Admit you have a problem
You know you do, just admit it. Are you the type to keep spinning your wheels, feeling busy but never actually accomplishing something? If so, just stop and look in the mirror, yes you. If you've read this far I know I'm talking to the right person. Admit there is a problem, that is the first step, just like AA, and the good news is you can do something about it.
Visualize
Simply put, visualize success. Most whom are professed procrastinators (say that five times fast) spend time thinking about the failures they've encountered, then projecting that on any new situation that arises. Stop a moment and tell your self to shut-up! That's right, the moment you feel those negative feeling bubbling to the surface, just say shut-up to yourself. If you have to swear and say nasty things to yourself to get your own attention, then do it. Nobody can hear you.
Dealing With Fear
You know yourself by now, and you know what your triggers are that bring that creeping fear and anxiety towards the forefront of your brain. Accept it and learn to turn it into a positive. In the end, it may never go away, but try creative projects, go running, jump on the bed, run naked through the back yard, anything to provide an outlet, both mental and physical.
Lower Your Expectations
Look, if you've never ran around the block let alone a marathon, don't expect to be running in the NYC Marathon right off the bat, right? Set short-term goals that you know you can achieve, and build from there. Say you want to write a book, Tom Clancy and Stephen King didn't start out writing novels, and they started small. The same goes for any new endeavor, or even home projects. All that new landscaping isn't going to get done by itself, and you won't hire the landscape crew again since your wife ran off with Manuel (don't ask), so pick a corner and start, then stop. Then start again, and again, etc… Get it? Setting your expectations to high leads to disappointment because you know you aren't going to finish it.
Finding A Buddy
Teamwork. This is a toughie for the guys, but much easier for the ladies. (Yes that's a stereotype, so deal with it.) Is there someone in your social network that you know that is doing what you want to do? And I don't mean the guy down at the bar that can fit 25 quarters in his nose, aim a little higher, ok? Whether its finishing the deck that has been hanging of the back of your house for 8 months or learning a new trade, stick you neck out for once and ask somebody for help. You'd be surprised how often they say yes, my wife said yes to Manuel.
Organization
For many this is a dirty word. It's difficult to change the world, let alone fix the toilet, if you can't find the tools you need to do the job. There are a million resources out there for organizational help, just try one. Get a day planner, organize your desk, put away the clutter, write a list, organize your toolbox, and just take one thing and start. You don't have to do everything, just one little task at organizing the pile of papers and doodads on your desk into a halfway meaningful way. I know what you're going to do, take that BIG stack of papers and make 7 little ones and leave them there, nope keep going. The same goes for tools, clutter and anything else that hinders your progress. Think of it as uncluttering you mind, the less there is the less to think about.
The Time Is Now
In other words there is no better time to start than now. “I'll wait until Monday,” or “That's a spring project,” are just other ways of letting that little procrastination demon to pry his way back into your head. Just do it, like that famous shoe company always said, and it works. In the end ask yourself this simple question, “If I wait to do it, will it be easier?” No. Never.
Information Overload
In this wonderful age of information, we have at our disposal, a dizzying array of information sources, and most of them are crap, and you know it. (Except of this of course!) There is such a thing as too much information and if you spend an inordinate amount of time researching whatever project or goal you're tackling, then that little procrastination demon has forced his way back into your thoughts. Shut off the computer, the TV. or whatever else is your distraction and get to work.
Tackle the Difficult First
Yes, no matter if it makes you nervous, anxious or scared, do it first, everything will come easier after the big plunge. Think of swimming in a cold lake, do you slowly creep in freezing you nether regions, no just take the plunge, because you're going to get cold and wet anyway.
Go Easy On Yourself
Look, you are who you are so don't try to be somebody else. Remember those over-achievers back in school who annoyed you? You are never going to be them so just deal with it. Learn to live with yourself and your quirks, everybody has them and it makes us all unique. Try one new thing a day for a week, or take a different route home, you'd be surprised at how the small things can turn into big things. And most of all, forgive your self, nobody's perfect. I've forgiven my wife and Manuel, and I hear they have beautiful landscaping.
