Personal Advancement
Don't you procrastinate!If you put off reading this, you might miss out on how to get over your procrastination habits. Procrastination often manifests itself through a fear of failure according to Alisa Singer, a PhD candidate at the University of Calgary in clinical psychology. STACY SHAIKIN |
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 [ 2005-09-27 ] |
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"For example, if you have a fear to do something you will use procrastination as avoidance so you won't fail," Singer said.
"It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. You procrastinate so you won't fail, but because you don't get it done you fail anyway."
Singer maintains there is often a secondary benefit to putting things off as well: It can be a cry for help.
Often people are just looking for attention from their significant other or parent, whether it's positive or negative, she says.
Singer believes if you can figure out the underlying reason for why you might not get things done on time you can find strategies to combat it.
"It's a 'what if' kind of thinking. What if I fail? What if I don't do this or that? You have to consider what is in it for you to procrastinate and how it affects your relationships."
However, there are times when you have to motivate your kids, and one mother may have the perfect solution.
"It's all about having a carrot you can dangle," said Luba Harris, mother of two teenage sons. "There has to be incentive for them to get things done."
Lanna Nakone, author of Organizing for your Brain Type, has established a set of criterion to figure out how each individual's brain operates and how you can adapt to be more organized and stay on top of your responsibilities.
Nakone has some advice for parents who want to help their children improve their work habits: "Organizing has to be simple, not complicated. You need to create an environment where they feel motivated and comfortable," she says.
Nakone believes there are some simple ways to achieve this kind of atmosphere.
"The first thing I do when I work with families is right away I open the windows and (turn on the) lights.
"Kids won't do their homework in their room if it's dark and unmotivating."
One problem Nakone sees is parents wanting their kids to organize like they do.
"Parents want it their way or the highway," the professional organizer and consultant said. "You have to create an environment that reflects who they initially are."
In her book Nakone examines four kinds of brain types;
PRIORITIZING STYLE – those who are adept at analysing data and delegate organizing.
INNOVATING STYLE– those who are artistic and creative.
MAINTAINING STYLE– those who need routine and conform to traditional organizing methods.
HARMONIZING STYLE– those who need a peaceful environment.
The idea is to figure out what style you fall under and adapt yourself.
How many hours a week do you work?