I procrastinated about writing this article, for example. I knew what I wanted to say, but found excuses about writing it down on paper. I seemed to be too busy with less important tasks, so it didn’t get done.

People are usually aware of those times when they’re procrastinating, but they can’t seem to flip the switch. This can lead to all kinds of self-defeating thoughts and feelings of guilt, eventually causing depression. When we are procrastinating, it’s usually over the things that will make our lives better. Not doing them usually results in unpleasant consequences. 

So, why do we procrastinate? Why do we let meaningless situations get in the way of our dreams? Why do we put off starting a new business, losing the weight, or taking that trip? What is really so important in life that we have to put our dreams on the back burner? 

Here’s the good news; you are the one who procrastinates, and you are the one who can make it stop.

There are many reasons why people procrastinate, and most of them are valid excuses. Some may have a hard time concentrating, and find themselves with so much on their plate, they can’t focus on just one thing. Others may have anxieties about completing a project and doing it right, so they avoid doing it all together.

Our belief about ourselves is another reason why we may procrastinate. If a person doesn’t believe they can achieve their dreams, they will tell themselves so, and avoid trying. 

For some, it could be the fear of failing. Why start out to accomplish something, only to realize you can’t do it after all—and then, there’s always the possibility that someone won’t like it.

Whatever the reasons for procrastination, there are ways to overcome it.

Step #1  Identify What’s Holding You Back

Take a close look at yourself and identify any behaviors that could be related to fear, anxiety, concentration or time management. Understand why you have these behaviors and try to eliminate them. 

Understand your goals and your purpose. What is it you really want to accomplish? How do you want to live, act and feel?

Line up those goals with your current behavior and note where you are self-sabotaging your own dreams. Are you subconsciously creating behaviors and situations that will ultimately lead to failure? 

Step #2  Practice Discipline & Motivation

Discipline and motivation are also vital to overcoming procrastination.  Ask anyone whom you consider successful how they manage to continuously work on their goals, and never stop until they reach the finish line. I bet they’ll say it takes discipline to stay focused and keep going even when the going is tough or unpleasant.

Practice focusing on the reward and not on the work. Remember that the work is just a “means to an end.” It’s what you have to do to get what you want. 

I was talking to an expectant mother a few months ago, and she asked me about the pain of labor. She was nervous about going through the experience, as this was her first delivery, and she’d heard horror stories.

I was honest with her. “Look at it this way,” I told her. “The labor is just a ‘means to an end.’ If you don’t go through the labor, then you’ll never meet that precious baby!”

I encourage you to use that same advice with your own goals. Focus on the end result. Figure out what you have to do to get there, and then make those tasks a priority each day. Do the work and reap the rewards! The hard work is just the means to an end. It’s what will bring you to ultimate victory. 

Step #3  Dust Off Your Dreams

Most people have dreams. Some might not put them into action but they still have them, pushed into the recesses of their minds. “Some day,” they’ll tell you, “I will accomplish XXX.”

What are they waiting for? Why do they settle for living a mediocre life rather than an exceptional one? Why do they think they will do those things “later”? Why do they wait to really live to their fullest?

What if the doctor told you that you had only six months to live?  What would you do? How would you act? What would be the most important things you would want to accomplish? 

No one wants to think their time is up tomorrow or the day after, but the truth is, we all have a prognosis of death. We are all going to die one day and leave our loved ones behind.

If we were actually given six months to live, undoubtedly we would also make the best use of our time. But—what about now? Why not start living that way now? Why wait another day just living an ordinary life, when you could be living an extraordinary one? What is holding you back? What are you waiting for? 

What if you didn’t die in six months but instead you lived to be 105? How do you want to spend all those years? Do you want to age with regret? Do you want to mourn the loss of your dreams? There will come a day when you won’t have the energy mentally or physically to go after your goals, so time is of the essence. 

Start living a life of purpose today! If you continue down the same path you are on today, tomorrow will be as predictable as today. If you live to be 105, that is a very long time to live just an ordinary life. Think about it.

Step #4 Start Living Now

Why put off your dreams until tomorrow when you can accomplish them today? Will something magical happen “later” that will give you more time, energy or desire? Probably not. So—what are you waiting for?

