Procrastination is defined as the avoidance of an action or task to . . . ah, let’s just finish the definition later. Let’s go see what’s on TV. Or maybe we could toss in a movie? Hmmm, I haven’t seen “American Beauty” in a long time. Kevin Spacey was great in that. So was Annette Bening. Oh, right, anyway, back to procrastination. Procrastination is defined as . . . Does this sound familiar? Does your mind wander? Do you need some help “doing” instead of just “thinking about doing?” We’re here to lend a hand.

Whether you are sitting down to do some paperwork at your desk or you’re busy studying for the NCLEX exam, it can be hard to concentrate sometimes. In the summer, which is filled with 85-degree days and the sweet siren of the beach, it’s even harder. We find our thoughts drifting and landing on everything except the project in front of us. Well, it’s time to turn procrastination into determination. Here are seven tips to help cure you of your bad habits:

• Identify the reason for procrastination. Is it boredom? Are too many other things running through your mind? Take a few minutes to find out what’s going on in your head. Identify it, conquer it, and move on.
• Schedule breaks. Before sitting down to do any long project, it’s important to know when you’ll give yourself a break. Get up and stretch every half hour. Work for two hours then take a relaxing walk around the block. You’ll find you are more focused on the task at hand.
• Reward yourself. Every once in a while, during your breaks, treat yourself to something. On one of your walks, snag a frosty, iced coffee. Turn it into a little game: The longer and harder you work, the better the reward. If you string several solid hours of hard work together, head out to catch that new flick you’ve wanted to see or check out that new restaurant around the corner.
• Review your priorities. If you are faced with a large number of tasks on a certain day, simply put them into an order of importance. What needs to get done first? What can you put off until next week?
• Make a list. Okay, so this may sound a little obvious and silly, but it works. Make a to-do list at the start of the day. Whenever you accomplish one of your tasks, put a big checkmark next to that task. Use black, permanent marker. The feeling of satisfaction you’ll get from one flick of your wrist will surely put a smile on your face. At the same time, if your list is check-mark free at the end of the day, don’t expect to feel satisfied.
• Find a friend. If possible, find someone to work with on a project. Split it up if possible. If others are relying on you, it often works as a good motivator. Teamwork breeds success.
• Get it done. In the end, it’s really up to you. To become a successful, competent nurse, administrator, manager, or wherever else your path may lead, you need to complete tasks in a timely fashion. Don’t let procrastination stand in your way!