Procrastination tips

Take a FREE preview of Ultimate Procrastination Cure 2nd Edition

2009-09-12T09:11:00.000-07:00

I have recently updated and improved my book and anyone who purchases it from www.UltimateProcrastinationCure.com will be getting the improved edition from now on.

Anyone who wants to read a sample or learn more about what it contains can preview it by clicking on the following link.

http://www.scribd.com/doc/19315845/The-Ultimate-Procrastination-Cure-2-Sample

Enjoy it and feel free to share it (don't spam though - it's not nice)

The following is the book summary (usually found on the back cover)

Procrastination and lack of motivation can be ruts that are quite difficult to overcome permanently and effectively.

Mark Mifsud was trapped in that rut and found a way to stay out of it. He shares the same life-changing methods he uses in this lie changing manual.

This guide is about managing your own mind, not your own tasks.

'The Ultimate Procrastination Cure' is highly recommended to those people who desire to achieve greater success but are finding that they are behaving in ways that will not help then to achieve that.

Take care people!

Mark Mifsud

The best self-help technology ever

2009-07-28T02:26:00.000-07:00

I am aware of some good self help knoweldge... NLP, Psychocybernetics, meditation, Chi-Gong, hypnosis... all great ways to solve mental problems of any kind.

I have read and studied a myriad of self help techniques but I think I have found the ultimate one.

Even if to be honest, I don't have any idea of what it is but I know it works and I am about to find out more about it soon.

I am referring to www.magicpillnow.com

I have recently been working closely with Ruslan Mescerjakov who came up with magicpillnow. Some of you may know Ruslan from www.pmemory.com

Let me tell you right away, this guy is an amazing, down to earth, no BS kind of genius. I have been working with him and I like to think we became friends. I insisted with him to tell me what he is doing to these people and he's keeping tight lipped. I think he's using some kind of hypnosis and NLP technique combined.

He is doing all this on video chat! Isn't this amazing!

All he is saying to me is the following:

This is instant!

It works for everyone

On any issue

and it is permanent!

Big claims for a 1 and a half hour session.

And let me tell you... One thing Ruslan isn't is a liar. If he say's it's a magic pill then it is the closes to a magic pill you can get!

He is also down to earth and isn't interested in unprovable Bullshit like sending letters to the Universe to activate the law of attraction... he wants pragmatic measurable results!

Guys and Gals! This is going to SHAKE and SHOCK the self-help industry. This is going to become one huge internet phenomenon... bigger than The Secret and bigger than anything else we have ever witnessed.

As a matter of fact I can see many self proclaimed self-help gurus (probably me included) get out of this business. I don't mind doing something else if there is someone better than me helping people better than I ever could. Honestly, I'm in this for the people, I love to help and I don't do it for popularity or money.

So what is magicpillnow really?

I am going to find out because Ruslan invited me for a session next Thursday... since he's in Hawaii and I'm in central Europe I'm gonna have to be awake till late at night. The session starts at my 1AM but I don't mind. I really want to experience this, learn more about it and let you know what it really is.

I am hoping it is more than a feel good factor. Knowing Ruslan I am positive this is going to have applicable results like producing financial freedom, freedom from depression, fear, phobias and quitting smoking among other things. Ruslan hates useless stuff.

So watch out this blog... bookmark www.magicpillnow.com and keep an eye on it.

I will update with more knowledge about this technology so watch this space. I'm so glad to be close to its source!

Mark Mifsud

Avoiding Procrastination with the power of Q2

2009-07-13T00:24:00.001-07:00

One of the simplest ways to know your sources/causes of procrastination is to simply ask questions to yourself.

Fact is, you already know much about a lot of stuff, but you rarely if ever sit down and make sense of what you already know. It would be helpful to take what you know, connect the pieces, and make sense of what you get.

Q2 is just that; it stands for Quality Questions. The underlying truth is that if you ask questions of better quality to yourself, you get quality answers.

So what is a Quality Question? It is a question which when answered guides you in the right direction. For example: if you ask yourself "why do I procrastinate so much"? you may get answers but what will you do with them? What if you get answers in the form of more procrastination so that you can become aware of causes through actual experience?

But if you ask yourself: "how can I be more productive at this"? and "how can I maximize the use of my time today"? You would get answers tailor made for your goal. Notice that the goal is in the actual question (be more productive / maximise use of time).

Try this tonight a few hours before you retire.

Ask yourself: How would tomorrow's day be if I were totally efficient and effective?

Get in a happy feeling of pride. You want to be proud of having performed to your best for a day. Keep asking the question. Make it your intention to get answers.

Then let your mind guide you... it will start to ask more questions and provide answers.

Your mind will be asking stuff like: What would you do tomorrow which you usually wouldn't?

What wouldn't you do that you usually do?

At what time would you get out of bed?

What must I do tonight so that tomorrow I can be effective?

At what point would you take a break?

How would you divide your time among 2 or more important tasks?

What reward would you give yourself?

What would make all this efficiency worth it!? What rewards are you gaining from it? How can you keep them in mind to motivate yourself in the best way?

Do it, and let your mind surprise you!

Mark Mifsud

My Favorite Kind of Procrastination Therapy

2009-07-06T01:04:00.000-07:00

I love procrastination cures! I'm always on the lookout for possible causes of procrastination so that I tackle them. I love beating them.

It is natural to love this kind of challenge after having been a procrastinator and learned to overcome what I considered the worst obstacle in my life.

The truth though is that I go through times when the challenge is not available so I have to create it. I admit that sometimes I'd rather be without challenges, but I still get the scary thought that I might still be a procrastinator and become eager to test myself out.

Here is where my favorite kind of procrastination therapy starts. It works like this.

Step 1) Find a challenge you'd like to undertake, something a little demanding.

Step 2) Give yourself a deadline and go for it!

Step 3) While you're going through it see how procrastination rears it's ugly head and what is causing it. Observe how it happens in order to overcome it!

Step 4) Experiment with ways to overcome those causes. Ideally with NLP techniques or other proven means.

Step 5) Take record of every successful overcome of procrastination for future reference.

It is daring, but I personally don't know of a better way to learn about what makes you procrastinate and learn to face it!

The challenge I'm enjoying right now is that I'm taking a Memorization Course at www.pmemory.com

I love memory techniques and have been using a few these last 12 years or so. This course though is well beyond what others like Lorrayne, O'Brian and Buzan have taught, it's great. It also helps with learning to keep focused attention which is one common cause of procrastination too.

It is ideal for this kind of therapy because it is both challenging and rewarding! The minimum time to complete it is 60 days - if you do 1 lesson a day that is. Many students find it challenging and it has been interesting to learn what blocks people and why some see it through more easily than others. Then there is also a reward, which is important for this kind of therapy as well.

If you'd like to give it a try use this coupon code: plxy1yikrr

I think there's a discount if you use it as this course is not cheap but it is excellent and still way cheaper than it should really be!

Otherwise find anything you'd love to do in life. I chose memory skills because I love to learn and it has to do with psychology which I am passionate about. Find something that inspires YOU!

The circumstances that cause you to procrastinate are your best opportunities to overcome it.

Mark Mifsud

PS: I'd like to say hello to my study buddies at PMemory Forum - especially Gnosologist, Terranpro, GeniusCode and wkbrdpro! You guys rock! Keep up the good work.

PPS: In case anyone reading this would like to join PMemory watch out for me on the student's forum - my alias is procompleter and I'd be happy to help you out with your studies as well :-) I am the one who does one lesson a day, encourages others and occasionally cracks a good joke!

The worst cause of Procrastination and De-Motivation: Part 2

2009-06-28T11:29:00.000-07:00

{This is part 2; scroll down for Part 1}

So in my last post we established why a badly nourished brain is the worst cause of procrastination. We also saw what substances must be reduced or totally eliminated for optimal brain function.

Now, what must be consumed for optimal brain function?

There are 5 main things that help your brain grow stronger:

Good Fats

Vitamins

Sunlight

Oxygen

Water

Good Fats

Stop believing the myth that fats are bad for you. Without fats you'd simply die! Period!

There are good fats and bad fats, and your brain is made up of fats. If you don't consume good fats, your brain will simply age faster and function badly.

So what are good fats? These are called Mono-unsaturate and Poly-unsaturated. They are find in natural vegetable oils like falxseed, primrose, extra-virgin olive oil and sunflower oil. The best of them all though is fish oil or cod liver oil. Fish oil contains 2 kinds of oils that are very good for the brain called EHA and DHA (sometimes referred to as Omega 3 oils).

Your brain and eyes are made up of 40% DHA.

The fats that are bad for you are called saturate fats and are found in junk foods and fries. When good oils are used for frying they become bad oils with heat because they change chemical composition. If like me, you love chips and do enjoy a portion every now and then, you will need to consume good fats in order to reduce the effect of the bad saturated fats in your body. Our bodies need a good balance between saturated and unsaturated.

Even if you are not anywhere serious about your health, you'd better avoid the next fats on the list. Avoid hydrogenated oils and high fructose corn syrup. These are not even nutrients, they are poisons that are found in a lot of preserved food. Read the labels!

