Procrastination – probably the number one cause for people to be disorganized, for not achieving what they want, for not being the best they could be. What people don’t realize, however, is you only need the right tools to conquer it.

Let’s brush away the reasons why you might be procrastinating and we will basically leave you with no excuse to simply get on with it.

"I haven’t got the time right now."

This is the most popular excuse for procrastinators. The thing is you are probably right. You have not got the whole block of time it takes to tackle the spare room, or the whole of the ironing pile, or the complete reorganization of the kitchen. But you have got 10 minutes, or maybe even 20 or 30. And that is all it takes to make a start. Start by sorting through one box, ironing 10 or 20 items, tackling one single drawer. And if you do that every day, you will realize that you are making slow but steady progress.

If you find yourself still procrastinating, then there must be other, deeper rooted reasons behind that. These possible other reasons fall into two categories, ones concerning the project itself, the others your personality style.

First, let’s look at the project itself. The project might be perceived as:

1. Threatening
2. Too difficult
3. Boring
4. Impossible to finish
5. Waste of time

1. If a project or the outcome of the project is perceived as threatening, thoughts like "I’m in trouble if I get this wrong" might be going through your head. In this case a natural reaction is not to start the project at all or not to progress beyond a certain point so as to avoid failure. In cases like this make sure you have all the facts right.

Ask questions:

"What is the worst thing that could happen – realistically?" "How likely is this to happen?"

"What exactly do I need to do to get it right?"

"Have I got all the skills and abilities to do this project?" – If the answer is no, then you should probably consider to get someone to help.

2. If you think a project is too difficult, you might never start it. Sit down and think about what is difficult. Are you just unsure of how to start and how to break the project into smaller manageable chunks? Find an expert on the subject, someone who has done a similar project before and ask for help.

3. If you think a project is boring, try and make it more interesting, See how much you can achieve in a certain amount of time. And then for the next chunk, see if you can beat your previous record. Or put some of your favorite music on while you work.

4. If you think a project is impossible to finish, either it’s the type of project that literally never ends (like housework) or it is a very large project. Again, breaking it up into smaller portions will help. Set yourself a daily target.

5. Finally, if you consider the project a waste of time, re-evaluate it. Does it really need to be done? Is it simply one of those jobs that need to be redone on a regular basis like tidying up or ironing. Use one of the solutions from number 4 to get the job done. Some jobs do seem to be a waste of time but we would sink into crud and chaos if we didn’t do them at all.

The second set of reasons is to do with someone’s personality. These could be:

1. Perfectionism
2. Thriving on adrenaline
3. Lack of self confidence
4. Internalized negatives
5. Externalized positives

Let’s look at these hurdles to getting things done in detail, see what they are about and how they manifest and what you can do about them.

1. A lot of people have a perfectionist trait. This kind of mindset is fine if that perfect condition is feasible and you have a good track record of starting and finishing your projects. If you don’t, then your perfectionism is probably an excuse for not starting the project at all.

2. "I work better under pressure." We all know people like that and we might have used that phrase ourselves. Again, there are two ways of dealing with this.

Number one, it’s a good excuse not to start until the last possible moment, and it’s simply a way to put things off. Divide your project into segments and do one each day until it’s done.

Number two, if you literally work better under pressure, and some of us do, then make the project more challenging. Set mini-goals with a shorter deadline. This way you keep yourself on your toes but are still making timely progress towards your end goal.

Also, get a project buddy. Tell someone about your project, and the deadline. Make yourself accountable. And be sure that certain someone is a person who will check up on you.

3. If you suffer from a lack of self confidence and feel that you simply can’t tackle the project, find out what the first thing is you need to do to start the project. Do that, then find out the next step and so on. Also, divide the project into smaller chunks.

4. Internalizing negatives means that you always look for faults within yourself. If you do this, you will quite easily come up with negative emotions, such as "I’m lazy that’s why I don’t get things done" or "I’m stupid that’s why I don’t know where to start". I can assure you that none of this is true. You might lack motivation or not be an expert on a particular subject but you can easily do something about that.

Think of a treat that you reward yourself with once you have completed the first part of the task and then keep rewarding yourself for every bit that you achieve until the project is completed. Also, there is no shame in asking people for help and advice on how to tackle a particular project.

5. Externalized positives are usually the reverse side of the same coin as internalized negatives. It means that you attribute anything positive that you do to outside influences and not to your skills and abilities, such as "I was lucky last time and it was easy. I could never do that again." It is usually a sign of lack of self confidence.

