It's easier than ever before to procrastinate

By Barbara Yost
Arizona Republic

Procrastination is as human a behavior as laughing, crying and mocking Donald Trump's hair.

"I've never met anyone who didn't procrastinate," says William Knaus, a Massachusetts psychologist and author of consequences of dillydallying in "Too Late Now: Or the Fatal Effects of Procrastination."

Human nature has not changed, but Tim Pychyl, an associate professor in psychology, says modern technology makes procrastination easier by offering myriad distractions. If you're working at an odious chore, it's all too tempting to switch to a video game, flip on a TV show or head to the movies when a friend calls.

"It's a very human quality to discount future benefits in favor of immediate rewards," he says. "There's no effort required to procrastinate, but work is hard to do. ... Technology is undermining our productivity."

Parents can serve as role models, he says, by completing tasks in a timely manner.

Tips for avoiding procrastination

Don't put it off. Psychologists suggest using these tips for avoiding procrastination:

• Don't wait for inspiration. Accept reality and soldier on.
• Focus on what's realistic to accomplish. Create a timetable and stick to it.
• Break the task into increments.
• Find something exciting and positive in every task.
• Identify what's fueling the procrastination. Is there a fear that must be dealt with?

For parents of procrastinating kids

• Serve as role models for children.
• Tackle a chore and follow through.
• Parents should be flexible but firm. When children are asked to clean their rooms, they should stick to a deadline.
• Motivate children by acknowledging the accomplishment: "You've cleaned your room on time five weeks in a row."

On the Web

Links to www.wendi.com, a hypnotherapist who offers CDs for self-hypnosis with lessons on curing procrastination, are at www.iamsolazy.com.

You can get help on clearing the clutter from your life at www.clutterworkshop.com.