Procrastination can transcend the personality types mentioned above, so think about why you procrastinate. Is it because it's a boring task? Is it a big scary task? Is it a task you don't see as a high priority? Naming it out loud and on paper is a good start. Here's a challenge for the chronic procrastinator. Take out a piece of paper and draw two lines in a cross so that you have four boxes. The idea would be to get in touch with your rebel and write all the things on which you've procrastinated in the top left box; in the top right box, your reasons for procrastinating; in the bottom left box, the cost of not doing them; then in the right bottom box, all the benefits of doing those things you've procrastinated on. After you've done that, share these with someone you know who wants you to succeed. In fact, you can even email them to me at carol< @>managingpersonalresources.com, and I will acknowledge you for this step in the process.

7. Practice daily self-awareness

Another favorite activity of mine is what I call "Downloading my brain to paper." You wouldn't believe the relief I feel after journaling-especially after a stressful day. If you're a scheduler, carve out a certain time of day to do this. Or if you're like me, journal when the spirit hits you if scheduling seems too restrictive. Write everything that is on your mind, including items you know you need to be working on. These can include areas of physical well being, relationships, or some tolerations you've been avoiding like shampooing your carpets, cleaning out a closet or desk drawer, and so on. Don't edit yourself. No one has to see what you wrote. Some of the greatest ideas have been born in the journal. I always have more clarity after journaling and my productivity goes through the roof as a result.

Also, if you're aware of some of the assessments out there such as the MBTI? or the DiSC, knowing your personality type and behavioral style can also help you use the most efficient methods specific to you to get things done.

8. Make sure you schedule "you" time every day

I can already hear some of you screaming at me, "Carol, I don't have time to take time for myself, and you're already giving me these challenges that I don't have time to do. And aerobic exercise? Puh-leeze!" This is just another one of those paradoxes. I promise you after taking down time for yourself-- even if it's just 30 minutes to an hour a day, doing something you absolutely love-you will be much more productive after you've come back from that break. Remember, when your marginal productivity decreases, you're wasting time anyway.

Many of you who are moms may have heard the phrase, "If Mom's not happy, then no one in the house is happy!" But even if you're not a mom, and you live with others, this rule can apply.

Invitation: Take a moment to write down three rituals that you know give you energy. Examples can include reading, exercise, journaling, gardening, music, sports, sailing, tai chi, yoga, or spending time in nature.

9. Employ some of the traditional 'time management' tips

Here are a couple of ideas to consider. Visit http://www.power-edsolutionsinc.com/TimeTracker.pdf and download the time log chart and print it out. Then try the following for a week: Either the night before, or the following morning, make a list on the left hand side of the grid of what you intend to do that day. Then on the right side, at the end of the day, list what you actually did. Evaluate how you did each day. Did you meet your expectations, or did you schedule too much?

List all of the distractions that come up for you-the annoying ones and those that you find enjoyable. I challenge you to use those fun distractions as rewards after putting a dent in your proverbial "to-do" list. If the phone rings, let it go to voice mail. Turn off your instant messaging (if you have it). Tell your friends not to come over unannounced unless it's an emergency or unless they want to help you with your tasks. And prioritize, prioritize, prioritize!

Again, if you find that you don't have the discipline, inclination, motivation, or inspiration to do any of this, then perhaps a friend, a coach, or someone you trust can serve as an accountability partner to support you and keep you "honest".

10. Create passive income

I'm just going to plant some seeds here, because the "how to" of this process is a rather lengthy one, but well worth pursuing. Why? Because when most of your money is working for you instead of you working for most of your money, it gives you more time to do the things you enjoy doing in life. You can do this by receiving commission as an affiliate of other people's products sold, creating digital products of your own, investing (in the market and certain forms of real estate, for example), and even network marketing. There are so many options out there with many moving parts, but if you choose and master just one source of creating passive income for yourself, look out!

I realize that "life happens," but as I said at the beginning of this article, if you try just one of these strategies for three weeks straight, watch those productivity floodgates open for you. I invite you to email me and tell me how it went for you, and I'll congratulate you with a big grin on my face!
About the Author

Carol Dickson-Carr helps teams work and play well together and enables people to be more productive by uncovering their creative genius. She is co-author of "A Guide to Getting It: Purpose & Passion" and creator of the audio series, "Master Your Time So You Can Live Your Dreams: Conversations with Coaches & Creatives Who Get It Done!" Call or email her to schedule a complimentary strategy session today. http://managingpersonalresources.com