Vitamins

All Vitamins from B to E are necessary for your brain. Especially B1, B9 (Folic Acid) and B 12.

Since most fruit and veg these days are grown with petroleum based fertilizers and are constantly treated with pesticides they don't contain as much vitamins as they are supposed to. This means that we do need supplements, at least in small quantities.

Sunlight

Sunlight is also good. Despite the claims that prolonged exposure to sunlight causes skin cancer, over 50,000 people every year in the US die of skin cancer BECAUSE OF LACK OF EXPOSURE to sunlight!

Sunlight helps the body to produce Vitamin D which your brain and bones both love (and you also produce melanin which prevents skin cancer).

Oxygen

Breath deeply! Ventilate your rooms and enjoy spending some time just filling your lungs.

Water

Those nutrients must be carried around your body by your bloodstream and your toxins need to be removed as well. Water helps you to maintain health and energy. Drink plenty of fresh water daily.

Also educate yourself about what your drinking water contains. Does it contain fluoride, temporary hardness, microbes, minerals or permanent hardness?

With a healthy brain, we think clearly, feel more energetic, can concentrate properly and feel happier. These are all necessary to fight and beat procrastination, but they are also important because health is the most important thing to care about!

And with this I conclude my most important topic this blog has ever seen to date.

Be healthy, Be Productive, Be Successful!

All the best! :-)

Mark Mifsud

The worst cause of Procrastination and De-Motivation: Part 1

2009-06-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Ok guys and gals! This is a big one!

Ask yourself! What if your procrastination is caused by what you are eating or consuming? Could it be that you are NOT eating the right stuff for your health and therefore your mind is finding it hard to focus and act on your tasks?

I can almost hear the skeptics and the baffled people among you exclaiming; "OH come on Mark, what has my nutrition to do with the tasks I have to do?"

My reply to that is: "EVERYTHING!"

Are you consuming the right stuff to be a non-procrastinator?

Here is how to find out!

Do you often feel low on energy?

Do you often have a foggy mind?

Do you often find yourself easily distracted while doing a task?

Do you find it hard to sustain attention on something even for a short time?

Do you often get feelings of depression for no apparent reason?

Do you often feel tired in the morning even after a long night's sleep?

Do you experience short term memory loss? (Now, where was I?)

Are you often unable to just sit down and do tasks that require you to stay in one place?

Are these excuses you make often or maybe even the cause of procrastination itself?

What you eat provides the building blocks for your body and brain, it affects your mood and energy levels and the general functioning of your body.

Now here's my important message for today!

What you consume can affect various aspects of your mind related to procrastination. with the wrong diet and consumption of certain drugs you could be literally eating procrastination everyday! (Not to mention bad health)

Your brain functions properly when it can create the chemicals it uses with ease. It needs to be able to create good quality serotonin, dopamine, endorphin, gaba, tyrosine and all the essential neuro-chemicals. From what must they be built? From what you eat, right?!

So what must I consume?

I'll tell you in my next blog post :-p (perhaps I should even write a longer article on this)

But before that, there's a much more important question to ask.

Am I consuming something bad I can easily eliminate?

Are you informed about the contents of the food you intake, or do you wait for somebody else to warn you? You really should!

There are 4 things in particular which are bad for your brain and you can start to eliminate them today. Be warned though, these are addictive things! They are...

Caffeine (found in coffee, teas and soft drinks)

Alcohol

Refined sugar (white and brown sugar)

Nicotine

(Let's leave fats for Part 2, ok!? ;-) your brain actually needs some kinds of good fat)

Here's the problem - for most people the above are associated with fun! The truth is though, that fun comes from within, we create it! We don't need substances for that if we're wise.

Caffeine

Decaffeinated Coffee from now on?

Actually there are alternatives, if you like that fun ritual of dissolving something instant in some warm water and enjoy! My sister has suggested that there's a product derived from malt that tastes almost like coffee but milder. I use cocoa powder (without sugar) instead because it is very good for the brain.

Tea has a lot more caffeine that some coffee seeds. Green tea is rich in anti-oxidants and is very healthy, although there is a little caffeine in it. However, humans being the most suicidal species on Earth, have decided to ferment the leaves and make them turn brown so that we can have a brown coffee that is depleted of the beneficial stuff and has much more bad stuff like caffeine in it! Take camomile or green tea if you like it. My best recommendation is licorice tea! Yummy!

Soft drinks- are the stupid man's drink. They are designed to quench your thirst by having those CO2 bubbles attack your taste buds and numb them. In the mean time your body is filled with stuff that has to be eliminated by consuming more water. In other words, they make you thirstier, trick you in believing that you're not thirstier and also fill your body with junk like caffeine and sugar. I mean WTF?! Can't we just drink water? It' s even cheaper!

How do you know if you're addicted to caffeine? If you get a headache whenever you don't take a coffee in the morning you are addicted to caffeine. You will need to go cold turkey. Start drinking a lot of water and consume fish oil (or flaxseed oil if you're a vegetarian) for a week to get this drug out of your brain tissue with the least pain. I did it, and my

Alcohol

This is a complex sugar that makes people crazy, is broken down very slowly into other sugars and is very unfriendly to the brain. Like the soft drink, it gives a rewarding feeling of happiness while doing bad stuff to you!

But some have heard that a little alcohol is good for you? Actually the only healthy thing is red wine if you take it with a fatty meal, like a huge beef or pork steak. The alcohol neutralizes the fat, the fat neutralizes the alcohol in return and the antioxidants in red wine will make your body and brain happy. Other alcoholics are un-necessary and can only harm! Be responsible.

Sugar

If you want energy, take sugars by consuming fruits! An apple gives a better boost than a cup of coffee. Sugar causes the brain cells to age very quickly and die off and also clogs your arteries.

But aspartame is bad too? If you need to use a sweeten stuff you either use glucose (which is still sugar but much easier on your body) or use stevia (a plant) or stevia extract. You can even use natural honey occasionally! Taking vitamin B supplements helps your energy too.

If you're adventurous you may even like to start getting used to tasting stuff without sugar. I love tasting stuff just as nature intended, it makes eating a varied experience.

Nicotine

Useless, addictive, anti-social! Makes people stink at best and suffer chronically at worst. It also has no value for the price you pay for it.

If you smoke you are not just poisoning yourself and others. You are depriving yourself of the most important component for energy - Oxygen. You can survive for weeks without food, for days without water but without air...

Concluding Part 1

I realized time ago, that I could teach people to overcome procrastination like I had. But giving the right instructions to a brain that can't handle them is an exercise in futility. Get eliminating poisons from your life today, my friend. Seek help and you'll find it. Love yourself so that you can stop harming yourself, you are a wonderfully designed marvel. :-)

Part 2 will come in a week or less, stay tuned!

Mark Mifsud

PS: All of the above create sleep disturbance too!

Procrastination and shyness: Part 2

2009-06-14T22:51:00.000-07:00

In my last post on this blog (scroll further down); I talked about conquering shyness or 'the fear of being disliked' by changing beliefs and I'd like to add a little point to what I already shared.

Shyness for me, is a dear issue because I used to be a very shy guy at one point in my life time.

Unlike procrastination though, I did not need to do a whole lot of research to change that side of me, I only had to become aware of a few things and it was something that changed in a single day.

I had problems approaching people, relating to people and being around people; especially girls!

I know I had been rejected and criticized before, which mistakenly convinced me that EVERYBODY could easily find me unlikable.

Now keep reading because there's an important lesson to be taken from this!

On that weekend I was in the backseat of a jeep with a number of friends... I was being carried at a speed that was quite slow, but not fast enough that a human would chase.

At one point I saw a really gorgeous looking babe, and like all gorgeous girls she was with her less attractive friend of the same sex. What went through my mind in that moment was to eliminate my shyness once and for all.

I thought; hey, I can say anything I want because she won't chase me. If she offends me I'll offend her back, plus if I just shout out a compliment they'd only be asking themselves who I was complementing!

So I shouted out HEEEEY THEEERE GORGEOUS!!! Like some highway jerk!

And I was shocked... It wasn't that hard after all. They laughed, I had finally spoken to a girl! I was now many times less pathetic than before! Was this all there was to it?

I repeated paying compliments to girls on that weekend, but did it more politely and outside of speeding cars. I discovered that people liked me when I liked them, I started liking people's company and I loved how I handled the conversations. I was good with people after all and I even got a bunch of kisses too :)

The Lesson:

How often do our beliefs block us from experiencing life to its fullest? Beliefs about ourselves, other people and the stuff we need to do!

Wouldn't it be great if we could suspend our beliefs for some time and do what used to scare us, only to discover that our evidence for believing the wrong things was totally invalid? That is how beliefs collapse, and with them, even "personality traits" like shyness, other fears and procrastination!

What if you started a task today and found you actually enjoyed it, did it much better than you thought possible and took you less time than ever expected?

I once was consulted by a person who was shy. My approach was to shatter her old beliefs that made her shy.

I explained to her why shyness happens, how it is a fear that she is already equipped to handle. I explained why she blushes and how the 'blush response' was a reaction that was designed by our creator to make people like us.

