When people ask me “How do you teach people how to recover from Procrastination?” my typical response has been “Step by step.”  I think that response is the most accurate one I can come up with.  Everyone has a different path of recovery to travel, but each person must make changes in their behavior step by step.

The following is a quick list of “steps” for you to consider taking to begin your recovery from Procrastination, but also to snatch some extra minutes for yourself to use as you wish:

1.  Make a plan for your day.  Although your activities may not vary much from day to day, it will likely be beneficial if you take 5-10 minutes to plan your day.  This should not be an elaborate exercise.  Envision how you would like your day to proceed, write it down, and go.  Because you will have written and planned out your ideas, you will save time in seeing them through.

2.  Meditate for a few minutes in the morning.  I can’t say I’m an expert on the topic of meditation, but I am a new convert to the idea and practice.  Although I can only manage a few minutes of meditation thus far, I have noticed a difference between days in which I meditate and those in which I decide I’m too frazzled to sit down and take care of myself.  It’s this paradoxical concept that when you spend time, you get time.  You get that time by being able to focus more easily across the day, across events and activities.

3.  Batch activities.  Like activities can be done with like activities.  For example, you can do four loads of laundry in a row.  It will still be labor, but you will spare yourself the start-up energy of having to decide to do laundry four separate times on four different days.

4.  Double up on your actions.  If you’re planning on heading upstairs, bring something up with you that belongs there.  Extra rolls of toilet paper, for instance.  If you practice this behavior, over time your surroundings will be tidier and your movements will be smoother and more purposeful.

5.  Learn how to fill shorter periods of time.  When you find yourself with an extra 10-15 minutes, fill that time with actions that will save you time or stress later on.  For example, if you happen to have some time waiting for the orthodontist to finish her visit with your child, quickly send off some emails or review your to-do list.  Again, with practice, you will become better at using your time in general.

6.  Avoid getting caught up in other people’s drama.  This is a tremendous time saver. If you spend most of your time trying to figure out how to make everyone happy, you will find yourself with very little time and very limited energy.  Your responsibility is to take care of yourself well, which in turn benefits everyone around you.

7.  Don’t assume events are going to happen as you expect them to.  I am the Queen of Assumptions.  I would like to abdicate that throne, thank you very much, but I don’t want you to fill that seat either.  So many times I have believed my idea of how events were going to happen.  I didn’t bother to double check my ideas with anyone or any invitations or messages or directions.  I just assumed.  I meant well, but I ended up embarrassing myself and often times inconveniencing others.  Do yourself a favor and call ahead, confirm your appointment, make the reservation early.  Assume, but then make sure your assumption is correct.  Doing so will save you lots of energy, time, and worry.

I hope these tips help you to save time.  In general, just remember not to get hung up on any one thing, event, person, or thought for too long.  You'll miss the pleasure of the next thing, event, person, and thought.  Enjoy this process of discovery in your recovery.

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What timesaving tips might you have to share?  Is there a mindset shift that you have gone through regarding your use of time?  Please let us know by commenting here.