If you are anything like the majority entrepreneurs or self-starters, procrastination tends to lurk around the corner of most projects, deadlines or ideas. We are taught that procrastination is bad thing, and it usually is unless you learn how to use it to your advantage. This brief article will discuss some basic steps you can take to reign in your desire to put things off and turn it into a creative and powerful force to be used for gain.

1. Admit that you procrastinate.
There is a reason that most rehabilitation groups begin with their meetings with all members stating their name and their problem – it reminds us that we are flawed and need help. The same goes for overcoming your procrastination. Say the following to yourself: “I am a procrastinator and I used to like putting things off, but today is a new day.”

2. Map out a time you procrastinated in the past.
By doing this step you will find the pattern(s) that you tend to follow, whether consciously or not, and how that pattern(s) attributes to your procrastination. Start by outlining the different steps you took in executing your past project or task. Above each of the steps, write how much time it took you to accomplish them. At the top of your “chart”, draw a timeline stating the start and end date of the task or project. In between the start and end dates, fill in the dates above the steps on which you completed the said step. Drawing everything out will help you realize how you block out completing a given project or task.

3. Figure out your peak timeframe.
Take a good look at the time differential between the start and end date of the project or task you just mapped. How long is it between the start date and the middle of the project? Write that down. How long is it between the middle and the end of the project? Again, write that down. Since you are a self-admitted procrastinator, most of your work is probably accomplished during the latter section of your project. Hone down even deeper into your map and find out during what part of the project you get the most work done. This is known as your peak timeframe.

4. Schedule new projects during your peak timeframe.
Now that you know at what part of any given project you get the most work done (your peak timeframe), begin scheduling the majority of steps in future projects during that timeframe. Focus mainly on the important steps that only you can do or it is simply best for you to do. By scheduling based on your peak timeframe, you will be able to harness the formerly bad habit known as procrastination.

5. Outsource portions of your work that fall outside your peak timeframe.
Enlist the help of others to accomplish the tasks or steps that need completed before your peak timeframe. By having these steps already done before crunch time, it will make your job easier when it is time for you to get down to work. If you are not comfortable delegating certain tasks, find out what you are comfortable letting someone else do and pass it on to him or her. In order for you to harness your procrastination, you must become skilled at delegation.

6. Win through procrastination.
Although most this might overwhelm you at first, completing these simple will help you become more efficient and effective in your work. This is one project you do not need to put off until tomorrow. Start right now by getting out a piece of paper and pen and do Step 1.

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