Achieving something has most often nothing to do with luck. It is more likely to be the result of hard work and skill. And when you found something easy then you had the skills and talent to do it and nothing less.

Any more excuses? Or did we cover them all and showed you how to conquer them? So what’s stopping you now?

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About the Author:

Isi Dixon is a Professional Organizer and Motivational Speaker in the Nottingham area of Great Britain. She specializes in helping homes and small businesses make more of their time and space. If you would like to find out more, please visit her website http://www.wellorganised.org or her blog http://wellorganised.blogspot.com.

By Matt Bell

Money is a well-known source of conflict among married couples, but new research shows that the use of a simple-though-unpopular financial tool may help dial down financial fights. A national survey of over 600 married people I commissioned from the market research firm Synovate found that couples who use a budget to manage their money have fewer financial arguments than couples who do not use a budget.

Nearly 40 percent of all respondents said they have financial disagreements with their spouse either often or sometimes. However, those who use a budget that guides how much they save, invest, give, and spend — in detail — are less likely to have financial fights. Take a look at some of the numbers.

Percentage of couples who report financial disagreements “often” or “sometimes”:

All Respondents: 39%

Detailed budget users: 32%

General budget users: 38%

Don’t use a budget: 43%

About 44 percent of respondents said they seldom have financial disagreements. Another 17 percent said they never fight about money.

Of the people who come to the financial workshops I teach throughout the country, most don’t use a budget. And that’s pretty consistent with the population at large. The Synovate survey found that just 12 percent of married people use a detailed budget, 50 percent use a general budget (a somewhat misleading figure — I’ve discovered that people interpret “general budget” to mean everything from balancing one’s checkbook to trying to spend less than they make), and 38 percent do not use a budget.

When I first bring up the topic of budgeting in my workshops, people are usually not very open to the idea. They tend to think of a budget as something one goes on like a diet, as in: “Poor Joe and Lucy, they’re on a budget.”

However, looking at the specific financial topics couples argue about, it’s easy to see how a budget can help.

Disagreements by topic (among respondents who report financial disagreements):

How much we should spend on various items: 49%

How much debt we should carry: 33%

How much we should keep in savings for emergencies: 26%

How much we should invest: 15%

How much or where we should donate money: 10%

With a budget, couples pre-determine how much they will spend on cars, clothes and coffee with their friends. It’s a plan for using income that enables people to live within their means, give generously, save and invest adequately, and accomplish their goals. Plus, tracking your use of money takes some of the subjectivity out of financial arguments (“Oh, you’re right, I really did spend too much on golf last month”).

Another fascinating finding in this research relates to what I call the issue behind the issue. When a couple argues about how much to save, for example, it’s helpful to understand what’s really at the source of the upset. The tension may have to do with how each partner was raised. Maybe the husband came from a family that lived paycheck to paycheck and somewhere along the line he vowed never to live with such stress. Without that insight, an innocent question from his wife about tapping their emergency fund to remodel a bathroom could lead to a heated argument. With the insight, they may both be able to agree on an appropriate amount to keep in savings for true emergencies while avoiding fear-based hoarding.

Temperament differences, as couples apparently realize, play an even bigger role behind many financial disputes.

Factors that “often” or “sometimes” play a role in spousal financial disagreements (among respondents who have financial disagreements):

Our different temperaments: 39%

Our different family backgrounds/upbringing: 33%

Our different levels of financial knowledge: 31%

Our different spiritual beliefs: 7%

Understanding each other’s temperaments enables couples to maximize the money management strengths each person brings to the relationship while minimizing the weaknesses.

Not surprisingly, another factor that drives up the likelihood of financial disagreements among married people is the presence of children in the household.

Breakdown of couples who report financial disagreements “often” or “sometimes” by presence of children in the home:

All respondents: 39%

Children in the household: 50%

No children in the household: 32%

While children bring many joys, they also tend to add more financial pressure. There are simply more expenses such as school supplies, sports programs, friends’ birthday gifts, and for some, college. A budget helps minimize the strain.

One bit of good news from the survey is that as couples are married longer, financial disagreements become less frequent.

Breakdown of couples reporting financial disageements “often” or “sometimes” by number of years married:

All respondents: 39%

Married <1 – 5 years: 43%

Married 6 – 10 years: 50%

Married 11 – 20 years: 43%

Married 21+ years: 31%

Married couples face a lot of changes and challenges in their first 10 to 20 years together – from raising children, to buying a home, to establishing their careers. So, it makes sense that financial pressures would diminish as they get past some of those milestones. However, you don’t have to just wait it out. No matter how long you’ve been married, the use of a detailed budget will help you manage money as a team.