Life can be so busy. Even if we have some down time, we can easily fill it up with “stuff.” Let’s face it: life will always be busy.  There will always be an errand to run or an obligation to fulfill.

If we know we will always be busy, then why not get started now?  Why delay happiness? Why not be happy while you’re busy? Just make the decision.

Life is short, but if we focus on the opportunities we have while we’re living, then we can have a life of greatness. Rather than running from the fear of dying, make it your goal to do everything you want to do in life. Live with more purpose. Focus on your goals. 

Love those you love with a love that will last them a lifetime. And most important of all: love yourself.  Love yourself enough to follow your dreams and be who you were born to be. Live now, while you’re still in “the living years.”

I guarantee if you will start being grateful for the things in your life that make you happy, or even unhappy, you will experience a wonderful upsurge of new energy.

Suddenly, change is in the air! You might arrive at work one day and notice that you really do enjoy your job and appreciate the uniqueness of your co-workers. You might even think everyone else has changed, but it’s really you who flipped the switch to the Happiness Channel. Why not give that flip-switch a try? The alternative is staying exactly where you are; and if that doesn’t feel good, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Each of us receives a sheet of paper with the assignment of writing down five things we personally want to BE, DO or HAVE in the coming year: what we want to accomplish, where we want to go—anything we can think of that defines what we want to make happen.

We also set three goals that cover the same BE, DO or HAVE concept for us as a family. Each of us goes to a different place in the house to spend time thinking about what we will write down. Then after dinner, while we’re waiting to watch the New Year’s ball drop on Times Square in New York City, we read our papers aloud.

It’s always fun and interesting to see what my boys come up with. Some of the goals are silly to us adults, but to the kids they are extremely important, and can be anything from getting to play on the select soccer team to getting an award at school or going to Walt Disney World.

Many years ago my oldest son, who was 7 at the time, wrote that he wanted to get his Green Belt in Karate. At the time, he was fairly new to Karate and the Green Belt was several belts away from his current position. I’m proud to say he met that goal with many months to spare. He knew what he wanted and went after it. To really want something is powerful.

It’s possible that he could have received his Green Belt without writing down his goals, but maybe not. Maybe he would have given up after receiving his first belt if he didn’t have anything else to reach for. The truth is, we will never know. What we do know is that he set a goal and he got what he wanted. Mission accomplished.

The best part of this tradition is seeing the belief and confidence on my kids’ faces (as well as us adults) when they can check off that goal and know they have the power to make their dreams a reality.

Keep it simple!

• Take an afternoon away from work or the kids, and spend some time alone really thinking about your life.
• Look at where your life is today and where you want it to be.
• Write down dreams for yourself with no worry about whether they will come true or not. Just get them on paper.

Colossians 3:2, in the Bible, says, “Set your mind on things above.” If you set your mind on what you desire in life, you will move toward those desires.

If you focus on what you don’t want in life, that’s exactly what you will get. It’s all about deciding what you want and then living a life of purpose to make it happen.

Have you ever heard someone describe a person who is walking really fast, “as if they’re on a mission”? That’s you!

Live like you’re on a mission.

Live like you know where you’re going. Live the life you know you were born to live. Get started today by:

• Writing down what you want in life
• Deciding when you want to achieve each of these desires
• Believing you will achieve everything on your list

Amazing things happen when you believe.

I believe in YOU!

Happy New Year,

Michelle

On this very day, St. Patrick’s Day, in 2009, I became an author!

I’ll never forget when all the boxes arrived on my front porch and opening them up to see MY book for the first time!

It was a life changing moment for me!

Wouldn’t you love to be an author too?

I’m working on my next book project which is a series of books called The Difference Maker Movement.  This first book, “Dare To Be A Difference Maker”,  is my vision to have a unique collection of narratives, not only from inspired leaders, but also from those I see making a difference and impacting others in their everyday personal and professional life.  It’s all about difference-makers who dare to live with passion, follow their purpose & commit to helping others!

I am selecting an exclusive group of difference-makers who I know can motivate, inspire and be part of this powerful book compilation.  I invite you to join me on this amazing journey to make a difference by sharing YOUR story!

http://www.DareToBeADifferenceMaker.com

Oh, other authors who will be included in this book…(Wouldn’t you love to say you published a book with these awesome people?)

