Kids Goals Parenting Resources
Kids Goals Shop
Parenting Secrets
Parenting Blog
Goal Setting for Kids
Parent Newsletters
Tips and Articles
Kids to Inspire us
Kids Crafts
Cooking with your Child
Jokes for Kids by Kids
Parenting Resources
Subscribe NOW, because for a limited period you'll get a FREE
"Top Ten Tips of Successful Parenting" Paper, valued at $27.00
P.S. We value your subscription highly so please rest assured we will NEVER pass your email address to a third party. And it goes without saying that you can easily un-subscribe at any time.
PROCRASTINATION
Almost everyone procrastinates to some extent; and there are a myriad of reasons why people procrastinate. It could be as simple as sheer laziness, incorrect time management or simply putting off something that you may find unpleasant until the very last minute. If you want to go deeper, procrastination could be caused by underlying feelings of low self worth or fear of failure. Rather than dwell on the whys, what is most important is to realize that at its worst, procrastination can be debilitating and keeps us from realizing our full potential. On the positive side we must also accept that no matter what the cause, procrastination does not have to rule our lives and we all have the power to change. Here are some ways to break the procrastinating habit:
Write it down - Make a list of what needs to be done-this is the first step so it doesn't need to be in any special order but record everything that you would normally put off till later, no matter how trivial.
Prioritize - This can be done in one of two ways, either by deadlines (dates) or by priority. Some things need to be completed sooner; decide by order of importance.
Categorize - Get a special calendar or, better yet a notebook, with lots of room to write notes and decide which are short and long-term goals that you intend to accomplish. For instance a short-term goal would be to organize your cupboards and a long-term goal would be to get to a healthy weight.
Break down your priority list - Look at what can be accomplished immediately and what will take a few days, or longer. Some things may need to be broken down into smaller goals in order to accomplish them.
Fill in your calendar - Set time aside for each goal while still keeping to your deadlines.
Think from the end - Close your eyes and visualize, see yourself as if you have already accomplished your goals. Imagine how good it will feel and what others will say as they see the positive changes in you. Try to do this every day for a few minutes.
Be accountable - Find someone who will keep you honest. Tell a good friend what you want to do and make them hold you to it by checking your progress every few days.
Remember that Rome wasn't built in a day and breaking the procrastination habit takes a lot of commitment and perseverance. It is not something you will accomplish overnight so be patient with yourself. Try to allow lots of time to accomplish your goals and give yourself a bit of leeway for possible delays. This will give you the needed confidence to realize that you can accomplish all your goals and meet any deadlines without over stressing yourself.
Finally, we all know that children learn by example so make it a point to show your children how important it is not to put off things that need to be done. I find that unfinished business haunts me and makes it difficult to move forward. When I follow through and get it done, it gives me a sense of accomplishment and pride. What a great tool to teach your children and something that can only benefit them in their adult years.
By Monicka
If you would like regular newsletter with more articles like this one about procrastination and kids, please subscribe to the Kids Goals Parent Newsletters at the top of the page!
