For overcoming procrastination, the first step is to know specifically what you want to accomplish. Once you discover it, write your purpose out on a piece of paper. The next step is to find out what youre trying to avoid and plan to confront it head on. Here are some exercises to help:

Eliminate Non-Productive Activities. Your time is precious. If you want to start getting more benefits from it, make a list of all your frustrating time-wasters like television, newspapers, magazines, video games, etc. Separate the ones that provide real pleasure from those that dont. Eliminate the dont list one step at a time.

Use The Balance Sheet Method. Divide a piece of paper in half and list (A) reasons youre procrastinating and (B) benefits if you go ahead. Include the feeling of relief and accomplishment when you get the job done.

Try The Salami Technique. Divide large projects into small manageable slices. Make a list, choose the first activity, do it and continue with one piece at a time.

Exchange Bad Habits For Good Ones. Commit yourself to the changes, make a plan to start and take the first step.

Consistently Reward Yourself. Plan special, healthy rewards for when youve done something difficult or important. List the things you really love and choose rewards that contribute value to your life.

Most activities that we use to procrastinate leave us dissatisfied. Wouldnt it make you feel far better to take a challenging action first thing in the morning, pat yourself on the back for the rest of the day and then take some rewarding, well deserved time off after youve accomplished things that make you feel proud of yourself?

You can start overcoming procrastination now and, in the process, feel much better about yourself. Once you get the hang of it, youll be surprised at how much joy and exhilaration is on the other side of procrastination.