When we blush, it feels uncomfortable, yet our cheeks and lips fill with blood and if you're white, it gives your face a reddish color that makes you look younger and more attractive. We also tend to smile!

The skin smoothens and becomes less wrinkled and more shiny. We feel a knot in our throat because our voice is also changed into a more attractive one. Women's voice becomes more feminine and childlike, while male voices become deeper.

Our pupils dilate, our chests blow up, we stand erect and our mouth dries up to avoid bad breath.

Our underarms sweat because our body release pheremones. Pheremones are smells that are not detected by our conscious mind but make us subconsciously attractive to other people.

Our body's blush response is made to make people like us... learn to feel comfortable with it.. it is there to help you not to sabotage your interactions - whether those interactions are with your superiors, equals, children or potential mates!

This shattered her negative beliefs about what shyness was all about - she's now got more friends than most people I know and her relationships with people at work are top notch!

Shyness is all about what you believe about yourself, others and the interaction that happens in between! Blushing and that feeling of butterflies in the stomach are actually a helpful response.

Procrastination Caused by Shyness

2009-06-10T00:53:00.000-07:00

Today I continue with my usual predicate. Procrastination is a symptom caused by a multitude of possible causes or combination thereof. Today we look at shyness!

Shyness is a form of fear; it is the fear of being rejected. Shyness is the fear of not being liked or of being 'not up to other people's standards'. It is felt as a feeling that may range from a tender blush to outright terror and even anger at other people.

Shyness causes procrastination like every other fear - it blocks people until safety is perceived to be at least possible.

There is a whole spectrum so widely different feelings caused by shyness and for this reason some people are not actually aware that they are SHY. They'd tell you phrases like "No I'm not embarrassed to tell him, its something else". So let's start with identifying shyness.

Identifying whether shyness is the cause of procrastination

This is pretty straight forward: Ask yourself the question "What is stopping me from doing this?"

Then wait for a specific answer - don't settle for vague answers like "I'm just too lazy" or any other superficial answer. be brutally honest with yourself and discover the cause - it is the least thing to do if you want to beat procrastination of any sort.

You will know that shyness is the cause, if the cause involves other people's opinion, other people's reactions or other people's feelings.

Tips for beating shyness

Tip 1) Realize that waiting is not the solution

Shyness brings one's mind in a place where it is hoping for a better time to face other people's opinions.

Procrastinators exclaim: It's not the right time!

The only choice they leave for themselves is obvious; wait for a better time!

Non procrastinators, however, have a statement they take as a rule of thumb! The statement says:

A Better Time than NOW - will never come!

There IS something you can do either to make the time better or to influence other people's opinion and feelings. Waiting may be detrimental in most cases.

In relationships, sweeping a problem under the rug will enlarge it - better treat it while it is small.

When there's a situation at work and you need to talk to a superior, go ahead and explain the situation truthfully and how you feel about it. If this person is understanding (s)he will help you to solve the problem quicker. If (s)he is less understanding, the delay on your part will be used against you...

Some people may think - If you didn't react quicker than it is definitely not as bad as you are making it!

When dealing with people's feelings waiting may be a good idea in some cases, but when there is really no point in waiting there is always a disadvantage in delaying.

Tip 2) Realize that shyness is not caused by other people

Your fear is inside you, so it is your making in every case! It is therefore within your control.

Shyness is not caused by how another person IS, or by how (s)he will react. It is caused by how YOU think (s)he is or would react!

Tip 3) Adopt the beliefs that help you to face people

Apart from believing that you are the creator of your fears there may be a number of other beliefs that may be causing shyness.

Your beliefs about the other person and the present situation may be wrong! Your beliefs about the beneficial outcome of your action may be an underestimation! Your beliefs about the consequences of your inaction may be an underestimation!

Your beliefs are the cause of this kind of fear (and maybe others too)!

How will others react if I succeed? What will they say if I fail?

If you believe that the above questions are THAT important - that's a belief you might like to change. In my book "Ultimate Procrastination Cure", I dedicate 2 chapters to discovering and quickly changing beliefs because beliefs, especially the negative ones we're not aware of, are a cause of useless concern that blocks people from taking all sorts of actions.

Tip 4) Adopt positive beliefs about yourself

When you see yourself as the truly great being that you are, who cares what others think?

Your opinion of yourself is always much more important than that of others! Yes do ask for other people's opinions but only as SECOND OPINIONS not as vital opinion.

be careful with this tip - When you have high opinion of yourself, don't start treating people like dirt. People are all full of potential that must be respected even if no one taught them to express it. Humility and respect will always remain charming qualities.

Tip 5) Keep other people's opinions as feedback, not as orders

Find yourself friends that give sincere opinions. Escape those people who only answer your questions in ways that never hurt you - you need honesty in your second opinions, not compliments.

Lastly, your friend's second opinions are useful feedback, but you may always decide against them. In matters that concern mostly YOU and not much others - in those matters where you are more affected than the rest of the world - you are the final authority. It is your life after all!

A lot more can be said about this cause of procrastination but I guess the above is a good start

Plus I have stuff I must not procrastinate on myself now! :-D

See ya all!

Mark Mifsud

Words, Actions and Procrastination

2009-06-02T01:21:00.000-07:00

Recently I met a business woman who told me that she likes to kill her adversaries with kind words.

This got me thinking about the power of words. They can influence a person's emotions, which in turn influence action and therefore external results.

There are however, people who are immune to words. They live by the creed that stones and sticks may be able to break legs, but words cannot. Opinions are in fact, the cheapest commodity on Earth. These people can't be killed with words, neither softly nor harshly.

These word-proof people are less likely to procrastinate. They do less talking and take more action. Action is the opposite of procrastination, their number one enemy. They don't care what others say or think, words are just noise or maybe even a good advert for their cause.

They realize that results are not achieved by words, or fantasies, or dreams but by actions. Facts and acts, not words will win in the end.

So is this business woman not successful? She is hard working, she keeps a nice image, she knows her stuff, and yes, she is successful. But there's one area where she is failing...

Her worse competitors are all alive and kicking as are her adversaries in her private life! Worse than that - they are made stronger by her pathetic attempt at breaking their spirit.

How often do you say that you are going to do stuff but never start or finish what you claim?
How often have you avoided a task because of what others may think of you or say about you?
Are you influenced so much by other people's words but not equally inspired by yours?

Ignore words my friend - love action with all your heart instead - it will lead you to greater results!

Say less words, yourself! It is better to let your actions speak for you than say something stupid. People will remember your words and use them against you - but they seldom notice your actions until they find that they have been influenced by them according to YOUR will.

You will find that your "adversaries", if you have any, will get scared by your ability to act. Even more scared when you are silent- because they will never know what to expect from you!

We all need to learn to shut up and get our hands dirty!

Mark Mifsud

PS: There's a darker tone to this post. Let me know if you like it or not.

PPS: If you don't have adversaries, maybe you're procrastinating! You will always find people who disagree with your views no matter what you do.

Once Procrastination is beaten, what next?

2009-05-27T00:25:00.000-07:00

Since procrastination is a great hinderance to achievement, what happens once a person knows how to avoid it, get out of it and eliminate it?

The greatest hurdle to accomplish whatever one may dream has been overcome, one is not afraid to follow through any plan, whatever it may include or require. There is the actual ability to do and as a result of that one rediscovers the ability to dream. Yet the ability to do, and to see through, doesn't guarantee success. It is only a very good starting point!

So once one is not a procrastinator, what else is required to succeed?

As I started to worry less about 'GETTING MYSELF TO DO' stuff I found myself concentrating more on 'WHAT I AM SUPPOSE TO DO'!

Suddenly the priority was not motivating myself and stop wasting time, but making the correct decisions.

Making Decisions Effectively is the next stage to become hugely successful right after Beating Procrastination. Now that you can act - it is time to be able to effectively decide how you will be acting.

I concede that these two 'stages in personal growth' overlap. A lot of procrastination is a result of bad decisions about how to use time.

Effective decisions are not just good decisions, they are even done quicker! Virtually all non-procrastinators I have studied, and all highly successful people that have ever been studied make it a point to learn to take quick decisions.

And how does one learn to take quick decisions that are also good decisions?

By being a non-procrastinator one can put himself in situations where many things are to be done. Experience and a willingness to learn will do the rest. There are also books on decision making that one who is not a procrastinator will look for, get, read, study and apply.

Learning good decision making in a particular industry or a particular area of life becomes a secondary result of beating procrastination.

The benefits of being a non-procrastinator start to increase and grow with time and practice, it is a snowball effect! Benefits and the capacity for success just accumulate.

Mark Mifsud

Procrastination and Success

2009-05-23T00:18:00.000-07:00

We all have a cherished dream or more than one, we all want to succeed at something!

We all want others to see our worth, and each one of us want to feel worthy of admiration and love.

This is so true that there's an entire industry based around selling success. The self-help and self improvement industry is worth over 1 billion a year even if the personal success rate of the consumers is extremely low.

You guessed where I'm getting to, didn't you? Procrastination is the cause of missed success! I even dare to say that it is the only cause of missed success.