James Malinchak – Featured on ABC’s Hit TV Show “Secret Millionaire”
Loral Langemeier – Wealth Expert & Best-Selling Author
John Di Lemme – International Motivational Speaker & Author
Krish Dhanam – Zig Ziglar Motivational Speaker
Sandra & Kym Yancey – Founders, eWomenNetwork
Bryan Dodge – Speaker, Author & Radio Personality
Tony Rubleski – Best-Selling Author & Speaker
Nancy Matthews – Founder, Women’s Prosperity Network
Howard Partridge – Successful Business Owner & Coach
Michelle Prince (me)

This opportunity is for a limited number of people, so please let me know if you have any questions and let’s get started on the road to becoming a published author!

From one “difference maker” to another,

Michelle

P.S.  I can only have a set number of authors so I will take applications on a first come first serve basis. Don’t delay!  http://www.DareToBeADifferenceMaker.com

If you haven’t registered yet, you’ve still got time, so be sure to sign up now so you don’t miss out.

This call is for entrepreneurs and business owners who want to attract more clients, more credibility and more exposure for yourself or your business by being an author? Even if you’re not sure you have what it takes to write a book or don’t know where to start, I’m ready to share my proven strategies with you that can help business owners of all levels achieve business growth and financial success.

I’m on my soapbox because people need to know that it doesn’t have to be complicated! In fact, I still use the SAME simple, proven formula today for all my clients who are writing books and it’s exactly what I used for my own book launch. My book catapulted my business, my credibility and in turn my bank account!

So join me TODAY for this one-time, FREE call…

=========================

“Secrets to Winning In Business Now – How to Increase Your Credibility, Establish Your Expertise and Create Multiple Revenue Streams by Writing Business-Attracting Books”
with Michelle Prince
Monday, January 10, 2011 at 8pm Eastern
Learn more and reserve your spot now.

=========================

On this complimentary 75-minute call you’ll learn…

* The 5 simple steps in the writing process and what it takes to become an expert in your field

* How to pull off getting your entire book done in Q1 2011 (and without having to go off to a deserted island to get it written)

* Ways to figure out what your book topic should be (I’ll give you a hint…you’re already know but may be overlooking the obvious…)

* Secrets to overcoming the #1 biggest challenge for all writers – PROCRASTINATION!

* Exciting details on my first VIRTUAL “Book Bound” book writing course, which will lay out for you, step-by-step, how to write and publish your own business-attracting book simply and easily. (I’m so excited to offer this to you because I know what it will do for your business!)

No matter whether you’re business is large or small, full-time or part-time, you can use my simple, proven steps to claim your authority in your area of expertise.

Don’t miss it! Reserve your spot here now.

Michelle Prince

The information that I’m going to be sharing on this call is for entrepreneurs and business owners of all levels who want to increase their credibility, differentiate themselves from the competition and serve more clients.

We all know that people buy from those they know, like and trust. There is no better way for your clients to get to know, like and trust you than by reading YOUR book.

And writing your book doesn’t have to be complicated! In fact, I still use the SAME simple, proven formula today for all my clients who are writing books and it’s exactly what I used for my own book launch. My book catapulted my business, my credibility and in turn my bank account!

So if you haven’t registered yet, make sure you sign up now so you don’t miss out.

=========================

“Secrets to Winning In Business Now – How to Increase Your Credibility, Establish Your Expertise and Create Multiple Revenue Streams by Writing Business-Attracting Books”
with Michelle Prince
Monday, January 10, 2011 at 8pm Eastern
Learn more and reserve your spot now.

=========================

On this complimentary 75-minute call you’ll learn…

* The 5 simple steps in the writing process and what it takes to become an expert in your field

* How to pull off getting your entire book done in Q1 2011 (and without having to go off to a deserted island to get it written)

* Ways to figure out what your book topic should be (I’ll give you a hint…you’re already know but may be overlooking the obvious…)

* Secrets to overcoming the #1 biggest challenge for all writers – PROCRASTINATION!

* Exciting details on my first VIRTUAL “Book Bound” book writing course, which will lay out for you, step-by-step, how to write and publish your own business-attracting book simply and easily. (I’m so excited to offer this to you because I know what it will do for your business!)

