Mr. B of Slough wrote in can you please give me some help with getting things done? My wife says I am the worlds biggest procrastinator. We used to joke about it but now my ways are causing friction in the house and I have to accept that things need to change. I dont know how to go about it. All I ever seem to do is talk.

The first point to make is that you know a number of the difficulties already. -----------You only get as far as talking about it whilst you are aware that action is required. You appear to be acknowledging your responsibility for not doing things and recognise that this is making things at home difficult. On a positive note, you have already made a change. You have got round to asking for some help to make the changes.

There are a number of tips I can suggest. I would also suggest that you ask yourself some questions.

Questions first.

Reflect on past situations and ask yourself what the cost of your procrastination has been in particular situations .This may be in terms of finance, time, friendships, etc.

Now ask what would be different/ advantageous for you now if you had behaved differently?

What are the learning opportunities that this situation presents you with? Then, ask

Why have I been putting off doing x?
What would be the benefits of doing x?
What do I need, or what will help me in getting the task done?
Where would the easiest place be for me to start?
What is the one thing that I can do right now that would make the biggest difference?

Tips

Do pen and paper exercises using above format.
Write out a list of achievable goals with timescales.
Think about what some of the difficulties arising may be.
List the strategies you can employ to deal with these eventualities.
Be clear about when you will review the situation.
Be prepared to make modifications if necessary

Remember that some tasks can be dealt with more easily when broken down into smaller more manageable components.
Tell your wife or someone else what you are doing and ask for and accept encouragement.
If you are concerned about slipping up, try to get someone to act in the role of buddy and help prompt you.
Give yourself some reward at different agreed stages.

Dont put yourself down.
Use positive affirmations.

Do it now!

Good luck.