Note that I am not saying that it is the cause of failure; just the cause of missed success! Failure exists only in the grave, before that, at any time, any person can turn from procrastination and actually do something.

Luck is not an issue

As I said in previous blog posts, luck can be created when procrastination is avoided, so luck is not the issue! Fear is an issue, it makes one procrastinate. Dis-interest, undervaluing one's potential, underestimating one's own power, distractions, unwillingness, you name it... these are the real issue when it comes to success and they all have one thing in common - they prevent timely action, they cause procrastination.

Procrastination is the single symptom caused by every success killer. Learning to beat procrastination means dealing with each and every cause of it!

Remember the following about success

You never fail until you stop trying!

I once saw this quote written when I was 14 and it ringed so true! It is all about getting started and never quitting. Anything that goes wrong can be corrected and compensated. Any opposition can be surmounted. Every problem has a solution or an opportunity for a greater good. what doesn't kill you makes you stronger. There's more honor in succeeding in spite of difficulties than by traveling the easy road.

Success represents the 1% of your work which results from the 99% that is called failure. - Soichiro Honda

This man really knew what he was talking about. No matter what happens or how you screw up - there's hope when you keep going. Each one of those failures give a lesson. That lesson is an important stepping stone to your goal.

Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him!

Stuff happens! you can either be their victim and have your weakness reveal or keep going and have your determination revealed. When your weakness is revealed you know what to correct and what lessons you need to learn.

Once you are revealed, you know who you are and where you are! You can take the next step!

More often than note, the next step will be shaping yourself into the person you need to become.

You want success? You want the fulfillment of a cherished dream? Take action! Procrastination is the only thing between you and your desire.

Mark Mifsud

PS: There is another cause of lost success apart from procrastination, which I will discuss in some future blog post soon... keep your eyes on this blog!

One way procrastinators lose on life

2009-05-18T12:36:00.001-07:00

I recently noticed that most of the people who I know to be procrastinators tend to do something in common which I also used to do back in my procrastination days.

We decide to meet between friends, they rarely come. They have something to do!

It is not that the rest of us do not have stuff to do. We deal differently with our stuff.

The procrastinators know (very well) that they have a habit of wasting time, and they have the false impression that tasks take them a lot of time to finish.

To compensate for the time they waste, they remove the fun time from other activities like socializing in the case above.

Do you want to reduce your procrastination? If yes, then decide to lose on nothing, go to your non-urgent appointments, make it a point to enjoy non essential fun time.

Instead of robbing your fun to provide for more time, decide to use your time well so that when the time to have fun comes- you have the complete tasks to add to the fun.

Do your work in anticipation of a bigger fun coming ahead - it reduces the emotional price one has to pay to beat procrastination.

Procrastination: The prime source of bad luck

2009-05-11T23:58:00.000-07:00

You can increase good luck!

There is a contagious superstition in the western world. People believe in luck; old cultures had even a goddess of good luck. The Goddess Fortuna was blind and occasionally happened to touch someone.

But it is just that! A Myth! Especially when we look at what really causes 'luck'.

For luck to exist there has to be random chance. That's already a big indication that luck doesn't exist because nothing happens at random. Everything happens by cause and effect - sometimes things even happen by design. So take it as a rule...

Good luck doesn't just fall on your lap - you have to design it and maintain it.

And it is done by effort, work, action, planning, scheduling and everything that goes against procrastination.

The following principles will help you to create more luck.

1) Understand that luck, as a result of chance is merely a superstition. There is no person that was simply at the right place at the right time... some other factor is at work here... what factor? The factor is...

2) Luck is when preparedness meets opportunity; grasp the truth behind this concept quickly.

The persons who seem to land in the right place at the right time would be nothing without the preparedness that they had beforehand. Back in my schooldays there was a documentary on how Bill Gates started Microsoft and became the top billionaire for many years. The day after everyone at school was amazed by how lucky he was.

Today I see it differently - Bill would be nothing without the preparedness he had to seize that opportunity. He loved computers, he followed the industry, he did not just wait but actually did something.

3) Recognize that opportunities are actually all around us.

This means that your part is simply to add the preparation part of the formula:

Preparation + Opportunity = Luck

Would you like to meet a great opportunity once you are prepared to seize it? You are actually swimming in them; you just need to learn to notice them.

4) The best way to start noticing opportunities, is to start with the preparation; preparation will help your mind to tune in to opportunities.

I once had a rival in love (we liked the same girl) who got very "Lucky" in the air-conditioning business. He literally started from debt and now owns a company that installs, sells and repairs air-conditioners to companies on a two island country and is now trying to get on another continent.

I like to study how my rival got lucky because all those who know him claim that he got lucky.

What I see is a guy who got diligent, worked hard, learned his stuff, was not afraid to make mistakes and wise enough to learn from them without taking discouragement.

Unlike me he didn't study Psychology, Information Technology, Math, Physics, Philosophy and Video Games. Yet he knows everything about air-conditioners and their industry.

With an attitude like that, and the knowledge of that subject; it is INEVITABLE that he would notice the opportunity to buy the company that once employed him (complete with recognized brand name).

I would never notice his opportunity because I never had his preparedness. It is always preparedness that opens the mind to the opportunities that lie around, hidden from most people's eyes.

Meanwhile I'm getting my preparedness with the girl ;-)

5) If you procrastinate with getting prepared, you are actually creating bad luck.

6) Observe how already lucky you really are!

A recent survey had this to say about the entire Earth's

population.

49% are female, 51% male.

Only 20% live in decent houses.

Only 33% can read or write in one language.

1% has a university education.

Only 49% have access to proper nutrition; 50% are malnourished and 1% of the world will die of starvation this year. That's a staggering 1 in every 100 humans.

Yes, 60,000,000 people this year will die of starvation out of all things. Most of these are children under the age of 9.

33% of people have no access to a safe water supply. That's almost 1 in 3 persons, getting sick from the stuff they drink.

Only 17% live in a developed country.

Only 16% have access to the Internet.

If you will eat and sleep under a roof today -Be Grateful!

You are much better that half the population of the world. You are indeed very, very lucky!

If you are one of the 16% with access to the internet and live in a developed country, and also happen to be literate you are super lucky.

You have the means to fetch all the preparedness you want in places where opportunities are wating for you to discover them. Don't be stupid enough to throw it all away by procrastinating.

We are luckier than we think because those that came before us did not procrastinate at creating better conditions for us.

Mark Mifsud

Thought on Time

2009-05-07T03:24:00.000-07:00

Time is a strange asset. It is invisible, but try to spend ten minutes under 20 metres of water and you will know that it affects you deeply!

Use it well!

Procrastination and fear of Liberation

2009-05-06T07:44:00.000-07:00

Today I'll make my point by recounting a recent experience.

A person at a seminar I have been at, stood out of the crowd. He talked, he said it like he thought it was, he joked and he participated.

During the breaks he talked to the presenters and even courted a woman a bit younger than him. He definitely was not one who conforms to unwritten rules.

Sadly all the others where threatened by his manners. I must admit I was also wondering how this guy was suppose to be approached. However, I like challenging myself to do something I'm not prepared for and I approached him to start a conversation.

He was welcoming, considerate and as humble as much as misunderstood.

Then suddenly I also started expressing my unique self and as I did I also started appreciating others. I suggested we got to say hello to everyone and we managed to break the people's ice.

From this experience I learned how important it is to never procrastinate on expressing one's unique self. I was impressed at how people when meeting new persons feel so tense about taking part in an activity. It is a form of fear.

However, when we liberate ourselves from the fear of criticism we also liberate others. there is enough space for everyone to express his or her own unique beauty and for each unique beauty there are unique people capable of appreciating it.

However, we also need to encourage others to come out. All that is required by most people is a little push. Invite them to be themselves.

This brings me to the concluding point: Never procrastinate on expressing your unique self; bring out what's good and nice in you.

Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate.

Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.

It is our light not our darkness that most frightens us.

We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous,talented and fabulous?

Actually, who are you not to be?

You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world.

There's nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you.

We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us.

It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone.

And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same.

As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

—Marianne Williamson

Mark Mifsud

Procrastination Related Quote

2009-05-04T12:20:00.000-07:00

Someone shared this with me last weekend so I thought I'd include it here because it relates to procrastination.

Go to the ant you sluggard (lazy person); consider its ways and be wise!

It has no commander, no overseer or ruler,

yet it stores its provisions in summer and gathers its food at harvest.

How long will you lie there, you sluggard?

When will you get up from your sleep?

A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to rest

and poverty will come on you like a bandit

and scarcity like an armed man.

Book of Proverbs, Chapter 6, Verses 6 to 11

More inspiring things came out from the discussion with the person who shared this with me so later this week I intend to post something else. It will be about one special reason WHY it is good to eliminate procrastination.

Until then; learn from the ant!

Mark Mifsud

Avoiding Procrastination on decisions

2009-04-27T10:03:00.000-07:00

All decisions are important but some are more than others and as irrational as it is, many procrastinate on the important ones more than they do on others.

Why? Because people know that big decisions make big changes and have big consequences. Before committing there is always that voice that is asking "is this really the right way?".

