Sample idea for #1: Take Charge of Your Time

Stop procrastinating

“One today is worth two tomorrows.”— Benjamin Franklin

Procrastination, a passive approach to coping with stress, is sometimes the result of perfectionism (Seligman & Rosenhan, 1998). According to researchers, procrastination can bring on depression and reduce the efficacy of a person's immune system (Fiore, 1989). (For more information, go to the Depression section in Strategy #4: Let Your Emotions Flow.)

Here are some tips for dealing with procrastination:

• Commit to a deadline.
  You're more likely to get something done if you make a commitment to a time frame. Also, committing to someone else helps make it harder to “cheat.”
  
  
• Get more information.
  Lack of adequate information is often one of the biggest reasons for procrastination.
  
  
• Break a large or complex project into smaller, more manageable parts.
  Remember to focus on what you can manage, not what you can't.
  
  
• Plan tasks around your daily rhythms.
  Do your most difficult tasks at the time of day when your energy level is at its highest (i.e., morning, mid-day, afternoon, or evening).
  
  
• Plan your work, then work your plan.
  Set a time frame for completing your goals and work within it. If you miss a due date, set a new one.
  
  
• Provide adequate rewards.
  Reward yourself in meaningful ways as you accomplish your goals, both large and small. (Click here for a few celebration ideas.)
  
  
• Complete what you begin.
  It's generally a good idea to complete a current project before starting a new one, as completion is a reward in itself. If it's necessary to do otherwise, ³declare² your unfinished work “complete,” then move on without remorse.
  
  
• Don't worry, be “hoppy.”
  Worrying or feeling guilty about procrastination increases the discomfort you already feel. If you find yourself wasting time and energy worrying, “hop” to the task at hand. Remember: Taking action is a way to reduce harmful stress hormones in the body.