Winner’s Circle Coach - Writing Blog of Joan Clout-Kruse

One of the greatest energy drains is Procrastination. A decade ago I wrote these words, “I am an introverted, procrastinating perfectionist who is striving to change to be an extroverted, results-oriented champion.”

I am happy to say I worked hard on achieving my goal and did–except for this blog! Yes, I have neglected WinnersCircleCoach.com as I was building my new Web site: www.PowerhouseWriting.com. I have now learned that your Web site is NEVER finished.

To get back to procrastination… Putting things off to another time or another day doesn’t give you the results you want. We put off dull activities. The mundane. Tasks that are out of our comfort zone (like my new Web site). Activities we don’t know how to do and must gain some knowledge to do them. The longer we put things off the more stressful getting-it-done becomes.

“Perfectionism” is the greatest stealer of our dreams, our ambitions, and our success. “It isn’t perfect yet,” we say. Anything that has a deadline we wait to the last minute because it isn’t exactly the way we want it to be. It must be perfect.

How do we change? We must have a burning desire to change before anything will happen. “Wishful Thinkers” will have to wait. There are people who want to quit smoking or lose weight. They talk about it, but nothing happens.

Here are some tips to help cut down on Procrastination and Perfectionism.

1. Identify one area where procrastination haunts you.
2. Write down the ultimate goal for this procrastinating area.
3. Break it into small easy steps that you can do to accomplish your goal.
4. Prioritize the small steps.
5. Identify any potential problems and be prepared in advance to combat them.
6. Give yourself deadlines and promise yourself to keep them.
7. Keep on going. Do not let difficult problems get in the way.
8. Get a buddy and share your challenges with him or her.
9. Keep on going. Just like a video game knock down those combatants that are stopping you.

That project, article, book, or report does not have to be perfect if the content is valuable to the recipient. If the recipient likes what you are doing they will encourage you to finish it.

Now I must practice what I preach. I promise to keep my blog active and will share with you other writing and goal setting tips in the future.

And if you really want to attract more clients and build your business you might want to consider writing a “how to” book that will establish you as an expert in your field. Check out http://www.powerhousewriting.com and you just might discover that you do have a book in you–your clients are waiting for your valuable information that is going to help them.

Yours for Success, Coach Joan, 90-Day Book Coach