February 19, 2010

As you might have guessed, Matt Bell is a passionate advocate for the use of a budget. He offers a free “Budget Quick Start Guide” at www.mattaboutmoney.com. Matt is the author of two books published by NavPress: “Money, Purpose, Joy” (September 2008) and “Money Strategies for Tough Times” (April 2009). He speaks at churches, conferences, universities, and other venues throughout the country.

I really wish that I did not, but I have a problem with written prayers, from some book, being read over me.

I trust the Holy Ghost in the person who is praying to be effective, not the words of someone who could be an old drunk writing prayer words for who knows what reason.

I would prefer for you to just pray for me, out of YOUR heart, you cannot get it wrong, the Holy Spirit will fix up what you mess up, just pray.

btw, I am not oppossed to books on prayer used for training newbies and new believers. I cut my teeth on Could You Not Tarry One Hour” but it was a template for prayer which taught people how to use the Lord’s Prayer as a model for prayer and not a rote prayer. But many of these prayer book and spiritual warfare books give prayer to be read verbatim.

How do you feel about this?
Can a prayer book prayer qualify as “praying in the holy spirit”
Have Charismatics & Pentecostals now taken the prayers ot Catholics?

OVERDRAFT NOTIFICATION

I know that has been a REAL problem for many of you and for many of those who you minister to.

So many of the saints who are great givers and right livers are facing real financial difficulty in our present economy.

I HAVE BEEN THERE

The truth of the matter is, that I have been right there! Trying not to worry about the house note and the car payment. Going to the door when the electricity in the neighborhood went out , thinking that they may be cutting off my lights.

A consistent tither and cheerful giver, I was still suffering in lack. Talented and trained, sold out and committed, I was still OVERDRAWN.

I knew I needed a plan of ACTION! An opportunity for success. Just 1 shot, because that was about all I had left.

Unfortunately, that is exactly where many believers AND many pastors are RIGHT NOW.

WHAT ACTION CAN THEY TAKE?

When I faced the knowledge that I was essentially broke, I started looking for a way I could put my faith into action.

I wanted to find just an opportunity that would really work if I put my back into it.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
In a hurry to find out what worked?

Check this out! http://1000churches.org/ourchoice/20ways.html
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

I DID NOT WANT A GET RICH QUICK GIMMICK!

On the contrary, I wanted to find a REAL step by step blueprint. Something that worked and that I could work.

I wanted a system that I could gladly recommend to my friends.(You know, something that they would not be mad at me about later.)

I WAS NOT INTERESTED IN MULTI-LEVEL!

No, I did not want to run everyone I knew away from me over some soap or vitamins, or even over beepers and lipstick.

I knew that stuff would not work for me and most of the folks I knew who were in it had lost track of reality. They were more interested in pitching “would you like to make some more money?” than even evangelizing the lost with the gospel. No, MLM was not for me.

WHAT ABOUT INTERNET OPPORTUNITIES?

The only thing worse that MLM were all the gimmicks that people pitched on the internet. Have you ever noticed that many of these offer you a No COST website (just like everyone elses)? I knew from my time online that these deals just DID NOT work

SO WHAT WAS THE ANSWER?

I needed to find folks that were successful and imitate their success! But who? Where were they at? Could I get them to talk to me?

Someone I now know as a friend< Willie Crawford, created a ebook where he interviewed some of the MOST SUCCESSFUL internet marketing people he could find. He simply asked the question:

“If you were broke, how would you go about making $100 a day online?”

Yeah!!! Thats what i wanted to know!

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
In a hurry to apply your faith to something that can work?

Get Going Now! http://1000churches.org/ourchoice/20ways.html
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Here’s just a small slice of what Willie tells readers:

“Some of the methods discussed in this publication will enable you to get paid instantly for products delivered automatically while you’re sleeping. Other methods discussed create income weekly or monthly, either through electronic payments or checks mailed to your home.”

Willie knows you’re eager to learn.

That’s why he designed “20 Ways To Make $100 Per Day Online” to break down barriers to your success.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Dont wait another minute, your action can turn this thing around NOW!

Get the information HERE! http://1000churches.org/ourchoice/20ways.html
<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

Check it out and give me your feedback. Let others know that it WORKS

In Him,
JMb <><

Bishop James ‘I Feel God’ Brown
The Internet’s Favorite Pastor
Visit My Blog http://www.ifeelgod.org
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I don’t think that Afghanistan is a winable war anymore. Had we have deployed the troops and not split the mission into Iraq, we could have perhaps been successful. Mr. Bush is directly responsible for this blunder and as a result, this conflict is now a lost cause. The fact is I don’t think we have enough troops for a protracted 10-15 year commitment there and that is really what will be required.