Even worse...

Many (and I mean MANY) procrastinators avoid even thinking about decisions and wait for a time when all the required information is present so that they can make the decision and make it right. This is of course an illusion.

There is a price for waiting! Deciding to wait is a decision itself and one that doesn't do much good when time is pressing.

Highly successful people have been studied for more than a century now, even before Napoleon Hill started investigating his famous 25 year research. There is a consistent pattern that emerges from these studies. All the highly successful people are quick decision takers. They know how to take decisions and focus more on quick decisions than right decisions. They all realize that more often than not they can change course afterwards.

How can we take quicker decisions and stop procrastinating on decisions themselves.

1) Realize that waiting has negative, not positive consequences. I realize there can be many exceptions to this, however, here I am referring about the kind of waiting that is done out of laziness rather than a conscious decision that follows an examination of facts.

If you have not even started examining the facts there are things you don't know on the issue and get this ... What you don't know, will hurt you!

2) Realize that decisions are a choice between 2 or more things. This is one of those obvious things many miss because it is obvious. Last week I had a person who asked me to help him with an issue he has been procrastinating on.

"I must really decide to tell her" he exclaimed!

"What is the alternative?" I enquired

"What do you mean?" he replied

"You said you must decide to tell her" I explained "Whenever you make a decision you make it between two things or more; so what are the alternatives to telling her"

"Ahh, I see" he realized. "So I have not decided because I am waiting for an alternative. Which probably doesn't exist"

"Keep going" I encouraged

"So my real choices are telling her quick, or delaying." he reasoned "and I have been deciding to delay. I was taking a decision all along, but the wrong one"

" You're Sharp" I pointed out, to encourage this line of thought.

"And I'm waiting for a better time and the right words which will never come on there own, if I delay she will want to know why I haven't told her quicker, and if she finds out on her own--- DISASTER. This problem is best tackled while it is small" He concluded.

This brings us to the next few hints.

3) Realize that each one of the choices has consequences.

4) Realize that when you wait, that is also a choice with consequences

5) Realize that taking quick decisions is a matter of looking at consequences and proceed on the path that will have the best consequences . It is that simple, but you need to look at them.

6) Realize that it is ok to make mistakes, taking the wrong decision will give you a worthy lesson which you would have otherwise missed.

7) Realize that without decision there are no commitments and without commitments there are no positive results.

Mark Mifsud

Procrastination: Tackling disorientation caused by CHANGE

2009-04-22T09:23:00.000-07:00

I'm sure many will have experienced this! In fact it is occurring to me at present with all the stuff I have to do!

You're really flowing with your work, in fact you've been for a while, there's a routine to help you stay on the task and it is helping until something comes up.

A birthday party interrupts your routine for just one day, or circumstances change, maybe even in an area not related to the task you're doing. OR maybe goals change, maybe even just slightly.

For me the worse, is when some distraction comes in my life. It could be a new idea you get, which you'd like to explore more and it is kicking in your mind. You meet a new person and fall in love and can't take your mind off her/him. Or more work to do simply accumulates and you're constantly wondering if you're doing the most effective task at every given time.

How can we keep moving when change causes disorientation?

1) You have just sensed that your flow has lost its power. Ok! Stuff like that happens and is expected so my first suggestion would be to keep cool and be aware of a few things.

This happens, and it happens to everyone.

Everyone feels lost in the same way; it's the same feeling for all.

You can learn to prevent it but now that it happened just focus on resolving it as best you can.

And the most important realization to have is this:

This problem is a wonderful learning opportunity. Being a Pro-Completer (Which in my book is the opposite of a procrastinator) is not about having a brute kind of drive or having all the answers about obliterating procrastination but it means being capable of learning how to solve procrastination when one of its causes attacks.

This is one case in point- there's a cause of procrastination, great, let the learning process begin.

2) The second step is to identify the cause- As we said there's a cause. Pin point it with precision!

There's a mistake to avoid here. Most people will struggle very hard to start the task and end up frustrated- They will say "Why waste my time pin pointing the cause? Why not get started, I've already wasted this much time anyway?". This is a fatal mistake.

When you tackle the cause it means spending a few minutes away from the actual task, but it creates more time and productivity later (potentially for the rest of your life).

Possible causes and how to tackle them.

Possible causes could be:

Cause 1) simple breakup of routine- in this case what you probably lack is clarity. Clarify where you are with the project you were on and what is the next step. Just spend some time clarifying instead of working and the flow will start to come back.

To prevent this, when it is foreseeable - just make sure the next task is clear before you indulge in a break, vacation or interruption of routine. I know a couple more psychological tricks for re-establishing the mood for a particular project (anchoring technique) but clarity is always vital for workflow, so start with that.

Cause 2) A Distraction that needs attention. This is the kind of situation where you are wondering what needs to be worked on, and/or how much time to spend on two or more things.

These may not necessarily be work, one of them could be a loved one who at present is in a situation where he/she needs more of your attention.

You will decide to take care of both these situations at the same time. Imagination is a wonderful tool to solve this situation. Start an imaginary discussion with two copies of you. One will be that part of your mind that wants you to focus on one thing, while the other copy will be the one wanting to focus on the other thing. Your role is that of a mediator; both of these parts of your mind love you, and want to reach consensus. Get talking; ask them what each wants for you, why and how time and effort can be balanced between the two in a reasonable way.

Don't forget to hug between you when the agreement is reached: This is where you become ONE person again. You'll be amazed at how effective this conflict resolution technique is.

Right now I am writing a book as well as doing research for a new business I'm starting and I am finding myself juggling two projects so I did this, but there's another thing I need to take care of.

It is important to never take a break from a project without clarifying what the next step is. Since I am stopping from one to go for the other I am not stopping from one without having a clear idea of what the next step is when I am to continue on a project. You need to do the same.

Cause 3) A Distraction that needs not your attention, but will need it later. In this case you work similar to the previous cause with a few minor differences.

In the conversation do ask what the issue that will be delayed has to offer you and still work towards a consensus. Don't worry it WILL alarm you when it is time to pay attention unless you resolve to start the delayed action on a particular date/time.

In the meantime do the best on the other project so that when the other thing will need attention you have less work to do on this un-delayed one.

Cause 4) A Distraction you do not need.

This will have to be eliminated from your mind either by learning to ignoring it or by delegating it to someone.

To remove it from your mind write it down on paper. Usually this simple writing is enough; if not you may still want to use the imaginary conversation and see how the part that wants you to focus on this distraction can give you the same benefits or fun without disrupting your other focuses. Be firmly clear with it that if it disrupts other focuses it will be causing you and others suffering.

Another technique involves shifting submodalities. If you're not familiar with submodalities do this simple exercise to wipe out (or a least neutrallise) the distracting thought.

Step 1) See how this thought is represented in your mind. What images, sounds, words and feelings compose it. Don't worry if it is vauge and incomprehensible, just notice whatever there is.

Step 2 ) Now VERY QUICKLY (a split of a second if possible) in your imagination, Whiten the image and blank the sound with some louder (imaginary) noise and shake the feeling. Try to hold this disruption for a second or two.

Repeat step 2 for 5 other times and check to see how different you feel. Don't worry if this feels disorienting or maybe even guilty. The important thing is that you shook the distracting thought; now focusing on what you want is easier so FOCUS ON IT.

Hope you found this interesting. I'm sure it is very helpful so feel free to play around with this stuff in order to learn it better.

See ya soon!

Mark Mifsud

PS: Can't believe I even found time to write on this blog! WOW! Sorry for spelling mistakes if there are any, I really rushed with this one.

If you control it, the world is at your feet!

2009-04-18T12:33:00.000-07:00

I am your constant companion,

I am your greatest helper or your heaviest burden.

I will push you onward or drag you down to failure.

I am at your command.

Half of the tasks that you do you might just as well

Turn over to me and I will do them quickly and correctly.

I am easily managed; you must merely be firm with me.

Show me exactly how you want something done.

After a few lessons, I will do it automatically.

I am the servant of all great people

And the regret of all failures as well.

Those who are great, I have made great.

Those who are failures, I have made failures.

I am not a machine but I will work with all its precision

Plus the intelligence of a person.

Now you may run me for profit or you may run me for ruin.

It makes no difference to me.

Take me, train me, be firm with me and

I will lay the world at your feet.

Be easy with me and I will destroy you.

I am called Habit!

Author Unknown

Time flies so quickly, it's scary!

2009-04-17T07:52:00.000-07:00

Ever felt like life is flying away from you very quickly? I have the solution for that!

Exactly a year from now I made arrangements to go to Dubai and give a seminar the following June, I loved it! A few days from now and a year will have passed already. It seems like yesterday.

By comparison though, if I look back at last August it seems really distant, certainly in real-time it is not that distant, but it looks like that for me. Why?

The reason is that I started a number of projects after coming from Dubai and when I look back I don't just see a point in my life, I also see the huge number of things I started and finished. It passed quickly, but it is incredible what a person can do in a small number of months.

I'm 30 today, and when I see how quickly time is starting to run it really scares me, when I'm twice my age I will be 60 already, just a few days ago I was 16 years old. Oh my! Time is depleeting, technology advancing, there seems like not enough time will remain for me to do what I want to do in life and have the time left to enjoy it.

