

1. Monitor when, where and how you procrastinate
One of the first steps in changing any behavior is to be aware of the circumstances that trigger the behavior. Pay attention to how often you postpone important tasks. Record the details. Normally, most people experience guilt or self-blame when they procrastinate. On the other hand, it’s equally important to notice which types of activities that you do complete. Note how you feel when you complete tasks in a timely manner. You can use these positive feelings and habits to help you reduce or eliminate procrastination in other areas.

2. Delegate it or dump it
If there is an area where you consistently procrastinate, a great strategy is to delegate it or dump it. Many people use the word "should" to make themselves feel guilty about what they don’t complete. Other people use the word "should" as a tool to manipulate others into doing what they want them to do. For example, you may believe that you should blog or you should door-knock. If the activity is something that you don’t enjoy doing, consider delegating it. If you can’t delegate it, don’t try to force yourself to do something that you hate. Dump it and concentrate on completing the tasks that you enjoy.

Reducing procrastination requires a series of small steps over time. If you are ready to stop procrastinating, then how about completing a task that you have been putting off right now?

Bernice Ross, national speaker and CEO of Realestatecoach.com, is the author of "Waging War on Real Estate’s Discounters" and "Who’s the Best Person to Sell My House?" Both are available online. She can be reached at bernice@realestatecoach.com or visit her blog at www.LuxuryClues.com.

Ross will speak at Real Estate Connect in San Francisco, July 23-25, 2008. Register today.

***

What’s your opinion? Leave your comments below or send a letter to the editor. To contact the writer, click the byline at the top of the story.

Show Comments Hide Comments
Sign up for Inman’s Morning Headlines
What you need to know to start your day with all the latest industry developments
By submitting your email address, you agree to receive marketing emails from Inman.
Success!
Thank you for subscribing to Morning Headlines.
Back to top
Only 3 days left to register for Inman Connect Las Vegas before prices go up! Don't miss the premier event for real estate pros.Register Now ×
Limited Time Offer: Get 1 year of Inman Select for $199SUBSCRIBE×
Log in
If you created your account with Google or Facebook
Don't have an account?
Forgot your password?
No Problem

Simply enter the email address you used to create your account and click "Reset Password". You will receive additional instructions via email.

Forgot your username? If so please contact customer support at (510) 658-9252

Password Reset Confirmation

Password Reset Instructions have been sent to

Subscribe to The Weekender
Get the week's leading headlines delivered straight to your inbox.
Top headlines from around the real estate industry. Breaking news as it happens.
15 stories covering tech, special reports, video and opinion.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
Unique features from hacker profiles to portal watch and video interviews.
It looks like you’re already a Select Member!
To subscribe to exclusive newsletters, visit your email preferences in the account settings.
Up-to-the-minute news and interviews in your inbox, ticket discounts for Inman events and more
1-Step CheckoutPay with a credit card
By continuing, you agree to Inman’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.

You will be charged . Your subscription will automatically renew for on . For more details on our payment terms and how to cancel, click here.

Interested in a group subscription?
Finish setting up your subscription
×