Spirit Magazine - January 2014 - (Page 42)
Wise Guide
T OP F I V E
Don't Delay
Efficiency pro
Timothy Pychyl
helps you end
the cycle of
procrastination.
1
Be Specific
"Vague intentions, like 'I'll do it
this weekend,' lack
the power to move us
to act," Pychyl says.
"Instead, be precise
when setting goals.
Research has shown
that connecting tasks
to actions is most effective. For example,
tell yourself: 'As soon
as I finish my coffee
Saturday morning,
I'm going to....'"
2
Think
Long-Term
"Procrastination is
similar to other forms
of self-regulation
failure like gambling
or overeating. In each
case, we seek shortterm, feel-good
strategies that
ultimately subvert
our future goals.
We need to remind
ourselves that the
true reward comes
from getting the job
done. Even making
42 SPIRIT JANUARY 2014
progress on a goal
will spur further motivation and action."
3
Use Willpower
Wisely
"We often fail to start
on a project at the intended time because
our get-up-and-go
has gotten up and
gone. Avoid burnout
by tackling dreaded
duties first thing. If
you're still having
trouble getting started, remind yourself
of the value of the
task at hand and why
you're doing it."
4
Curb Cop-Outs
"Avoid statements like 'I'll feel like
doing this tomorrow'
or 'I work better
under pressure.' The
truth of the matter is
usually 'I only work
under pressure,' and
research has demonstrated that we
actually make more
errors when doing so.
When you challenge
such thoughts, you're
able to see how irrational they really are."
5
Pinpoint
Emotions
"The less we
identify our emotions, the more we
procrastinate. By
being mindful of
our feelings, we can
recognize what's
making us want to
run away from a
task-whether it's
fear, frustration, or
boredom-and use
it to move forward.
Negative emotions do
not define us. But if
we let them, they will
undermine us."
Timothy A. Pychyl
is the author
of Solving the
Procrastination
Puzzle: A Concise
Guide to Strategies
for Change.
ILLUSTRATION BY MIGUEL MONTANER
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Spirit Magazine - January 2014
Spirit Magazine - January 2014
Contents
Gary’s Greeting
Gary’s Greeting en Español
Star of the Month
Freedom Story
From the Editor
Your Words
Your Pictures
Do Detective Work
Media Center
Eat Drink Sleep
Blend Bourbon and Bitters
Munch on Mozzarella
Rendezvous in Rosemary Beach
Wise Guide
Communicate With Confidence
Put a Stop to Stalling
The Numbers
Make or Break a Beauty Habit
Keep a Secret
Business
Plan a Day in Providence
Secure a Career Coach
Get in the Games
The Long Run
Your Adventure in Wichita
Promotional Series: New Year, New You
Calendar
Fun!
Spotlight
Community Outreach
Products & Services
Flight Service
Terminal Maps
Information
Rapid Rewards and A+ Rewards Partners
Route Map
The “If” List
Spirit Magazine - January 2014
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