In many males of my age this realisation causes the midlife crisis. But me - I am lucky!

I learned about the brain, I have been prepared to face scary thoughts like these. Sure I wasted alot of time with procrastination but I have now beaten it; and that's the relief that helps me to look at the future with more optimism than I had when I was 16.

They say 16 is the best time of life, not when you're a procrastinator! There is no 'best time' in the life of a procrastinator; time is an enemy of procrastinators! They look at it escaping and they feel depressed and more hopeless. That is what I felt at age 16.

Today I'm less young, my hairline is thinner, and I have to pay more attention to my diet and exercising to keep my energy at levels that are acceptable for me. I have been scared by the ups and downs of life, but I'm happier!

I'm happier because what remains of my time, I know how to maximise it, use it, live it and do something awesome with it for me and for the rest of the world. When you beat procrastination once and for all, time is a friend, you still feel the pain when you see it gone, but that pain helps you to love it and use it even more, and then you have no regrets that it is gone. It is not gone in vain!

At age 16 I used to look forward to when I'd be 30 and fantasise that by that time many success would have been reached. I have only started really doing something about them a few years ago though!

But today I am confident, with a degree of certainity, that when I am 60 I will be looking back at the day I realised that procrastination left me alone. I will have no regrets! Life may not turn out exactly as I wish, it never does and it doesn't matter.

I have beaten procrastination. Now there is nothing holding me back. Nothing in front of me can possibly paralyse me. I can walk through any wall.

Thank God! I have beaten procrastination. I've tasted all the bad life has to offer, bad health, poverty, lost loves, but procrastination was my only regret, all other regrets were a result of it. Now it is gone, and no regret can touch me!

Mark Mifsud

PS: Dedicated to my friend Time. I'm sorry I wasted you, I'll never forgive myself!

Chocolate found to increase passion

2009-04-16T07:38:00.001-07:00

At least that's what a report by BBC suggests. here's the link:

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6558775.stm

I have successfully used this phenomenon to increase motivation and passion for tasks I want to accomplish.

All one has to do is to start compensating oneself with chocolate for tasks well done.

Chocolate caused a more intense and longer lasting "buzz" than kissing, and doubled volunteers' heart rates.

The research was carried out by Dr David Lewis, formerly of the University of Sussex, and now of the Mind Lab.

Chocolate beats kissing hands down when it comes to providing a long-lasting body and brain buzz

Dr David Lewis

Experts, concerned at growing levels of obesity throughout the developed world, warn that chocolate should only be consumed in moderation.

Dr Lewis said: "There is no doubt that chocolate beats kissing hands down when it comes to providing a long-lasting body and brain buzz.

"A buzz that, in many cases, lasted four times as long as the most passionate kiss."

Psychologist Sue Wright said: "Chocolate contains phenylethylamine which can raise levels of endorphins, the pleasure-giving substances, in the brain.

In a nutshell, if you want to learn to associate pleasure with accomplishment, chocolate rewards are ideal as I've always insisted (and as you always knew, right?)

Better than kissing?

I guess it depends on who you're kissing too! ;-)

Mark Mifsud

Quote

2009-04-15T01:03:00.000-07:00

“Observe your thoughts for they become feelings.
Choose your feelings for they become actions.
Control your actions for they become habits.
Choose your habits for they get you stuck on paths
Determine the paths you'll walk, for they will become your destiny.”

Beat procrastination after Easter

2009-04-13T00:15:00.000-07:00

Now I realize that with the diversity of cultures in the world, not everyone on the internet celebrates Easter or the pagan feast of Ishtar. However, the days after these feast can be helpful for everyone who wants to take a boost at beating procrastination.

Why?

Because sweets and Easter eggs that were not bought before Easter will be at a discount, markets will have clearance sales. So here's my procrastination tip for these days.

1) Rush to your nearest super market and get all the chocolate you can (you saw that coming didn't you?! :-)

2) Make a list of what you want to accomplish in the next 2 week, break down big tasks in smaller parts so they don't seem scary. Remember to choose a reasonable amount of time for each task and avoid filling all of your free time. Give yourself room for rest.

3) Use the chocolate as rewards for every group of 3 or four tasks you accomplish.

Of course you will need to keep the discipline and consume the chocolate only after the tasks are complete... but usually this is not a problem, most procrastinators can delay rewards.

You can do this with other things that are not necessarily chocolate, but these won't be at a clearance sale.

I hope this will be helpful, as chocolate always is! Ha ha! When it is at a discount it is even better (and more tasty too, for some reason).

Now, I must go do some work because that Swiss chocolate bunny has been smiling at me for too long already.

The ideal time to beat procrastination

2009-04-06T13:17:00.000-07:00

When is the ideal time to beat procrastination?

That Depends.

The best time to avoid it is before it comes.

But the best time to beat it is actually when you feel totally powerless against it.

Really, think about it! If you beat it when it's really hard then it will be really easy when it is less hard.

Every problem, presents itself only for one reason: to teach you to handle it! (any time it may come)

When it is not that hard to beat, beat it anyway. This will prepare you for harder battles!

First article on Procrastination for April

2009-04-04T05:29:00.000-07:00

You can read it, print, it, download a copy and share it with friends by clicking here!

Procrastination Comic #3 (Tasty)

2009-04-02T08:10:00.001-07:00

I have recently started writing an article about why procrastination is addictive and wanted to add some pictures to give it a little... you know... variety!

I was suppose to post the article this coming weekend but it is turning out to be so long that it will either take longer or be delivered in parts, so watch this blog for updates. Meanwhile...

My graphic designer came up with this blatant desecration and ripping off from existent trademarks. Some of you may have noticed that I put this up earlier but had it taken off. Don't worry no lawyer knocked at my door yet!

So let's put it in positive terms... Since imitation is the most sincere form of flattery, we at the procrastination tips blog and ultimate procrastination cure dot com are flattering the idea that once you pop you can't stop! (Slogan is registered property of Procter & Gamble)

Actually you can stop procrastination, that's what we're about, but there's a certain temptation to keep going with the thing that is similar to the addictive-ness of crunchy, tasty snacks once a tube is opened! ;-)

Click image to see large version!

No I am NOT receiving any payments from this covert, subliminal advertising! Although to be honest, I'm getting a little appetite writing this.

I hope you like it, and hope that the guys at Procter & Gamble don't take offenses. Sorry guys, I'm afraid I just created an evil arch rival for Julius Pringles with an equally evil mustache style! As for the rest, keep those tasty things coming (they're good for increasing motivation to complete stuff)!

Mark Mifsud

PS: Paprika is my favorite :p

What is your specific procrastination challenge?

2009-03-19T11:47:00.000-07:00

Today's lesson (which I may develop into a longer article later on) is about the meaning of procrastination.

I'd like to ask you: What is the definition of procrastination for you?

What words do you use to describe your procrastination?

The words and definitions you use influence your mind. The right words can help you to find the right attitude to beat it and sometimes even the solution. The wrong words will get you to sink deeper into your procrastination addiction, habit or whatever your problem's nature is.

What do I mean by using the right words and definitions?

Let me provide an example. I was listening the TV and there was a discussion about equality issues and I heard an interesting comment which went something like the following:

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

Today we don't call a disabled person a handicapped person because it places too much emphasis on the problem rather than the solution.

We don't even call them 'people with special needs' because this gives the impression that these people are helpless.

We call them 'physically (or mentally) challenged' because this presents reality in a new way- it tells the challenged person the truth, it tells one that there is a challenge but not that one is broken. It therefore inspires one to take that challenge and embrace it with courage.

We also changed the definition of challenge- Today we don't define the person as challenged but consider THE INTERACTION BETWEEN THE PERSON AND SOCIETY as challenged. This definition gives us the truth about the fact that the society that is incapable of being inclusive is itself challenged. This new definition also highlights the responsibility society has for this challenge to be embraced and overcome.

_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_-_

I gave this speaker a much deserved standing ovation :~D

Now let's get back to procrastination and the words and definition. How is your definition influencing your mind? Do you consider yourself broken or challenged? Do you blame the circumstances, your upbringing, other people or do you take full responsibility? What is your true challenge?

Is your procrastination an emotional challenge?

Is it a priority challenge, for example are you giving priority to your distractions instead of the task that has to be done?

Is it a belief challenge? Is there a limiting belief about the task or your ability to perform it?

Is it an energy challenge?

or a habit challenge?

or a value conflict challenge?

or a strategy challenge?

or a low compensation challenge?

maybe a clarity challenge?

or a combination of many challenges?

Now what is your definition of challenge? For me any challenge is an opportunity to become stronger. I say to myself- "If I manage to overcome this I will have one more situation that doesn't scare me". I also remind myself that every problem is an opportunity in disguise and every mistake is a teacher.

With this attitude few things scare me today.

I am not scared by rejection or criticism because I won that challenge already and can win it anytime from now on

I am not scared by poverty because I won that challenge too

I am not scared by incompetence because to beat that challenge I studied accelerated learning and can learn anything fast

I am not afraid of depression, I have overcome that too

I am not afraid of failing exams, guess why!?

