Dear Jacquelyn,

I often find myself procrastinating. I know this trickles over into my personal poor manners. If there is something that I do not want to do, I can find 10 different reasons to do 100 different things to avoid one simple task. Can you suggest some ways to stop procrastinating?

Dear Reader,

The best way to conquer procrastination is by creating a to-do list.

When you make a checklist of everything that needs to be done, the task does not seem so overwhelming. You can mark things off over a week, a month or a year.

Even though a year feels quite long, some people need that time-frame. Once it is written down on paper and posted where you can see it on a daily basis, you are more prone to follow through.

There is an art to creating and keeping a to-do list. The list should have tasks in priority and a time frame of completion. You can continue to add to your list and delete as you accomplish each goal. You may even want to list actionable steps and who to contact for items requiring another person, such as a plumber or handyman.

Disconnecting from technology is also a huge help. While technology can potentially make our lives easier and more interesting at the touch of a button, most people can quickly get distracted by looking at their social media feed rather than completing an overdue project.

One incoming text from a friend or family member can derail an entire venture. Multiply that text by two or more, and you will waste an entire afternoon responding to non-emergency texts. It would be wise to put your phone on “do not disturb” or turn it off. You can check it from time to time, but make a commitment not to respond to unnecessary texts until your project is complete.

Whatever it is that you are avoiding, just do it and get it over with.

You will feel better and have more time to concentrate on the things you enjoy.

Respectfully Yours,

Jacquelyn

Have a question? Email: jacquelyn@ptd.net. Jacquelyn Youst is owner of the Pennsylvania Academy of Protocol, specializing in etiquette training. She is on the board of directors of the National Civility Foundation.

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