Additionally, we will NEVER be able to do nation building there. No one in history has. So, if everyone were to drop their guns tomorrow, there will not be an electable government with enough credibility and integrity to avoid a future overthrow. This overthrow would likely be spurred by wide spread corruption, which is already a major reason for our lack of sucess in winning the hearts and minds of the people. Moreover, the next government would likely be a dictatorship financed by drug lords.

No Mr President, get our boys out now and delete training bases from the air with drones. The end will be the same either way.

In Him, JMb <><

class="zemanta-pixie"img class="zemanta-pixie-img" alt="" src="http://img.zemanta.com/pixy.gif?x-id=033560d1-6989-8c2f-b648-5a31093ea6f8"

I know that the Optimists concentrate their benevolence on helping all children. The content of their creed has special application in the life of every believer.

I pray that I bring the blessing of these expressions to the lives of those who I meet, know, and love everyday of my life. My words have power! My actions have effect. My existance has purpose.

How well do you live the halmarks of this creed?

In Him,
JMb <><

The Optimist Creed

Promise Yourself . . . .

To be so strong that nothing can disturb your peace of mind.

To talk health, happiness and prosperity to every person you meet.

To make all your friends feel that there is something in them.

To look at the sunny side of everything and make your optimism come true.

To think only of the best, to work only for the best, and to expect only the best.

To be just as enthusiastic about the success of others as you are about your own.

To forget the mistakes of the past and press on to the greater achievements of the future.

To wear a cheerful countenance at all times and give every living creature you meet a smile.

To give so much time to the improvement of yourself that you have no time to criticize others.

To be too large for worry, too noble for anger, too strong for fear, and too happy to permit the presence of trouble.

Even for leaders there are times when the giants we face seem daunting. We keep it together for everyone else. But we have giants too.

I am reminded today that it is Bear Slappin Time!

Giants do die, the bigger they are the harder they fall ~ Let God Arise, Giants Fall!!!  Its bear slappin time!! Glory!! http://ow.ly/b5MW

Remember, He ALWAYS gives us the victory! Be encouraged on today!

Also, don’t forget every Thursday at Noon Central, we have the Internet Ministry How-To show on BlogTalkRadio.  Listen in http://blogtalkradio.com/ifeelgod

Giants Lyrics

Chorus:

Giants do die
the bigger they are, the harder they fall.

Giants, they die
just walk around the Jericho wall

Now we come in Your name
and we stand on Your word,
what is loosed in the heavens,
will be loosed on earth

Now we come in Your name
and we stand on Your word,
what is loosed in the heavens,
will be loosed on earth;
let God arise, giants, die!

Bridge:
Your praise will bring down strong holds. When you pray, you will see miracles. Just pray when things seem impossible and the King of Glory will show his glory; let God arise, giants, die!

Chorus

Vamp 1:
When you praise,
When you praise,
When you praise,
they gotta come down

Vamp 2:
When you worship,
When you worship,
When you worship,
they gotta come down

Vamp 3:
When you shout,
just shout
When you shout,
they gotta come down

Vamp 4:
They gotta come down

Vamp 3

Vamp 4

Ending:
Let God arise, giants, die!

For many of you, this is your first exposure to my blog.  Nonetheless, what you see here is not my first adventure in blogging.

At the end of last year.  This website was attacked by muslim hackers who despised my godly witness here on the Internet.  I must admit that this attack somewhat frustrated me and caused me to leave this blog dormant for many months.

Although I did not abandon Internet ministry, which is my call and my passion.  I could not bring myself to rebuild all of the many articles is that had accumulated here over the years.

But the devil is a liar.  I cannot be defeated, I will not surrender.

So here we go again.  I believe I’m wiser.  I believe I am more skilled.  I believe that I will offer you more than I ever have in the past.

I expect that you will be able to find information not only about myself and my family and my church.  But that she will also find information about Internet ministry, pastoral ministry, Christian leadership and Christian living.  I also expect from time to time, you will find commentary from my perspective as a black man living in America about the political situations.  Economic situations and moral situations of our country.

Hang on, because I believe is going to be a great ride and I’m looking for you to be blessed, because I realize the fastest way for me to be blessed is to make sure that I bless you.

In him.

JMB <><