If we are honest with ourselves, this phrase comes out of our mouth all the time. We know something has to be done, but we do not like to say to ourselves, “I’m not going to do it”. That would make us feel guilty. Instead, we have cleverly convinced ourselves in a subtle way. We have coined the phrase “not now”, meaning, I’m going to do it just not right now. The trouble with this mindset is that it seems so innocent that we don’t take it seriously and it is very easy to let things slide. When one thing starts to slide, other things around it begin to slide also.

Recognize every time you procrastinate. We do things so often without even thinking about them. We fail when we fall into this habit. Learn to see procrastination for what it is. Each time you put something off, it takes you further away from where you want to be.

Decide what you want. Set goals for yourself. If you don’t know what you want, how can you expect to get anything? If you do not decide for yourself, someone will decide for you. Chances are, you will not like what they pick for you.

Prioritize your list. In order to make better decisions, you have to weigh the things that are important to you. Taking the kids to a game could be more important than mowing the lawn. But if you don’t care for your lawn eventually, it could become a breeding ground for mice and who knows what else. Priortizing will help shift things around based on their importance. Whatever you choose has a cost, meaning each decision is at the cost of another. If you spend all your time watching television, you cannot use that same time with your children.

The next outcome for your life will be influenced by your actions. Study your behavior, decide what you want, and prioritize. However, until you take action, nothing changes. Action is small word but is a giant in it’s meaning. Action gets things done. Action changes things. Action says in the face of circumstances, it might be this way now but it won’t stay this way because I’m going to change it. Take action. The best time to start is now, so go for it!