Why Procrastination Sucks (and how to avoid it)

image credit Today, as I shivered away in my office (even after 30+ years living in New England I can't ever seem to get warm enough in winter), wearing my fleece tights under jeans and three sweaters with scarf and gloves, I was "just too cold," to finish re-reading the manuscript I'm working on. 

This replaces my summer excuse, where I'm "just too hot," or my hard-week lament of being, "just too exhausted." 

Really, my creative excuses never end. 

The manuscript that I was supposed to read first thing this morning morphed into a late-morning task. Unfortunately, that turned into an afternoon task because I was too busy (avoiding the task) with other pressing issues. Such as checking Facebook and Twitter. 
Please, tell me I'm not the only person who procrastinates even FUN things.  I've found that I even procrastinate doing things that are supposed to be fun. I've been known to hold onto gift certificates for a massage for more than a year. A girl never knows when she might really need time at the spa and if I use the certificate I'll be in dire straights in a month or two, right? Plus, I'd have to call and schedule the appointment. Ugh. 

The problem with all of this procrastinating is that it really sucks the life out of you. As soon as I (finally) tackled my manuscript re-reading, I felt instantly shot with adrenaline. Heck, I had so much energy coursing through me that I actually took off one of my sweaters.

An excellent book on changing habits around procrastination are: 

The Power of Habit , by Charles Duhigg 
And
The Compound Effect , by Darren Hardy
Read as needed. Both are fantastic and will motivate you to take on those tasks (however pleasant) you've been putting off.