There are so many things in life we procrastinate about - going to the gym, cleaning out our wardrobes, or even calling an old friend. Deep in our hearts we know that once we have done them we will feel better and have a real sense of achieving something.
What is it then that makes us hesitate? All too often fear is the answer. Fear of a less than warm reception at the gym, or worse, it could be fear of downright embarrassment. Then we wait too long, and get a feeling of, “Well, it’s been too long now, it would just be silly following through.”
It’s an interesting pattern to explore. How many things in your life have you been doing this with? Lets take a minute to do a little  STOP PROCRASTINATING exercise.
1. Write down all those things you have been putting off. If you have a ‘too hard’ basket pull that out too and get them down on paper in one place.
2. Time to priortise the list, what’s worth doing and what’s not. I’m sure there are things that made the list that simply aren’t important anymore. Time to let go, or give them to someone else to do.
3. Get leverage on yourself, what will happen if you don’t do these tasks? What would life be like in 10 years if you never call another old friend, or never go to the gym? I can only imagine it will be a lonely, overweight and probably unhappy existence. Tell yourself how it really is! Make a point of being tough and really associate into the pain that will be created if you don’t follow through this time!
4. Of the things that are most important to you on the list, set some time lines to get them done and break them down into easy and manageable steps. Involve friends, relatives, or anyone else who will help you and also keep you accountable for your commitments.
 5. Give yourself some really great incentives to change. You’ve seen what will happen if you don’t change, now let’s see what will happen when we do! If it’s going to the gym you’ve been putting off, perhaps a shopping spree once you reach your mid target weight. Then a weekend away when you reach your actual target!
6. Now take action. Choose a simple step from a priority task and actually complete it now. Notice how great it feels to accomplish it and start to work through the others.
Now you have made a start, give yourself a huge pat on the back and acknowledge yourself for breaking that old pattern! | 
