I sure hope you're enjoying the summer as much as I am. The simple pleasures and time with my sweetheart is what brings sunshine to my days, so not too worry if the sun hides behind clouds, I am still happy for what I have.
 
One of the very few items of inspiration in my home is a small stone placed on our bathroom counter that says simply ‘Gratitude’. It reminds me that life is great and to be lived with joy. I don’t have many objects of this sort because they cause clutter and more work to clean around. I prefer my space. Yet this object has one simple powerful message, so it stays. Besides, with my fiancé painting up a storm, our home is full of beauty and inspiration already.
 
I am going to admit, writing this post today was a bit of an effort. When I am busy with life, projects and helping others I sometimes put off blogging and writing articles. Sometimes I am just not inspired to do this; rather I would like to be knee deep in an organizing project.
 
The idea for today’s post came to me as I was doing some reading and I felt it was overdue. So, I sat down, started typing, and out it came.
 
And now for today's post. Enjoy...


Advice for the Expert and Novice Procrastinator
 
It’s Thursday afternoon, and Tracy realizes that her proposal for her newest client is due by the tomorrow morning. With a busy night of family events planned, she knows that if she doesn’t get this done prior to leaving work she is going to be dropping the ball. So far this proposal is only in outline and finishing it in time seems difficult. Can she do it? 
 

For many people the tendency to procrastinate is basically normal and at worst it creates unnecessary time pressure and some inconvenience. We all occasionally put off doing things, avoid action or feel unmotivated at times. I could have put my name in that first paragraph too.
 
Then there are people that really have a hard time. They may seem incapable of getting things started, let alone done. We’ll call them ‘expert procrastinators’ as they, more often than not, find themselves immersed in stress and open loops. For them it may feel like living on the edge of a storm, constantly.
 
Today, I’ll share some easy methods that can help anyone, ‘expert or novice procrastinator’ beat procrastination and get back to feeling less stressed and more productive today.

1. Watch out for, acknowledge and counteract ‘deferral thoughts’ such as “I can send the report tomorrow”, “I will take the trash out after I watch my show” or “The dishes can wait till I need them for our next meal”. Instead, when you have these thoughts, try to take it from another angle and tell yourself “If I do the dishes now, I can enjoy the rest of the afternoon without this hanging over my head”.
2. Stop waiting for you to feel motivated and inspired to take action. It’s true, and I too have experienced it, we like to think we must feel ‘inspired’ before we act. In reality, most times it’s getting started that gets us more motivated to continue. Once you get started, one small task leads to another and before you know it some great progress can be made and that will inspire you to keep going.
3. Reward yourself. After completing a task give yourself a little treat. It can be anything you like and can afford, maybe even a nice walk around your neighbourhood or a sweet treat to enjoy.

 
 
Article to blog… done!
My reward… cake and a walk!
 
Have a grrrrrreat day!
Michelle 

When asked recently to make a contribution to Stephanie Calahans collaborative project titled 'Best Ways to Boost Morale or Motivation - Make Sure to Add Yours!' I was happy to respond with my favorite motivational tip...


"My number one motivator is my Vision Board. I use Microsoft Publisher so I can edit, print and put in frames over my desk. My Vision and Dreams are so important to me.

I would say another fabulous motivator is educating myself by studying topics related to my industry. In fact "Keep learning to keep growing" is on my vision board.

As for motivating staff, I suggest let them share theirs, then sit down regularly to discuss theirs and company visions and how they can grow together."

Please check out ''Best Ways to Boost Morale or Motivation - Make Sure to Add Yours!'' yourself and see all of the great responses. I'm sure you'll find something to motivate you and your team.

Enjoy,
Michelle

Creativity expert Sir Ken Robinson challenges the way we're educating our children. He champions a radical rethink of our school systems, to cultivate creativity and acknowledge multiple types of intelligence.


Click here to find Ken Robinson on TED.com

and even before that, try watching 'Changing Education Paradigms'  An RSA Animate presentation featuring Sir Ken Robinson and his ideas.
This artistic and thought provoking video gets to the heart of it and will have you riveted, I guarantee it!