Procrastination is a pain. Not only does it stop you from getting things done, it also drains your energy and leaves you feeling bad about yourself.

So this week we’re going to launch an attack on our procrastination demons – those things we keep procrastinating over. I guarantee this mission will leave you feeling rather pleased with yourself.

Remember: you only need 30 minutes for the basic mission. Extended Options are below.
If you’re new, you might like to start here: 52 Organizing Missions.

Get Organized Mission #25: Procrastination Demon Busting

Step 1: Make a list of your procrastinated tasks (10 mins)

You know all those things that constantly bug you, that you’ve been meaning to do, or that you keep telling everyone you must get around to?

Jot them down on a piece of paper. Take a walk around your home or rummage through your diary/to-do list to prompt you.

Your Procrastination Demons might include:

Calling (back) a friend Fixing something around the house Getting the car serviced Paying bills Apologizing to someone Repairing kids’ clothes Dropping things off at the charity store Getting an appliance fixed Writing a report Reading a book Completing a course application Tidying a messy drawer Starting a savings plan Returning a faulty purchase

Completing a project Disposing of broken stuff Replying to a difficult email Making a doctor/dentist appointment Starting an exercise program Asking someone on a date Replacing a broken item Organizing a photo album Deleting a sensitive computer file Applying for a job or promotion Initiating a difficult conversation Finishing a program Owning up to something Discarding clothes that no longer fit

To get the most out of this mission, add to the list anything that’s bothered you for a while. That’s what gives it demon status.

Step 2: Spend 5 MINUTES on the worst one (5 mins)

The bad news is we’re not gonna spend the whole 30 minutes list-making. We’ll actually make a start on the nastiest procrastinated tasks.

The good news is that we’ll only spend 5 teeny weeny minutes on it. That’s way less than Led Zeppelin’s Stairway to Heaven.

So pick the task that bugs, frustrates or pains you the most and get going!

Step 3: Spend 5 MINUTES on the next one (5 mins)

Good. Now stop that task and move on to the second-most frustrating or painful task. 5 minutes. Off you go.

Step 4: Tackle any items from the list (10 mins)

Excellent. Now you can ‘enjoy’ your remaining 10 minutes whittling away any of your remaining procrastination demons from your list.

Pick one that you can get finished in the 10 minutes, or choose several you can make a start on.

Time’s up?

Didn’t I tell you you’d feel pleased with yourself?

Dos & Don’ts

• Don’t feel you have to capture every single task you’ve ever procrastinated over. Just list the ones that come to you, and move ahead with those.
• Do be honest about the most painful ones. You’ll be glad you did.

Extended Organizing Mission Options

Want to go beyond this 30-minute organizing mission?

• Do the mission as a family. You can either tackle the demons that afflict the family as a whole, like household stuff, or make your individual lists and attack your respective procrastination demons – but do it together.
• If you feel motivated to continue beyond the 30 minutes, keep going. But spend only 5 minutes at a time on any one task. That way you’ll maintain momentum and energy.

Ready, Set, Go!

Remember – move quickly, act fast, don’t overthink.

Start The 30-Minute Timer

Before You Go: 1) Check In; 2) Send Photos!

Please add a comment to say you’ve completed this week’s Get Organized Mission and you’re keeping your commitment.

We’d love to add your before and after snaps for any mission to the 52 Organizing Missions Hall of Fame. Please send photos to: Photos@GetOrganizedWizard.com

And see you back here next week!

DID YOU KNOW:

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[Image: http://www.flickr.com/photos/jeanlouis_zimmermann/ / CC BY 2.0]

Related posts:

1. Organizing Mission #40: Conquer Your Storage Space Demons
2. Power Procrastination Busters (Part 1)
3. From Procrastination To Action