How to Procrastinate and Still Get Everything Done

Procrastinators are good at putting off tasks for some other time. The problem comes when things don't get done because the procrastinator has waited too long. Skilled procrastinators, those well-versed in their "art," know how to relax and take time for themselves, yet still get things done at the last minute. And you can do it, too.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Create a to-do list. True procrastinators are very familiar with to-do lists. The to-do list initiates the procrastination process by setting up the items that will be put off for awhile.

2. Put a date next to each item on your to-do list. Die-hard procrastinators come within a hairsbreadth of the date and time to complete a task. They know just how long to procrastinate before it reaches the point of no return. Placing the date and time on the to-do list ensures the procrastinator doesn't cross over that line.

3. Prioritize the to-do list. Priorities are a procrastinator's best friend. After all, why bother to procrastinate too early? For example, if there are three things on a list, one due today, one due next week and one due next month, real procrastinators don't even entertain the thought of accomplishing next month's task, or next week's, for that matter. They're too busy enjoying the ability to procrastinate over tomorrow's task. The procrastinator will get tomorrow's task done tomorrow, just before the deadline.

4. Throw yourself completely into the procrastination process without feeling guilty. Once you have made your list and you know what you are putting off right now, you need to do something completely different that you can put your whole heart and effort into -- watching TV, doing a crossword puzzle, scrapbooking or whatever you enjoy. There is no reason to feel guilty about procrastinating or worry about what you should be doing. Procrastinating is something everyone does from time to time.

5. Look at procrastination as a good, healthy activity. Maybe you should really be procrastinating because what you want to do is more important right now than what is on your list. Recognize that your procrastination is helping you complete something you really should be doing but have maybe been putting off, like spending time with your kids, writing a letter to a beloved friend or taking care of yourself. For example, if you've been working on a project with very little down time, taking a nap or enjoying a massage instead of doing work might be the very best thing for you to do.

6. Prepare for the unexpected. Even the most expert of procrastinators keeps an eye out and prepares for the unexpected. In order to procrastinate and still get everything done, procrastinators leave a little wiggle room for unforeseen time grabbers.