Do you put off your tasks for later, only to find your deadlines are creeping in? Then you, my friend, are one of the millions of people afflicted by the procrastination virus. Procrastination is the biggest reason for loss of productivity and poor quality of work. Though many will not admit it, they would benefit greatly if they started their work on time.

For many people, putting off their tasks for later is more habit than desire. It can be so hard to get into a groove when starting new tasks, especially if the consequences for being late are negligible.

If you are one of these people and you desire to shake off your tendency for procrastination, then you have come to the right place. Here are a few tips to help you overcome this dilemma and become a more productive and reliable person.

1. Set Schedules – It is very important that you have a list of activities to accomplish per day. This will help you realistically budget your time and resources. One of the cardinal sins people commit regarding performing their tasks is to put off their work because they feel like there is so much time left. A journal, organizer, or calendar of events will help you plan and schedule your tasks so that you can start them promptly and finish them on time.

2. Save the Relaxation for Later – Many people put their work off for later saying, “I'll just have a little fun then buckle down to work later.” While it may be true that they may have more than enough time to accomplish their tasks, it would be better if they finished their work first and relaxed afterwards.

Wouldn't relaxation be sweeter if it were after a completed task? If you choose to delay the task you will likely end up rushing and performing the task poorly. Poorly finished tasks will leave you with no sense of accomplishment. It is always better to relax after you have completed a task than before one, especially considering that most people tend to forget about the importance of the task. This is a disastrous move if you are close to the deadline.

3. Never Underestimate Your Tasks – Sometimes procrastination sets in because people underestimate the resources, difficulty, and time spent for a task. They will usually say, “It's just mowing the lawn, its easy; I can do it quickly”. The problem is no matter how trivial the task, it still takes time and resources to accomplish it. If you underestimate a task, you will most likely set too little an amount of time to complete it properly.

4. Don't Allow Yourself To Get Comfortable Before The Task Is Complete – It would help if you kept a subconscious alarm whenever you are doing nothing. Set this alarm to remind you of things that may need to be done. This will help you foster the notion that a task accomplished now means more time for relaxation later.

However, even if this is the case, do not forget to take time to clear any and all thoughts that may cause anxiety before going to bed. Remember to always set the right amount of time for rest and stick to that schedule as well.

In conclusion when you are given a task address it as soon as you can, so that you can finish it on time or ahead of schedule. This will give you the ability to complete the task with top quality, so that you can be proud of your work.