More importantly, I have won my life's main challenge. I am not afraid of most procrastination causing challenges. I beat every single one of them that came my way so far.

You can overcome anything, and my suggestion today is to adopt the right definitions. Choose ones that support your goal and remind them to yourself very often; your mind will inevitably start functioning in a new manner that will help you beat that challenge in ways you never considered before.

All the best!

Mark Mifsud

A great article about taking action

2009-03-19T02:47:00.000-07:00

Since I've got other priorities this week, I didn't write an article of my own, but I found one that I would love to share.

It is mostly intended for business people but has something everyone can learn from.

It is titled " Act Like Your Life Depends on Action, and You'll Beat the Competition "

Even if you don't have your own business, you still have a competition.

If you are a procrastination your competition is your own self sabotage.

And anyway, the title really says it all!

Enjoy!

Law of Attraction and Procrastination

2009-03-11T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have recently written an article titled:

The Law of Attraction hates Procrastinators

Click on the link to read it!

Belief in the Law of attraction is found in both procrastinators and in pro-completers but the attitude towards it is different for both.

Discover how to make it really work!

Mark Mifsud

Procrastination Caused by Perfectionism

2009-03-11T07:45:00.000-07:00

The following document is an improved version of my previous article on Procrastination and Perfectionism.

The Truth About Procrastination Caused by Perfectionism

Enjoy

Mark Mifsud

What makes a good procrastination overcomer?

2009-03-06T23:40:00.000-08:00

Now that's a good question isn't it? There is good and bad everything. There are great teachers and bad teachers. Good golfer and bad ones. But what makes them good?

If you do a little introspection and ask yourself, "What am I already good at?" and "What makes me really good at it?" the answer will begin to emerge.

I highly encourage you to try this exercise now, without any need to go into a lot of detail. I will describe what I did so that you can just copy my approach.

I did this myself; I asked myself "what am I good at?" my answers were:

I'm a good psychologist

I'm good at humor

I'm a good teacher

I'm good at understanding technology

I'm good at writing

I'm good at appreciating music

I could go on, but I guess 6 is very good - NEXT STEP

we ask - Why am I good at these?:

I'm a good psychologist: Because I am constantly analyzing myself first. This makes me study people without my prejudices getting in the way, as that is my responsibility.

Why am I good at humor?: I try to find the funny and illogical in things constantly. I do this because I can take responsibility for my happiness and for the happiness of those around me.

Good Teacher: because I am constantly learning. I am constantly simplifying subjects in my mind, I am constantly viewing things from the point of view of the most unlearned person that could be in my class. It allows me to deliver what I know more responsibly.

Are you seeing a pattern emerging already?

understanding technology: I am constantly figuring out how stuff works. It is my responsibility to use the equipment well, without damaging it while deriving the best benefits from it.

Writing: I am constantly talking to myself like I'm my own teacher and story teller. Because I am responsible to remember and think about what is going on around me.

So what is the pattern?

People are good at things they do constantly, while focusing on responsibility.

so back to our question:

What makes a good procrastination overcomer?

What must one do constantly to be a good procrastination overcomer?
And what must one be responsible for?

I devoted a good part of my life to answer that and here's my answer.
A good procrastination overcomer, constantly monitors how his or her time is being used because he or she is the sole one responsible for the outcome of those actions or lack thereof!

As a good man recently said to me, "Responsibility always and in all ways".

But there is another thing!

Write down what you want to stop procrastinating about and ask yourself: "What constant actions need I take to make this a positive habit?"

Then ask yourself: " What responsibilities need I be aware of to be motivated to take these constant actions?"

Now for the most important question!

How does one learn to develop this 'constancy' and value something so much that responsibility becomes automatic?

I wrote an entire book on learning this but I'll try to give it to you in a nutshell.

Be good at practicing it; and guess how that is done?

To be good at practicing you have to practice as constantly as possible while taking responsibility for the outcome you want. No one is going to serve you the outcome (or life) you want on a silver plate.

The days when mom and dad take care of things is quickly over and the government is only interested in using you! You have to be the one to take charge. Go for it.

Mark Mifsud

PS: In case you were wondering why I'm good at listening to music: I constantly pay attention to how music is crafted whenever I hear it. It is my responsibility to appreciate the beauty that comes from other people because it will never be the same as the beauty inside of me. It is my responsibility to notice whatever is beautiful without letting it pass me by.

Perfectionism and Procrastination

2009-03-02T08:00:00.000-08:00

Perfectionism is often pointed out as being a cause of procrastination but these two words are some of the most misunderstood concepts ever.

Perfectionism is sometimes helpful, but has its drawbacks too.

To learn more about the issue check out my latest article by clicking the following link... then come back here and let me know what you think.

The Truth about Perfectionism and Procrastination

Enjoy!

Mark Mifsud

Grand Expectations & how they relate with Procrastination

2009-02-24T13:21:00.000-08:00

I have written an article about how having VERY HIGH expectations can cause procrastination or motivation.

This is a must read for you big dreamers out there that suffer from the ugly habit of delaying tasks.

Find it by clicking this link:

http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=1424967

Enjoy!

Feel free to leave questions and/or comments

Mark Mifsud

Anti-Procrastination thoughts to ponder

2009-02-19T00:22:00.000-08:00

Think about what is truly worth doing.

Why not dedicating your time and focus to it today?

Do you realize how vital to your success and happiness that would be?

Awareness of Time can help in Overcoming Procrastination

2009-02-16T06:48:00.000-08:00

It is possible to prevent and get out of procrastination by adopting an attitude to value time.

We all know that procrastination is a waste of time. One who procrastinates definitely doesn't give time the value it deserves. If one realises how precious this limited resource is, one would never procrastinate on anything.

Bringing the mind face to face with this realisation is another matter though. It can be done, and rather quickly when one knows how.

First one needs to choose to value time more than he or she does. Today some talk about oil being a finite resource (I personally believe it is being produced by the rocks all the time) ... in fact we've been saying that oils will quickly dry up since 1950s. But let's not deviate, what about your time on this Earth. How finite is it?

1) Your time on Earth is finite, as is everyone's?

2) You don't know how finite it is, you could die tomorrow.

Sorry to be a bearer of sad news but face it, you will die someday whether you want it or not, and for most people it is quicker than they want.

3) Most of your time needs to be spent on essential things like sleeping and eating.

4) If you delay stuff you have to do, something else may come up that requires your attention; this will delay thing seven further.

5) Do you ever realise how quickly a week, a month and years go by?

6) This one is the most important realisation.

If there are goals you want to reach in life and you decide to delay taking action.. you have delayed not just the task, not just your goal... you have delayed virtually EVERYTHING!

Sure there are things like sleep which can hardly be delayed, but your life's projects are all delayed if one small item is delayed.

If you waste half an hour a day, on anything, in 1 year you would have delayed EVERYTHING by 182 hours. In fact you will have thrown 182 hours of your limited time on Earth away.

Start valuing time more, by focusing on the facts in the above lists. Make the mental picture of the above beliefs about time look clear, focused and convincing to you. By adjusting those mental pictures, these beliefs can be adopted quickly (in days or hours) by your mind.

This will build you a better relationship with time and you'd have eliminated one cause of procrastination.

Mark Mifsud

Procrastination Comic #2

2009-02-13T00:28:00.000-08:00

Click image to enlarge (a bit)!

Today's Procrastination Comic is a good way to get you thinking.

1) What is procrastination promising you that taking action is not?

2) Is it even worth your attention?

3) Are there any things in your life that are taking your focus away from success because they are promising something cool, but you have hardly any reasonable chance of ever achieving?

4) Are you expecting your life breakthrough to happen by chance?

Don't be like Frank (the guy in the comic strip). I bet someone is looking at him and saying "$10 say he'll be a skeleton before he succeeds".

Hope you liked the comic :) and I hope the lesson it imparts helps you to become closer to the best you can be.

Mark Mifsud

Procrastination: A little delay ruins a day!

2009-02-12T00:55:00.000-08:00

Today I want to talk more about the mental illusion(s) that cause procrastination.

I want to talk about the "I'll do it later" habit and why it does not work!

Here's an example of how it happens: It's a nice day, and one has a number of tasks to do when he or she would rather enjoy the sunshine.

"Oh it's 9:10am he says, I'll start at 9:30am". But it never happens; 4 hours later the mind wants more enjoyment!

5 hours later, guilt is pressing and n order to compensate for that irritating feeling more enjoyment is required. It has become like an addictive substance; there's no fun in it, but one runs after the empty promise of more fun.

Have you ever realised that a good dinner always seems less abundant. As the saying goes, one can never have enough of a pleasant thing.

That same thing happens with whatever distracts people from the tasks that are required to be done.

So how do we solve this?

First, be aware that breaks before starting cause a downward spiral into an addictive state of procrastination.

Second, resolve to enjoy the day, but only when the task is finished.

Third, realise that by starting your tasks and finishing them you will not only have all the time to enjoy the day, but you will enjoy it better and enjoy even the tasks.