No matter whether you’re business is large or small, full-time or part-time, you can use my simple, proven steps to claim your authority in your area of expertise.

Don’t miss it! Reserve your spot here now.

Michelle Prince 

I’m on my soapbox because people need to know that it doesn’t have to be complicated! In fact, I still use the SAME simple, proven formula today for all my clients who are writing books and it’s exactly what I used for my own book launch. My book catapulted my business, my credibility and in turn my bank account!

If you want to learn my simple steps to getting MORE clients, MORE exposure and MORE credibility in short amounts of time, then please join me on a special one-time complimentary teleseminar…

=========================

“Secrets to Winning In Business Now – How to Increase Your Credibility, Establish Your Expertise and Create Multiple Revenue Streams by Writing Business-Attracting Books”
with Michelle Prince
Monday, January 10, 2011 at 8pm Eastern
Learn more and reserve your spot now.

=========================

On this complimentary 75-minute call you’ll learn…

* The 5 simple steps in the writing process and what it takes to become an expert in your field

* How to pull off getting your entire book done in Q1 2011 (and without having to go off to a deserted island to get it written)

* Ways to figure out what your book topic should be (I’ll give you a hint…you’re already know but may be overlooking the obvious…)

* Secrets to overcoming the #1 biggest challenge for all writers – PROCRASTINATION!

* Exciting details on my first VIRTUAL “Book Bound” book writing course, which will lay out for you, step-by-step, how to write and publish your own business-attracting book simply and easily. (I’m so excited to offer this to you because I know what it will do for your business!)

No matter whether your business is large or small, full-time or part-time, you can use my simple, proven steps to earn MORE credibility, MORE clients and MORE revenue.

Don’t miss it! Reserve your spot here now.

Warmly,
Michelle Prince

I’ll give you a hint… it’s all in HOW you present yourself, your business and your product.

We all know that people buy from those they know, like and trust. There is no better way for your clients to get to know, like and trust you than by reading YOUR book.

And writing your book doesn’t have to be complicated! In fact, I still use the SAME simple, proven formula today for all my clients who are writing books and it’s exactly what I used for my own book launch. My book catapulted my business, my credibility and in turn my bank account!

If you want to learn my simple steps to getting MORE clients, MORE exposure and MORE credibility in short amounts of time, then please join me on a special one-time complimentary teleseminar…
=========================
“Secrets to Winning In Business Now – How to Increase Your Credibility,
Establish Your Expertise and Create Multiple Revenue Streams by Writing Business-Attracting Books”
with Michelle Prince
Monday, January 10, 2011 at 8pm Eastern
Learn more and reserve your spot now.
=========================

On this complimentary 75-minute call you’ll learn…

* The 5 simple steps in the writing process and what it takes to become an expert in your field

* How to pull off getting your entire book done in Q1 2011 (and without having to go off to a deserted island to get it written)

* Ways to figure out what your book topic should be (I’ll give you a hint…you’re already know but may be overlooking the obvious…)

* Secrets to overcoming the #1 biggest challenge for all writers – PROCRASTINATION!

* Exciting details on my first VIRTUAL “Book Bound” book writing course, which will lay out for you, step-by-step, how to write and publish your own business-attracting book simply and easily. (I’m so excited to offer this to you because I know what it will do for your business!)

No matter whether your business is large or small, full-time or part-time, you can use my simple, proven steps to earn MORE credibility, MORE clients and MORE revenue.

Don’t miss it! Reserve your spot here now.

Warmly,

Michelle

So, why is it so important?

- You become the EXPERT in your field
- Increase your CREDIBILITY
- Add additional REVENUE STREAMS
- Increase your EXPOSURE
- MAKE MORE MONEY

Check out the interview…
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/11294195

Now, more than ever, people buy from
people they know, like and TRUST. 
There is no better way for YOUR CLIENTS
to get to know you than by reading your
book.

Are you serious about building your business
in 2011?  Want more exposure?  Make more money?
Then you NEED a book!

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/11294195

Start writing NOW!

Michelle

PS  If you are ready to get started on your
book, I’m working with a few clients to help them
become authors Q1 2011.  If that’s you, send an
email to info@princeperformanceto to be considered.
I can only take 3 more authors in January!