Proverbs 21:5a: The plans of the diligent lead to abundance..

I once thought about creating a childrens book teaching on procrastination by creation a fictional nation called “Procrasti Nation”, where everyone there does everything late, if at all. lol. Maybe one day I will write that book.

The moral of that story would be, don’t procrastinate. but thats easier said than done. I’m sure if most people could stop doing it, they would. There are things going on in the brain, that seem to overide common sense. Some even feel the fuel of beating a deadline, the day before, to be a great motivator. But it may be costing them health and peace of mind.

Planning ahead offers numerous health benefits, including reduced stress and anxiety. By organizing tasks and setting clear goals, individuals can manage their time more effectively, leading to a greater sense of control and accomplishment. This proactive approach minimizes last-minute rushes and the associated stress, promoting better mental well-being. Additionally, planning ahead often includes scheduling regular exercise, balanced meals, and adequate sleep, which are crucial for maintaining physical health. Overall, strategic planning fosters a healthier lifestyle by enhancing both mental and physical health.

But, if you are a mild to notorious procrastinator (like me), there are tons of books and tools out there to help you. Use their wisdom and leverage. You will thank you for doing it, ten years from now.

Some typical strategies may include:

1. Break Tasks into Smaller Steps: Dividing large tasks into manageable pieces makes them less overwhelming and more achievable.

2. Set Specific Goals: Clear, actionable goals provide direction and a sense of purpose.

3. Create a Schedule: Use planners or digital tools to allocate specific times for each task, ensuring consistent progress.

4. Prioritize Tasks: Focus on high-priority items first, using techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix to differentiate between urgent and important tasks.

5. Eliminate Distractions: Identify and minimize sources of distraction, such as social media, to maintain focus.

6. Use Timers: Employ the Pomodoro Technique or similar methods to work in focused bursts with regular breaks.

7. Reward Yourself: Set up a system of rewards for completing tasks, which can motivate you to stay on track.

8. Stay Accountable: Share your goals with a friend or use accountability apps to track your progress and stay committed.

9. Maintain a Positive Mindset: Cultivate a positive attitude towards your work and remind yourself of the benefits of completing tasks on time.

I especially love number 8, because, often we take completing the task as the reward. But what if it’s something you hate to do, but just have to? You need a reward that is something you want to do (or taste) and you look forward to doing it. For example, I try to treat myself to a milkshake or other savory food item on Friday, for having completed a 5 day work week. Retiring is a long way off, (if at all), BUT, I can reward myself for working 1 full week. Micro-rewards, I guess would be the word. Reward yourself for each step.

A brief overview of The Pomodoro Technique:

It is a time management method designed to improve focus and productivity by breaking work into intervals, typically 25 minutes in length, separated by short breaks. Here’s how it works:

1. Choose a Task: Select the task you want to work on.

2. Set a Timer: Set a timer for 25 minutes. This interval is known as a "Pomodoro," named after the Italian word for tomato, inspired by the tomato-shaped kitchen timer used by the technique's creator.

3. Work on the Task: Focus solely on the task until the timer goes off. Avoid all distractions and commit to working for the full 25 minutes.

4. Take a Short Break: Once the timer rings, take a 5-minute break. This break allows you to rest and recharge.

5. Repeat the Cycle: After the break, set the timer for another 25 minutes and continue working. Repeat this cycle.

6. Longer Break After Four Pomodoros: After completing four Pomodoro intervals, take a longer break of 15-30 minutes to give yourself a more substantial rest.

The Pomodoro Technique helps improve concentration by creating a sense of urgency and limiting the amount of time available to work on a task, which can increase productivity and reduce mental fatigue. Regular breaks also help maintain sustained attention and prevent burnout.

Several other time management techniques similar to the Pomodoro Technique can help enhance productivity and focus:

1. Time Blocking: This involves scheduling specific blocks of time for different tasks or activities throughout the day. By dedicating set periods to specific tasks, you can ensure focused work and minimize distractions.

2. The 52/17 Rule: Based on research suggesting optimal productivity, this method recommends working for 52 minutes followed by a 17-minute break. It balances extended focus periods with adequate rest.

3. The Two-Minute Rule: From David Allen's "Getting Things Done" (GTD) methodology, this rule suggests that if a task takes two minutes or less to complete, do it immediately. This helps prevent small tasks from accumulating and becoming overwhelming.

4. The Flowtime Technique: A more flexible approach than Pomodoro, this technique allows you to work for as long as you can maintain focus. You track start and end times for work periods and breaks, adjusting based on your natural concentration span.

5. The 90-Minute Focus Session: Based on the concept of ultradian rhythms, which are natural cycles the body goes through approximately every 90 minutes, this technique involves working in 90-minute blocks followed by a 20-30 minute break.

6. Getting Things Done (GTD): A comprehensive time management system that involves capturing tasks, clarifying what actions are needed, organizing tasks by category and priority, reviewing regularly, and executing tasks efficiently.

7. Eat That Frog: Inspired by a Mark Twain quote, this method suggests starting your day with the most challenging or important task ("the frog"). Completing this first can build momentum and make the rest of the day feel more manageable.

“God has promised forgiveness to your repentance, but He has not promised tomorrow to your procrastination.”

St. Augustine of Hippo