Fourth, consider forming this into a habit. There are techniques to create habits fast if you do your research! If you don't have time for such a research, you're either too busy to be reading this space or you're a really big procrastinator. So get my book to quicken up things or if you can't afford it, find some time to visualise yourself carrying this new behaviour in the same situation where you usually procrastinate.

More importantly though, keep in mind that delaying doesn't work... the more you consider the truth of it the quicker your mind will be willing to drop the behavior. When the mind realises that a behavior doesn't give the required result it drops it IMMEDIATELY, once and for all.

It's instant change; and your next step is to build the habit that works.

Congratulations!

More mental illusions that cause procrastination in the next post. Stay tuned, and until then, stay productive! :)

Mark Mifsud

First Comic on Procrastination

2009-02-11T02:44:00.001-08:00

Click image to enlarge!

My research has found that one of the main qualities that distinguish Pro-Completers from Procrastinators is the speed at which decisions are made. The above strip sums it all up for the occasion of this week.

Hope you like the comic; feel free to comment it!

Happy Valentine's day to every who is in love!

Now get back to work :-)

Mark Mifsud

PS: You're free to share the strip in its entirety and without changes to the image elements, text and/or copyright notices and only for non commercial purposes!

The mental illusion that causes Procrastination

2009-02-10T00:41:00.000-08:00

This is one of those posts those of you struggling with procrastination will do well to spend some time contemplating. I have no doubt it will help your mind to better work around the procrastination puzzle.

I want to talk about mental illusions. Whenever someone procrastinates he or she is trapped in an illusion generated by the mind the illusion works something like the following!

The mind is perceiving 2 things: One is a task to be done, and the other thing is what we can call a distraction. What your instincts want to do instead of the task appears to offer more of what you truly value.

Does one value creative ideas more than success? If yes, such a person's distraction are his/her daydreams; the tasks required to actually succeed are perceived to be less satisfying.

The result? You guessed it! Procrastination!

How is this an illusion?

Because obviously, any real success, no matter how small, is much better than fantasized success! It is easy for us here to notice this, we are disconnected from the situation of this individual, we can see the illusion from outside it.

So next time you feel like procrastinating consider the following FACTS.

Pro-Completion (the opposite of procrastination) creates more time to have fun than it consumes. Any impression of otherwise is a mental illusion.

Pro-Completion creates more intense fun than the procrastinating on the distraction provides. Any impression of otherwise is a mental illusion. A pleasurable activity is enjoyed much more when there isn't a part of your mind nagging about unfinished business.

Pro-Completion offers better rest than breaks taken in order to procrastinate. The mind rests better when tasks are finished. Any impression of otherwise is a mental illusion.

Similarly Pro-Completion creates more time than it takes!

It creates more energy than it takes!

It creates more money than it takes! (Procrastinators are more prone of falling for unstable get rich quick schemes that fail, if you fell for one maybe you need to re-examine your conscience and procrastination honestly)

Implant this belief in your head! Pro-Completion creates more of EVERYTHING it appears to take away! Any impression of otherwise is a mental illusion. Period!

Procrastination sucks! It promises a brief amount of fun, but has you feeling BAD afterwords. Would you borrow $50 if you have to give $150 a week later? And have that sum grow to $450 a week after?

Procrastination does that with your feelings and achievements. Don't fall for this illusion!

In the next post (in this category) I will talk about the illusion of procrastination again from a different perspective. Stay tuned and you're welcome to reply.

Now go back to work! :-p

Mark Mifsud

How what you value helps to cause or avoid procrastination

2009-02-08T04:28:00.000-08:00

We saw last time that a clear awareness of what is at stake is an essential ingredient to acquire the trait of responsibility. The other ingredient for responsibility, and therefore overcoming procrastination is having solid values.

Everyone has values, values are simply what one considers important. People differ greatly between what they value.

It is also important what you value over what else!

An example will help clarify: Let us say you value approval over money, here's what will happen... You will have to sell something but will delay talking to potential clients about what your item/property because you are afraid this person may criticise you or disagree with you.

If a man values his career over his relationships chances are he will procrastinate in his relationships. His significant other will be begging for more time but his values dictate otherwise... The result?!

Here's a question for those who procrastinate a lot: What will happen if you value freedom and carefreeness over success? How much time will you waste once and for all? This is a huge cause of procrastination I was once a victim of myself.

Responsibility requires the humility to realise what our values are and that our priorities may be screwed up.

If everything in your life runs smoothly your values are in the proper order. But chances are they aren't.

So how do we reorganise values?

First, Play a different game than usual. Explore the idea of giving more importance to the WHOLE AREA related to the task you are procrastinating about. This exploration may not be easy for some areas of life, especially if you've neglected them for ages, it is realistic to expect a learning curve so go for it.

Last time I suggested to use pen & paper to become aware of gains and losses related to the task you tend to procrastinate on. Today I want you do that same analysis with the ENTIRE value you are neglecting, not just one task.

If you have been neglecting any area of life (relationships, career, learning, finances, spirituality, health), or any positive traits (patience, self-esteem, being organised, being humorous) make 2 list.

On one list you will mention what will happen if you ignore that value.

On the other list what total success in that area will look like.

This will help you give more importance to that area and thereby reducing procrastination drastically.

There are of course more advanced techniques to fix how your values are prioritised but start with the above suggestion today!

To your success in life (in every area)

Mark Mifsud

Increasing responsibility to overcome procrastination

2009-02-06T00:25:00.000-08:00

So as stated in my last post; Learning to be more responsible is the first puzzling requirement to overcome procrastination.

I don't mean to insist that you must be more responsible, we all individually know, deep inside, that being more responsible is good for us and that it will avoid anyone a lot of procrastination. I want to talk about HOW TO be more resposible.

So how can you increase your response-ability; your ability to respond.

First, realise that the ability to respond is directly related to the following 2 things:

1) What you are CLEARLY Aware of

2) What you truly value

Let's start with awareness!

When you are fully aware of what you are gaining by a task you are in a mental position to consider doing it. If you only have a vague idea that there is a gain you WILL procrastinate, in fact anyone will procrastinate when gains are vague.

Apart from being aware of gains, one needs to be aware of the losses procrastination will cause. Again awareness of the loss involved needs to be clear and distinct.

Many people tell me that they become aware of what they are losing just before sleeping at night... the urgency to get going comes just when they are about to sleep and it does disturb them. This is the worse time to feel tense if you want to have a restful night. Unfortuantely as soon as morning comes the urgency is gone.

The awfulness of this experience can be used to your advantage. If you have experienced this already remind the feeling to yourself the moment procrastination is tormenting you. It sucks to have uncomfortable feelings doesn't it? Well, if you don't want them just before sleeping you'd better get going now!

Awareness is not automatic if you have a habit of procrastinating, you have to work for it. Take a piece of paper and get clear about the gains and the losses of the actions you require to do. This will provide awareness of your situation.

If you are familiar with how to call up emotions at will (like the anchoring technique) you may try something I do... I call up that night-time sense of urgency when I feel like procrastinating... It puts me into action immediately.

This emotion is a consequence (of procrastination) that is noticeable when awareness is present. I'd do anything so that at night I feel peaceful and happy!

With more clear awareness you can increase your ability to respond. That is what responsibility really is; it is the ability to get clear.

Then there is also the second ingredient... what you truly value!

That is what I'll talk about in the next post.

To your success in life

Mark Mifsud

The first unknown step to Overcoming Procrastination

2009-02-04T05:04:00.000-08:00

As a first post in this blog, I decided to talk about the first step to Overcome Procrastination.

Here I am not talking about overcoming procrastination for a single task but beating procrastination as a general behaviour. I hope it is already obvious that beating procrastination once is hardly useful.

I am also avoiding the obvious stuff, that is why I titled this post 'the first unknown step'. The first known step is to recognise that the problem is there, most procrastinators know there'sa problem and would like it solved. But hey, if they knew the unknown first step, maybe they'd take it too.

The first unknown step is: 'Learning to take responsibility for your entire life, all situations, all ways you react to situations, all feelings and all behaviors'

Ok, ok! I dare say I know what you're thinking. That is not an unknown step, many have said it before me... Then I'm going to prove to that no one ever did. Read on!

What is Responsibility anyway? It is the ability to have a meaningful, productive response to a situation. You have a task to start and complete - you respond by taking action until it is finished to the best of your abilities.

We can intentionally mispell it as response-ability, for clarity.

Procrastinators, by definition, do not respond, or at the very best they don't respond in time. So tell me - how does one learn the ability to respond? (notice that the unknown step is not TAKING responsibility it is LEARNING to take responsibility).

And what if a procrastinator delays the undertaking of the learning process to learn responsibility? How do you overcome that?

See my point? The very first step is already puzzling! I am sure nobody ever told you how to 'Learn to respond' when you are incapable of responding.

Many parts of the procrastination trap are tricky, this is one of them!

If you want to discover how to learn response-ability tune watch this space! That's what I will reveal in the next post.

Until then I'll leave you wondering, while wishing you a happy and productive life. If you are desperate and in a hurry check out my book.

To your success

Mark Mifsud