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Ask the Dr.

Featuring Dr. Joyce Brothers

PROCRASTINATION

Question:
Dear Dr. Brothers: I have a terrible habit that gets in the way of my career, and even disrupts my personal life. I can't tell you the number of times in my life, from childhood on, that I've heard that I don't follow through on things. I hate it, but it is just a part of me that I and others have to learn to live with. Why do I procrastinate and put things off until it's too late? -- D.N.

Answer:
Dear D.N.: I agree that what you've described is a bad habit, but fortunately it's one that you can change and overcome. It doesn't have to dominate and destroy your life or your friendships. In order to do this, you need to examine some of the reasons behind this behavior. Are you or were your parents perfectionists? If they were, you're likely to set unusually high standards for yourself in whatever you do. Not surprisingly, this can lead to a fear of failure, of ridicule or possibly of making mistakes that are going to trap or hurt you later. You might often spend time thinking about how you'd do something, such as write a short story, organize an office or throw a perfect party for friends and staff. You dream about it, you may even talk about it with friends and you dream of how successful it will be, but then you end up putting it off and doing nothing.
You might also get yourself overinvolved, promising to do more than one person could ever do. You can change this by learning to say "no" and to budget your time so you'll know exactly how much you have and how much you can give to others.

(c) 2007 by King Features Syndicate

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